Wellingtonians looking to get a cat can now get to know their prospective fur-ever friend over a coffee date.
Cat cafes have been popping up in New Zealand for the past couple of years, but Neko Ngeru in Petone is the first to offer adoption services.
"That's really the most important thing to us, that the cats will be able to find forever homes, loving homes, and that people will be able to find the right cat," co-owner Richelle Okada told Newshub.
Ms Okada and her husband, Ken, moved to New Zealand last year after working as schoolteachers in Japan, China, Kuwait and Mexico.
Inspired by their work with rescue cats in Shanghai, they've set about realising their dream of opening a cat adoption cafe. After getting crowdfunded with more than $20,000 in just a month, they've opened Neko Ngeru - taken from the words for cat in Japanese and Te Reo Maori.
"It's been a great way for us to get more into the community. We're so happy," she says.
It's all totally hygienic - food is prepared in a separate area, and an extractor fan means even people who are allergic can join in.
"If you're not cautious the cat may come up and try and steal something from you, but we really hope you won't allow them to eat your food," says Ms Okada.
The cats have been vaccinated, de-sexed and approved for adoption. Up to 20 cats can be housed at the cafe at once.
If one takes your fancy, there are papers at the front desk, and the Okadas insist on face-to-face meetings to match the right person to the right cat.
Like any relationship it takes time. People are encouraged to come in multiple times to get to know their cat, and with the busy Christmas season coming up the owners are reminding people that a pet is not just for the holidays.
"You get to know the cats a bit more, have a coffee with them, have that first date, and then you see if you want to take them home," says customer Frankie Vallis.
Customers sign up to one-hour sessions in the sealed room. Many on the opening day owned cats at home and just wanted to window shop.
"I totally have one at home, so my cat at home is going to hate me," says Jules Burgisser.
"They're probably upset I'm here now to tell you the truth; they're very possessive," says Rob Harris.
But it allows people who can't own a cat due to tenancy laws or allergies to get their pet therapy without commitment. Just don't let them near your coffee.
Newshub.
