Customers Mikaela and Margaret play with the resident cats. Photo / Frances Cook
Customers Mikaela and Margaret play with the resident cats. Photo / Frances Cook
Wellington's first cat cafe has opened its doors for the grand opening today.
Richelle and Ken Okada have spent much of this year bringing their dream to life, and now Neko Ngeru is a reality on Jackson St, Petone.
The cafe has an important twist: cats come from local shelters, and are available for adoption.
Richelle said they were working with smaller local animal shelters, including Porirua's Outpawed Rescue Trust, Upper Hutt Animal Rescue Society, Wairarapa Community Kitties, and Hataitai's FeralNation.
Owner Richelle Okada, with some of the cat-themed treated available for customers. Photo / Frances Cook
"We've been building the relationship for more than a year. We introduced ourselves, told them our idea, and how we planned to make everything good for the cats.
"They jumped on board and have been really enthusiastic supporters.
"The cats can't tell you in so many words whether they're happy, but they'll let you know in other ways.
"I really enjoy trying to make cats happy. I call myself a cat servant, and it's a really fulfilling thing when they allow you to come into contact with them."
Richelle said they'd had a lot of bookings, with many time slots around lunchtime sold out.
Customers Mikaela and Margaret play with the resident cats. Photo / Frances Cook
Customers Mikaela and Margaret were sold on the idea, enjoying the chance to play with a couple of friendly tabbies.
"It's cool, I like it," Mikaela said.
"Especially that you can adopt them as well, I think that's pretty cool."
The cafe is drawing plenty of interest, with all the spots around lunchtime booked out. Photo / Frances Cook
Margaret said she'd watched the progress of the cafe all year, and couldn't resist coming in on opening day.
"I have quite the cat collection at home, but you can always enjoy more.
"Obviously they've worked so hard to make sure they're doing it in a safe way, and go through a proper adoption process and stuff.
"I think it's really nice for kids to be able to come and play with the animals, and I guess adults to have the coffee too while the cats babysit."
There are plenty of spots for cats to climb, and even hide out if they need a break. Photo / Frances Cook
Ken and Richelle were working as international teachers in Shanghai when they first came up with the idea of starting a cat cafe.
Ken was working with adoption agency Bow Meow, when he realised there was a need for people to see the animals to bond with them, and for the animals to be socialised to people.
"It was difficult, we had adoption days once a month. Lots of people would come, but not so many cats were adopted.
"But now here, we can work with the rescue organisations, and hopefully improve the situation for cats here in New Zealand.
"For stray cats to get adopted, being seen and being touched is very important.
"In Shanghai, that once a month adoption day wasn't enough. But here, people can come, cuddle with the cats, they might fall in love, so they have more opportunity to find a home."
Many of the sweet treats stick with the cat theme. Photo / Frances Cook
The cafe expects to host between 15 and 20 cats at a time, with customers booking one hour slots to share a cuppa with a feline friend.
Neko Ngeru is the first cat cafe for Wellington. There are two in Auckland, as well as one in Rotorua.
