A CAT cafe where customers can sip coffee while cuddling rescue cats looking for forever homes has been given the green light to open in Capalaba.
Capalaba Cat Café proprietor David Curtin said he was thrilled to receive final approval for the venue at 40 Redland Bay Rd.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive approval for the Capalaba Cat Café and excited to invest in the Redlands, creating something genuinely new for our community while giving rescue cats a second chance at finding their forever homes,” Mr Curtin said.
“This is about much more than a cafe – it’s a place where people can connect, cuddle and play with cats, experience the positive benefits of animal-assisted therapy, and support the important work of cat rescue and rehoming.”
Capalaba Cat Café announced Redland City Council and the Queensland Government had provided final approvals for its Material Change of Use development application.
“With the final green light, works will now be full throttle to have the Cat Café opened as soon as possible, allowing you to come cuddle nine of our furry friends,” the business said.
The cafe will be home to up to nine rescue cats at a time, with visitors able to meet, play with and cuddle the feline residents while enjoying cold drinks and pre-packaged baked treats.
Cats will remain at the cafe until they find permanent homes, although planning documents described the adoption component as secondary to the cafe operation, with roughly one adoption anticipated each month, if any.
Mr Curtin said the business aimed to offer both a welcoming experience for visitors and a meaningful outcome for cats needing homes.
“We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome the Redlands community to cuddle a cat, enjoy a snack and a drink, and be part of a business with real heart and purpose,” he said.
Division 8 Cr Tracey Huges welcomed the approval, describing it as a win for animal lovers and local business.
“Fabulous opportunity for our morning coffee and afternoon tea lovers, with the added bonus of a cat cuddle and chin scratch,” Cr Huges said.
The approved fit-out includes a dedicated cat lounge, indoor retreat, enclosed “kitty courtyard” and kiosk.
The courtyard will be fully enclosed with a double-door entry system designed to prevent cats escaping while allowing them safe access to an outdoor area.
Automatic self-cleaning litter trays, air purifiers, aromatherapy gel packs and regular cleaning schedules are also planned.
The cafe is proposed to trade from 6am to 6pm Monday to Friday, with cat interaction sessions beginning from 10am; 10am to 8pm Saturdays; and 10am to 6pm Sundays.
It will be located between Capalaba Massage Centre and Centrelink, opposite the Capalaba Bus Station.
