Ayrshire’s first cat cafe is promising to keep feline friends smiling over a cuppa.
NHS nurses Amy Anderson and Laura Harvey are to offer up the new type of business venture in Ayr’s South Harbour Street.
Amy, from Ayr, and Laura, from Kilwinning, have decided to take a chance on the unit having spent a number of years visiting cat cafes in Scotland with their children.
Amy told Ayrshire Live: “Starting at the Business Gateway, we were greeted with such support and enthusiasm that we decided to take a chance.
“We both love cats, as do our children, and can think of nothing better than sitting enjoying a cake and coffee in a café surrounded by cats.
“We carried out some research focusing on South Ayrshire seaside towns and felt Ayr offered the best location, higher population and surrounding facilities.
“There are lots of local people investing in Ayr currently and attempting to regenerate the town centre and we would like to be part of that. It has been a whirlwind.
“We thought of the idea around June time and here we are.”
Kitty Cat Cafe will open its doors at the end of November with a proposed date being Saturday, November 23.
Amy and Laura will continue working part-time within the NHS while both being company directors of Kitty Cat Cafe. They are looking to have a team of around four to six people and later expand this as they grow their business.
The duo hope the café can be open seven days a week from 9.30am until 4.30pm.
At the new cat café, customers can enjoy a variety of cakes, pastries, sweet snacks and hot and cold drinks, including vegan and allergy-free options, while interacting with cats.
There are expected to be between 10-15 cats at the café, with some of them being rescued cats.
Amy said: “We plan to have 10-15 cats for opening, possibly increasing to 20. Some cats shall be rescues and some not.
“None of the cats are our pets although some may stay with us while we transition them into the café. They are currently all rehomed from people who can no longer keep them. As we progress we shall take each cat individually from their background and assess suitability for the café environment.
“Our cats have to be comfortable being house cats, at ease with other cats and people and enjoy attention. Therefore we have to ensure we are choosing the right cats to reduce anxiety and stress amongst them.
“When we can we shall adopt rescue cats and will always treat each cat as an individual to assess their needs.”
Like at any cat café, customers can expect a booking fee which will go towards the care of the cats. Amy and Laura decided to set it at £8 per person while ensuring they can provide quality food and care to their café cats.
The duo are now renovating the site on the Ayr waterfront and hope to welcome customers next month.
Amy said: “We are delighted to bring the cat café experience to the people of Ayrshire.
“Our café shall be relaxed and welcoming with a chill vibe.”
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