Coffee and a kitty cat!

COFFEE and cats Bertha and Picasso with Samantha Smith, Angela Mills and daughter Jessica Mills

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LOOKING for the purrfect brew? Get yourself down to Oldham's new cat-themed cafe.

The new venture, named Cat-A-Tonic, opened in Union Street yesterday, making Oldham the first UK northern town to boast a cat cafe.

Based near Oldham Central Metrolink stop, the cafe is just the right tonic for those looking to enjoy a brew and a catch-up with their feline counterparts.

Cat-A-Tonic offers customers free tea and coffee along with the experience of being surrounded by cats, which all came from Animal Rescue Oldham, in a relaxed environment for a fixed one-hour charge.

The primary concern for the business is the care and wellbeing of the cats and the cafe is working with the charity to promote animals in need of new homes.

Made for relaxation, the lounge is designed so no cat will feel crowded or intimidated, which is why the number is capped at six.

What's more, the cats can come and go as they please to their living quarters downstairs, so don't be offended if they slope off for a catnap.

Named after artists, the cafe will be home six moggies - Picasso, an alpha male who sees himself as a role model, Berthe Morisot, a little chaotic and loves fuss and attention, Marie-Denise Villers, organised and affectionate, she dislikes disruption, Mary Cassatt, hyper-friendly once she gets to know you, Georgia O'Keefe, very warm and affectionate, and Frida Kahlo, who is coming in the next few weeks.

The concept of themed cat cafes began nearly 20 years ago in Taiwan in 1998 before blossoming in Japan where over 70 similar cafes opened between 2005 - 10.

Since then it has become a global phenomenon with sites in India, Mexico, New Zealand, together with Western Europe and North America.

Christine Rooney, Chief Executive Officer for Cat-A-Tonic Ltd and fellow Oldhamer, said: "I wanted to start up a business and I like cats and animals and it just seemed like quite a good idea.

"In preparation for the launch, a great deal of work has gone into approving the ambience in the cats' private quarters, as well as in the customer lounge, it was a lot of hard work.

"We are working with Animal Rescue to promote rescue cats. We take the welfare of our cats very seriously as we want this to be a happy experience for both patrons and cats, where cats feel loved, warm and safe. They will remain on the premises at all times, and so will not be allowed outside."

She said: "We have designed our lounge to ensure that no cat will ever feel crowded and intimidated - and this is reflected in all aspects of lighting and layout. We believe this captures a relaxed mood for everyone. This is why we have capped the number of cats present to a maximum of six and will limit the number of customers at any one time.

Christine added: "I was born and raised in Oldham and have been a cat 'parent' for many years. I know from first-hand experience how we Oldhamers love our cats and I am so proud that we are able to launch our first cafe here and assist in the re-generation of our town centre."

Mark Rooney, Christine's husband, said: "The whole concept here is to have it in a local town, the idea has been around now for a while and it is considered therapeutic.

"The cats get on very well because they have been living in the animal rescue centre and it is good that they come from there. Some of them have been badly treated in the past and at the centre they did get attention, but here they get loads of attention!"

Angela Mills, who travelled from Rochdale for a coffee and a cat, added: "It is really nice, it is nice and big, I love the cats."