Brisbane's first cat cuddle cafe aims to raise money for animal rescue
Cat lovers will soon have the opportunity to cuddle a cat while having their coffee — and raise money for animal rescue — when the city's first cat cafe opens this weekend.
The crowdfunded cafe will open its doors on Musgrave Road at Red Hill and will house a colourful play area for cats as well as a cafe space for patrons.
Brisbane's Pussy Galore Cat Rescue, in conjunction with the Animal Rescue Support Network, will use the space to showcase cats ready for adoption.
Organiser Katina Balson said more than $10,000 was raised through crowdfunding to get the cafe off the ground.
"We call it a cat cuddling space for crazy cat people," she said.
"There is a serious side though, as the cafe is part of the animal rescue service we offer.
"It's great for us as we can get people to meet our rescue cats and possibly find their forever home.
"People will also get their cat therapy as there are many people, like students, who aren't able to have cats in their home."
The cafe is split in two, with a colourful playroom to one side where the cats will play and another section where food and drinks will be served.
Due to council regulations, the group will be unable to serve food while people are with the cats.
"We're not like Japan, where they can serve food while people play with their cats," Ms Balson said.
"But we have baristas who serve the coffee and food on one side and then cats on the other.
"People can still have their beverage while playing with the cats though."
Based on similar cat cafes throughout the country, people will be able to spend an hour cuddling cats and kittens for a fee, with money raised going to the animal rescue charity.
"Earlier this week we've had foster carers and friends come and test the cat cuddles to makes sure all the cats were ready," Ms Balson said.
"From today we will allow crowdfunding supporters to come in and receive a cat cuddle and act as a test audience."
The cafe will open to the public this Saturday August 8.
Originally published as: Brisbane's first cat cuddle cafe aims to raise money for animal rescue
