VIDEO: It's opening day for Kelowna's first cat café

Kelowna’s first cat café officially opens today.

Catelowna, owned by Ashley Karnes, has partnered with several rescue centres and shelters throughout Western Canada to bring their felines to the café, providing a space for cat lovers to enjoy their company and find the perfect match for adoption.

With an entrance fee of $16 for a one-hour visit, guests will have the opportunity to meet 20 to 30 cats from Kelowna Kitten Rescue, the Prince George Humane Society, SOS Prairie Rescue and Running Wild Rescue.

All of the cats have been spayed or neutered and are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

To ensure they are healthy and able to interact safely with the others, each group of felines is quarantined for two weeks before being introduced to the rest of the cat crew.

“I’m here to find homes for cats, and I am of no value if I have to close because there’s an outbreak,” Karnes explains.

Guests interested in adopting one or two of the cats can fill out an application form, which will be sent to the associated rescue centre to process the request. The rescue centre will receive 100% of the adoption fee.

“I am literally just facilitating a space for people to come and meet their adoptable cats, and I’m not taking commission for that,” Karnes says.

Anyone who is serious about adopting a furry friend will receive a coupon to schedule a second visit with the cat(s) at no cost.

“When you first come in, you have an emotional reaction and you can’t really choose a pet,” Karnes explains.

“You have to be rational and think about your life in the next 15 years.”

Construction for Catelowna began in January, and the first crew of cats was welcomed in May.

The cats have access to 1,700 of the 2,200 square foot space, which features reclaimed and recycled materials used for the flooring and furniture.

There is also a room that is off-limits to visitors to ensure the cats have a place for themselves.

In compliance with Interior Health, the café is separated from the cat area by double doors, but any food or beverage purchased at the café can be brought into the cat area during the visit.

T-shirts and hoodies are also available for purchase.

Among the many community members who have helped Karnes with Catelowna is Wolseley Plumbing.

"They donated over $2,500 worth of equipment with a hot water tank and grease trap," Karnes says, adding that she named one of the cats after the company.

Catelowna, located at 201-1441 Ellis St, is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm and 4 to 8 pm. On Sundays, it’s open from 11 am to 3 pm.

All visitors must be at least five years old, and children between the ages of five and 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Personal pets are not permitted.

The entrance fee helps cover the costs of food, litter, stimulus, utilities, staff, rent and transportation from the shelters to Catelowna. Any proceeds left over will be donated to the rescue centres.

Anyone interested in visiting Catelowna can book a time to meet the cats here.