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Cupcakes and cats: Brisbane's first 'cat cuddle' cafe opens

Natascha Mirosch

Newcomer: Brisbane's first cat cafe is opening at Red Hill.
Newcomer: Brisbane's first cat cafe is opening at Red Hill.Natascha Mirosch

Brisbane's first "cat cafe" is opening in the basement of a former Red Hill tattoo parlour.

The Cat Cuddle Cafe, which opens on Saturday, August 8, is the brainchild of Katina Balson, who runs a cat rescue and re-homing service.

Using her own funds and money donated through a crowdfunding campaign, Balson has transformed the site into a homely space where people can have coffee and cake and interact with cats, all of which have been rescued by Balson and cared for at her private shelter.

Part of the cupcake selection.
Part of the cupcake selection.Natascha Mirosch
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There are about a dozen at any one time, including a mix of ages and breeds, from mischievous ginger kittens to shy tabbies. All are available for adoption.

"Cat cafes are incredibly popular," Balson says.

"It's a lovely space for people to be able to interact with the cats, especially if they're choosing one to adopt.

The shared space.
The shared space.Natascha Mirosch

"That's our point of difference - rather than just having cute cats, the cafe has a serious side. Really this is a cat shelter with a twist."

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Balson says the criteria for the cats who spend their days at the cafe is that they have to he healthy, vaccinated and socialised.

"We do have a few scaredy cats though, because scaredy cats should have the opportunity to be adopted too."

Katina Balson with one of her charges.
Katina Balson with one of her charges.Natascha Mirosch

The cats go home at night to Balson's shelter or to foster carers. The cost of adoption is $200 and potential owners are carefully vetted for their suitability.

"I've been doing this for 30 years," Balson says. "I'm very strict. We want people to adopt for the life of the cat. Also we try to match the animal with the family or the human, and do a bit of training."

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As well as a large room with a shared table for coffee-drinking humans, there's a small sun-filled garden. The cats even have their own separate cat bathroom with trays of kitty litter and exhaust fans.

The food prep area is in a glassed-off section, although people can take their food, including vegan cupcakes, slices and biscuits, into the shared area. Coffee is free-trade and available with soy or almond milk.

The Cat Cuddle Cafe, 160 Musgrave Road, Red Hill, open Tues-Sun 10am-4pm, catcuddlecafe.com/booking.html. Entry is $10.50 per hour, children over 7 are welcome.

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