IT'S a slice of heaven for cat and cake lovers alike.

Paws For Thought Cat Cafe in Romsey is the only one of its kind in Hampshire.

It has eight resident cats and staff and visitors have had a hand in helping rescue and rehome many more since the cafe opened its doors in October 2018.

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Sisters ​​Nala, Lina, Kiara and Xena, the original residents of Paws For Thought, are Romanian rescue animals.

Also providing cat therapy at the cafe in Church Street are Teddy, Mercury, Luna and Emmy.

Owner Emma Blyth was inspired to set up Paws For Thought by her beloved moggies Louis and Bree.

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She told the Daily Echo: "After visiting a cat café I couldn't stop thinking how wonderful it would be to have one in Hampshire and it felt like it was something I was supposed to do.

​"My rescue cat Bree along with my beloved cat Louis who I lost in 2016 gave me the inspiration. I wanted to take something from both my experiences and try to make a difference by either making people more aware of adoption and possibly convert people into cat lovers if they're not already or help someone going through a loss of their beloved pet .

"We raise funds through the cafe to help rescue and rehome cats here in the UK and also in Romania. We are a place for cat lovers to come together to help with a great cause.

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"This is not just a sanctuary for cats, but for people too. We know that life can be tough sometimes, so we are truly dedicated to making the happiest place in Hampshire for our customers; a warm, exciting, crazy, loving environment for everyone.

"It has been proven that spending time with cats not only reduces your heart rate and blood pressure but is good for mental health. We know the positive impact our cat cafe will have on the lives of so many people.

"Cats do not discriminate on age, sex, physical ability, race, beliefs, or any of that stuff, they just want to share their love with everyone."

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A cat rescue contribution of £5 per visitor goes towards the day to day costs involved in rescuing feline friends.

Paws For Thought , which offers a popular afternoon tea priced at £25, also provides a pet sitting service.

Cat loving customers kept Paws For Thought going through Covid lockdowns by dropping off cat food, litter, toys and donating money to help staff continue their good work and care for the rescue cats on site.

  • Paws For Thought Cat Cafe is our trader of the week. If you'd like us to feature your local business, just click on the link below or email lorelei.reddin@dailyecho.co.uk