If you were to walk along on Woodlands Road, you’ll notice a cafe with a cat sign above it. Look inside and you’ll usually see some adorable cats having a snooze by the window.
Meow Cat Cafe has been in business for around a year now, and offers people the chance to sit down and have a drink, surrounded by felines – a cat lovers paradise.
Cat cafes have become an ever more popular trend in the UK, however, they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, with some fearing that it isn’t fair on the cats.
However, manager of Meow, Synne Akselberg believes that this isn’t the case and that the cats very much enjoy living in the cafe, where they have the freedom to get attention if they want it, or go through the back where they aren’t disturbed.
Owners Jack and Lindsay, with their daughter Jojo and some of the cats.
(Image: Meow Cat Cafe)
She told Glasgow Live: “All of the cats had already been used to each other before the cafe opened and they’re never on top of each other, there’s a lot of space for them to use.
“We have a room in the back, and it’s only for employees. It’s their safe space during the day and that’s where their litterbox is. They can go and get some space if they need it, but generally they are all really social.
“It depends on the cats though, because they’re used to each other they thrive here, and being in a colony gives them strength too. They are very aware it’s their home and people are visiting them and they do seem really happy and mostly get along really well.
“When I started here, I found the cats were the main focus, and people that are sceptical, I get it. Some believe cats should be outdoors, but I think if you can offer them a happy home, why shouldn’t you.
“I think anyone who has scepticism on cat cafes should come and visit a cafe and you’ll quickly tell if the cats are happy or not, our motto is that cats come first, and everything we do is to make sure they’re priority. They’re wellbeing is first and customers and the cafe are second.”
The cafe is owned by married couple Jack, 36 and his wife Lindsay, 37, who have both lived in Glasgow for 17 years. The inspiration for opening the cafe came due to their love of cats. After going on a road trip five years ago, they visited a cat cafe in Birmingham and from then were inspired to start their own.
Some of the cats were taken in when they were kittens, but others were rescued. One of which is Cookie. He was taken in after his former owner could no longer take care of him due to moving out the country. He was found to have been very dirty with mats in his fur, he was also very skinny.
However, staff found he was craving human attention and absolutely loved cuddled. He has since settled well into the cafe.
Synne added: “We’ve got a mixture of everything here, and when the owners were looking for cats they searched all over. This is their forever home now.
Cookie the cat.
(Image: Meow Cat Cafe)
“I know some cafes put their cats up for adoption, but for us it’s their home and you can come and see them. They’re family.
“We’re still trying to spread the word we’re here and we’ve also had some roadworks outside which hasn’t helped. But the kids come here and they love it. We have regulars too that the cats recognise and like getting attention from.”
You can visit Meow Cat Cafe on 12 Woodlands Road. There is a fee to enter the cafe, with money going to support the care of the cats. Bookings can be made on their website.
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