Cat caf approved for Vancouver

A feline-friendly entrepreneur has managed to get permission to open Vancouver's first cat caf or catf.

Cat-sitter and cat photographer Michelle Furbachermade the announcement in a post to her blog.

"It's official,"she wrote. "The City of Vancouver has approved our permit application, and we will be starting construction and renovations in the next couple of weeks!"

Furbacherhas teamed up with the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association who will supplyadoptable cats for the "Catf".

Although it's a first for Vancouver, cat cafs are increasing in popularityacrossNorth America and Europe.

One in Montreal has eight cats from local shelters. On the West Coastthere are cat cafs in Portland, Oregon, San Jos, California, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Catcafs are already alsopopular in many Asian cities. The idea was born in Taiwan in 1998, and spread to Japan, where it's estimated there are now nearly 150 catcafs.

Catf will be divided into two sections. One side will serve food and beverages, and the other will be a cat lounge, where patrons can play with cats from the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association.

It will also serve as a foster home for the adoptable cats.

Furbacher says Caftwill be located in the International Village Mallat 88 West Pender Street.