Cat café to open in Scotland
A cat café opened in London earlier this year, prompting some animal welfare concerns.
Scotland's first ever "cat café" is set to open in 2015. Maison de Moggy will be styled on the popular Japanese cafés that allow customers to cuddle and play with their resident cats.
A similar café, Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium opened in London earlier this year, prompting concern among the veterinary profession about cat welfare.
Michael Day, the BSAVA's president at the time, said: "While some cats appear content living in groups and interacting with human strangers, other cats can be very stressed in these circumstances."
Maison de Moggy will open in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, in January 2015 for a limited time only. While locally produced tea and cake will be on offer, the focus will be on the cats, according to owner Laura O'Neill.
The café owner has hired a dedicated cat nanny to supervise interaction between cats and customers.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Ms O'Neill said: "I've sourced all the cats myself from kittens. I've reared them so I know their behaviours, and I know they all get on. I obviously wouldn't put them in a cat café if I thought they were going to be acting out."
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.
