A cat watches the snow fall in Preston Pic: Tabitha Boydell

Preston could be getting its very own cat café, similar to the popular Manchester Cat Café, as a proposal to launch such an attraction has been made.

Mark, a huge animal lover, is keen to discover if there would be any interest for him to open a café in Preston.

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The 30-year-old, who owns five cats himself, has been thinking about the idea for a while, and was inspired by visiting a cat café whilst living in Amsterdam several years ago.

Cat café’s create a safe environment which cater for the cats needs and wellbeing, and also allows humans to relax on sofas with refreshments such as coffee and cake, whilst getting us close and personal with the furry creatures.

Read more: Preston could be getting its very own cat café

Here’s what Preston said in response:

Claire Lakeland thinks that a cat café is a fantastic idea. She said: “I absolutely adore cats and I’m sure if there was one to open in Preston it would be a well visited place. Even though I have a cat of my own I would definitely visit.”

Paul Walsh disagreed. He said: “£12 an hour to sit amongst cats, drink endless tea and coffee, eat cake and even watch movies… Nope, I can do exactly that at a home for free and with people I want to be with.”

Khadijah Parekh has been wanting a café in Preston since the Manchester café opened. She said: “I think it’s a great idea. Ever since Manchester got a café I’ve been thinking Preston needs one too! Good location is a must, perhaps in town close to the university.”

Becca Schofield, however, was concerned about the cats welfare living in the environment of a café, saying: “Will the cats be from a rescue centre? Or from a breeder, contributing to an already massive overpopulation of cats in the UK? I’m also curious to know how many cats will actually be in the ‘cat room’ – as according to specific cat welfare needs, they get very stressed when they don’t have enough territory and there is more than one in an enclosed space. Personally and in my professional opinion, I think these businesses are a terrible idea.”

Bradley Cokayne believed it would be a great idea for people who cannot have pets in their own home, saying: “This is fantastic for many of us in Preston who live in rented accommodation and can’t have the joy of pets in our lives.”

Joanne Griffiths was worried about hygiene in café’s such as these. She said: “How unhygienic, I don’t know how it would pass health and safety. I love cats but wouldn’t like cat hair in my coffee and cake.”

Megan Knight thinks a Preston cat café would be successful, saying: “It’s a university town. full of students who miss their animals at home. I’m sure you’d get loads of visitors.”

Jurate Paukstyte dislikes how children cannot attend cafés such as these, saying: “I know the one in Manchester do not allow children which I think is a bit sad. Only reason would be to go so children could cuddle fluffy cats. Just a thought.”

Laura Singleton was enthusiastic about the fresh idea. She said: “Great idea! A new business in Preston that will attract people. The business has more features than a standard café and makes your café experience more enjoyable.”

Benny Mc’Nally thinks it will help to de-stress people, saying: “They have these in Tokyo and it helps out stressed people. It’s well worth the money.”

What do you think about the cat café which could be coming to Preston? Would you visit? Let us know in the comments below.