First cat cafe to open in Melbourne

THE cat’s out of the bag and it’s fur real: Australia’s first cat cafe is set to open in Melbourne in July. | Cat saves boy from vicious dog attack

THE cat’s out of the bag and it’s fur real: Australia’s first cat cafe is set to open in Melbourne’s CBD in July.

Anita and Myles Loughran have secured the purrfect premise for their pussy cat paradise on Queen St, around the corner from Queen Victoria Market.

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The unique concept, which stems from Asia, offers cat lovers the chance to enjoy coffee and cake and a kitty cuddle.

Anita and Myles Loughran are about to set up Australia’s first cat cafe in Melbourne.

About a dozen cats from The Lost Dogs’ Home and Geelong Animal Welfare Society will live in the cafe, although they will be separated from diners with airlocks.

“It took us a while to find a place, because not only did the landlord have to approve cats living on the premises, but it also had to suit the council regulations we have to comply to,” Ms Loughran said.

But she said Melbourne City Council “loved the idea” as long as food and drinks were served in a fur-free space.

Sadly, cats aren’t allowed to eat with diners in the new cafe.

Or help themselves to leftovers - like Carlos.

After a successful crowdfunding campaign, Ms Loughran said it would take about five weeks for the place to be refurbished and for permits to be secured.

“We first went and saw one in Japan ... We came to back to Australia, Myles suggested we do it and I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” Ms Loughran.

And even though she is allergic to cats, their dream is about to become a reality.

“I’ll have to start getting injections but it hasn’t stopped me ... I’ve always been a cat lover,” Ms Loughran said.

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