Concerns over 'cat cafés'
Image: Michael Day, BSAVA president
Following the spread of "cat cafés" to the UK from Japan, veterinary organisations have raised concerns over feline welfare.
Visitors to the increasingly popular cat café pay an hourly fee to spend time with the cats on the premises.
Popularity for these cafés is thought to have been generated by the fact that rental agreements and busy lives make it difficult for animal lovers to own a pet.
The concept was first popularised in Japan, before spreading across Europe. Proposals for a new cat café business in London were recently reported in the media, prompting calls from the veterinary sector to ensure feline welfare is the top priority.
Professor Michael Day, president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), pointed out the challenges that will come with forming a successful social group of cats, who also enjoy human interaction.
He commented: "While some cats appear content living in groups and interacting with human strangers, other cats can be very stressed in these circumstances."
"It isn’t always easy to identify whether a cat is suffering from stress…for example, inactivity can be seen as contentment, but they are actually internalising their anxiety. The input of a veterinary behaviourist and appropriate staff training will be essential."
Whilst recognising the appeal for animal lovers, Dr Andrew Sparkes, veterinary director at International Cat Care, shares these concerns over welfare, and states the importance of ensuring feline needs are observed first and foremost.
He said: "Cat owners will recognise that their cats often have short interactions before wandering off to do something else – cats in cafés must have the same opportunity to get away from people and other cats."
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.
