Rover, a Seattle-based pet-care company, has acquired Cat in a Flat, a cat-sitting community based in London. Cat in a Flat was founded in 2014 and has grown to connect cat parents with cat sitters through its app and website, with over 50,000 care providers offering 2 million visits across nine countries. Rover, known for its dog care services, expanded to include cat care in 2019. The acquisition of Cat in a Flat will help Rover expand its European footprint into Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, and Ireland, along with the 10 other European countries it already serves.
The acquisition of Cat in a Flat by Rover comes after Rover itself was acquired in a $2.3 billion deal with Blackstone earlier in the year. Rover has been expanding beyond dog sitting into other areas such as grooming, pet gear, and training. The addition of Cat in a Flat will fuel Rover’s European expansion and aid in serving the needs of cat parents globally. The acquisition will allow Cat in a Flat to continue operating as its own brand and entity under the leadership of its founders, Julie Barnes and Kathrin Burckhardt.
Rover’s acquisition of Cat in a Flat is part of its strategy to diversify its pet-care services and expand its market presence. Europe is Rover’s fastest-growing segment for new customer acquisition, and the acquisition of Cat in a Flat will further strengthen Rover’s position in the European market. By extending its services to include cat care, Rover is able to cater to a broader range of pet owners and continue growing its business internationally.
The terms of the acquisition deal between Rover and Cat in a Flat were not disclosed. However, it is clear that the acquisition is a strategic move for Rover to solidify its presence in the European pet-care market and enhance its offerings to cat parents globally. The combination of Rover’s expertise in pet care and Cat in a Flat’s established network of cat sitters will enable both companies to provide comprehensive services to pet owners across Europe.
Rover’s acquisition of Cat in a Flat reflects the ongoing trend of consolidation in the pet-care industry as companies seek to expand their services and increase their market share. By joining forces, Rover and Cat in a Flat can leverage their strengths to better meet the needs of pet owners and offer a wide range of services for both dogs and cats. The partnership between the two companies will enable them to tap into new opportunities in the European pet-care market and provide even more options for pet owners looking for reliable and professional pet-sitting services.
Overall, the acquisition of Cat in a Flat by Rover is a strategic move that will benefit both companies and help them grow their businesses in the competitive pet-care industry. By combining their resources and expertise, Rover and Cat in a Flat can enhance their offerings, expand their market reach, and provide high-quality services to pet owners across Europe. The acquisition underscores Rover’s commitment to diversifying its services and catering to the needs of a wide range of pet owners, further solidifying its position as a leader in the pet-care industry.