One business owner in Hampshire is hoping their potential new neighbour’s bark is worse than their bite after the cat cafe owner objected to their dog-grroming project
Cats vs dogs is an age-old battle – now two business owners are at odds(Image: Solent News & Photo Agency)
A row has broken out after plans were announced to open a dog grooming salon next door to a cat cafe.
The owners of the cat cafe have been left furious after proposals were put forward to open the dog salon right next to their feline-friendly shop in a town centre. The owners of Andover Catfe say a dog grooming shop will ‘potentially end us’ because its clientele will spook their feline residents, Solent News reported.
The comments come as an application was formally submitted by Barks ‘N’ Bubbles to open a salon in Andover, Hampshire. Stuart Waue, owner of Andover Catfe, lodged an official objection to the application and said his cafe attracts cat lovers from around the UK.
‘The increased canine traffic in the area may also result in an increase in dog faeces,’ Waue said (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
He said: “Our Catfe is supposed to be a calming atmosphere for people to enjoy the company of cats. If there are agitated dogs making a lot of noise it will upset our cats and create unnecessary stress for them and our visitors.
“The increased canine traffic in the area may also result in an increase in dog faeces and members of the public waiting outside our windows with their (potentially agitated and noisy) dogs disturbing our cats and visitors.
“We’re not dog haters and can appreciate a small business taking on an empty unit, but to open this right next to a cat cafe will potentially end us when we are currently bringing people from outside the town into Andover.”
Amber Cooper, owner of Barks ‘N’ Bubbles, said there won’t be any disruption to the cafe (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
Amber Cooper, owner of Barks ‘N’ Bubbles, defended her application.
She said: “As an owner of three cats myself, I understand the Catfe’s concerns about any distress their cats may experience due to having a dog groomers close by.
“However, as I work by an appointment only basis and will have a waiting area in my salon, I am confident my clients will not have any need to wait outside the premises, potentially causing a disruption to the cats.
“Furthermore, I have known my customers for many years, all of which are responsible owners who will be sure to pick up after their dogs should they mess outside.
“Finally, I take steps in my business to minimise noise wherever I can, and due to not sharing a wall with the Andover Catfe, I am sure any noise will not be heard from inside the cafe.”
Mr Waue’s objection is the only objection to the dog grooming salon, with over 20 comments in support of the business. Previously the shop was a nail salon.
One supporter is Donna Whatley, who wrote: “A lot of dog owners will wander into town for coffee or to browse other shops whilst their dogs are being groomed, potentially leading to more sales for other businesses.
“I don’t believe it will have a negative effect on the cat cafe as there is no reason why anybody would be stood outside the cafe with agitated dogs.
“In my experience most dogs love going to the dog groomers and being pampered so they wouldn’t be agitated at all and certainly wouldn’t be peering through windows of the cat cafe.
“I’m sure there will be minimal noise and there is also a stairway leading to the Indian restaurant, between the shop and the cat cafe so not even sharing a wall so I’m sure the caf won’t hear anything.”
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