Could NZ get its own cat cafe?

A cat stands on a chair at Moscow's Cats and People cat cafe. Photo / AFP

Kiwi cat lovers rejoice - the country's first cat cafe could open within the next two months.

Made popular in cities like Rome and Tokyo, at the proposed Cat Lounge, diners will be surrounded by 10 to 15 cats and kittens rescued from shelters, while LOL cat clips will play on a non-stop loop.

Owners Mike and Vicky have created a Kickstarter campaign in a bid to secure a building on Auckland's North Shore - a space big enough to be divided into half cafe serving coffee and baked goods, and half "cat lovers dream".

The friends, who admit they are "crazy cat people", expect a lot of backlash regarding animal welfare and hygiene, but say they have thought of everything.

A cat lies on a pedestal at Moscow's Cats and People cat cafe. Photo / AFP

The cats "will have regular vet checkups to make sure they are happy and healthy... we will work with our local cat rescue centres to only bring suitable cats into the café - we will only take on cats that will thrive in the company of people and other cats," the pair wrote on their campaign pledge.

Mike and Vicky also promise food preparation will be carried out in a "cat-free environment" to maintain health standards.

Although there will certainly be a few you've-cat-to-be-kitten-me's, scientific research regarding human/cat interaction has shown significant health benefits. Cat contact has been proven to help with autism, depression, prevent asthma and reduce blood pressure.

With 58 days remaining and a lofty goal of $35,000, The Cat Lounge has a long way to go, but Mike and Vicky, boast 20 years in customer service as well as skills in business and hospitality.

"We both own cats and yes - I would say that we are crazy cat people. We have a dream of bringing this unique experience to New Zealand."

To read more or donate visit their campaign here.

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