A scandal has erupted in Odesa surrounding the Cat Lounge café due to poor animal welfare conditions and the owner's claims about renting out cats. Following a peaceful protest, activists along with a veterinarian and police rescued four kittens in critical condition. Unfortunately, two of them did not survive, while the remaining two are under medical care.
In mid-December, a new cat café, Cat Lounge, opened in Odesa, founded by 20-year-old Arina. She explained on social media that visitors pay a fixed entrance fee, which includes drinks and the opportunity to play with cats.
"This is a place where you can come, relax, and play with the cats, or hold a cat while it sleeps and purrs in your arms," — the owner stated in a video.
Later, videos appeared on social media offering "cat rentals" for 500 hryvnias, sparking public outrage. In the comments, users called for an end to animal exploitation.
In a comment to the public broadcaster, the owner claimed she never intended to rent out cats and labeled the situation as "black PR."
"We have never rented out cats, nor did we plan to. People believed it, and the information spread, leading to the video gaining a lot of views," — she said.
Following this, animal rights activists and concerned citizens began visiting the café, demanding to see documents for the animals. Initially, the owner refused to comply.
On December 21, a peaceful protest took place outside the café. Participants demanded the closure of the establishment and the cessation of any form of "cat rental." Protester Lily mentioned that she believed the cats were kept in inadequate conditions.
"The animals have no proper space or rest. The whole idea is utterly thoughtless," — she stated.
After the protest, activists, along with a veterinarian and police, revisited Cat Lounge. This time, the owner provided veterinary passports, but only for 6 out of 12 cats. The documents did not indicate the owner of the animals or any microchipping information.
Veterinarian Inesa Postova reported that some vaccinations in the passports raised concerns, and the condition of the animals was unsatisfactory.
"Four kittens, just over three months old, barely reacted to stimuli. When held, they just hung limply like ragdolls," — the veterinarian recounted.
Animal rights activist Yana Okhotyuk obtained written permission from the owner to take four of the smallest kittens for urgent treatment. Sadly, two of them died, while the other two are currently under veterinary supervision.
The police have opened a criminal case regarding the deaths of the two kittens. The café owner could face up to three years in prison.
Currently, animal rights activists have removed the remaining cats from the establishment and are raising funds for their treatment.
