New cat café coming to Colchester - Here's what to expect

What is a cat café? What does it entail? Is it safe for the cats?

There are lots of questions people will no doubt have. So we are here to answer them.

Having been and reviewed the amazing Meow Cat Café in Halstead, we can say for sure this is going to be an extremely popular addition to the city centre.

All cat cafés do what they say on the tin - residents are invited to enjoy café food and drink, surrounded by furry friends.

Toffee was a former cat at the café before being adopted (Image: Newsquest)

At Meow, the cats come from charity partner Friends of Felines, meaning all in the café are up for adoption via the charity.

All adoption checks are done by either Friends of Felines or Meow to ensure that the cats go to the best forever homes. 

​All cats are vaccinated, microchipped, worm-treated, flea-treated and, if of age, neutered before they go on to their new families.

​Due to how quickly the café’s cats find new homes, adoptions are arranged in order of priority, therefore waiting lists for cats will open and close as needed.

Meow in Halstead has rehomed more than 100 cats to date, however, announced recently it has had to slow down the adoption rate as the turnover was so high.  

We ordered a coke, crisps and a chocolate cookie to enjoy during our first visit (Image: Newsquest)

“Moving them too quickly from one environment to the next can also be very stressful to the cats, which is something we would like to avoid,” a statement said.

In terms of safety, there are Perspex screens up alongside a triple locking system, meaning you can’t open one door unless the other one is shut.

The business also has a range of rules regarding the cats which need to be adhered to by visitors.

Meow serves a range of nibbles, including cakes, cookies, flapjacks, crisps and more.

It also sells your favourite soft drinks, as well as milkshakes and still drinks.

Outside the Meow Cat Café in Halstead (Image: Newsquest)

Entry prices are £7 for adults, £3,50 for children up to 16 years old, with under-twos and carers going for free.

Meow is open six days a week, with hour-long timeslots on offer throughout each day, and offers tables, sofa and snug options.

The café in Halstead has gone from strength to strength since its opening and was excited to share the news of the landlord accepting the deal for premises in Eld Lane, Colchester.

It revealed the news earlier this week, with residents excited to hear progress is taking place.

It is safe to say it will no doubt be a hugely popular addition to Eld Lane and the city centre, and if the success of the Halstead site is anything to go off, spaces will fill fast.

Keep an eye out on the Meow Facebook page for updates on the future of the Colchester premises.

To book a space or for more information visit meowcatcafeessex.co.uk.