May 15, 2019 4.39 pm This story is over 58 months old

Plans approved for Lincoln’s first cat cafe

Furry friends will keep customers company

A new place to paws and drink a relaxing cup of coffee while surrounded by adorable kitty cats is set to open in Lincoln.

Coffee Cats Lincoln has been given permission to get its claws into the former Winkworth estate agents on Silver Street and open the city’s first cat cafe.

The application, made by Mr and Mrs Brown, says the business will include areas for the cats to climb, play and rest, with a separate area for eating and sleeping along with litter trays.

The cafe will sit in the former Winkworth Estate Agents on Silver Street. Photo: Daniel Jaines

The cafe will open six days a week and customers will pay by the hour to sit and relax with the cats — though there will be discounts for students and “frequent customers”.

“We plan to have around 8-10 (rescue) cats who have been chosen for their quiet nature, prefer to live indoors, are happy to be with other cats, and enjoy being around humans,” say the applicants.

“In this way, we aim to provide a better life for the cats, who have for whatever reason, been handed into a rescue centre.”

They say cats “unhappy in the cat family” will be offered for adoption.

There will be some rules however:

  • No more than 15 customers will be allowed in at any one time
  • Customers must be aged over 11 (the company says they do not want young children screaming, pulling or trying to pick cats up)
  • Do not wake a sleeping cat

The company plans to host a number of events alongside the cafe atmosphere, including cat yoga, poetry nights and animal welfare events.

Advice and guidance will also be given to those looking to adopt a cat.

Employees will get health and hygiene training and Mr and Mrs Brown say they have received advice from Lincoln Environmental Health.

Food will not be prepared on site, say the applicants.

It’s expected the unit will be converted ready for opening in around two months.

SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from coverage every week, as well as insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.