London's first cat café open for business
Cat cafés aim to give people who cannot have their own pet a chance to interact with cats.
Londoners can now enjoy their coffee with a side of feline as the capital's first "cat café" has officially opened. Popular in Japan, the concept has caused some concern among veterinary organisations and welfare charities.
The new venue opened in Shoreditch, east London on March 1 and so far appears overwhelmingly popular, with so many people attempting to book a place that the online booking service crashed on the first day.
Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium raised the money to open with the help of crowd-funding website indiegogo.com, bringing in more than £100,000.
The idea is to allow those who cannot own their own cat, due to living in rented accommodation for example, to be able to spend time with the rescue cats at the café.
When rumours first arose of a cat café business in London, some organisations raised concerns and called for feline welfare to be the top priority.
BSAVA president Professor Michael Day said: "While some cats appear content living in groups and interacting with human strangers, other cats can be very stressed in these circumstances."
Similarly, Dr Andrew Sparkes of International Cat Care said the feline residents at the café must have opportunities to get away from people and other cats.
Café owner Lauren Pears told the BBC yesterday that the 12 cats at the café were so far not showing signs of stress. Lady Dinah's website states the business plan is built on research and ensuring happiness and wellbeing is the top priority.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
