Vancouver Catf offers kitty cuddles and hot coffee served by 'purristas'

It's thepurrfectstop for cat-loving coffee drinkers.

On Saturday, Vancouver's first cat cafe,Catf,gavemedia and select supportersearly access toa project years in the making.

No ordinary coffee shop, instead of baristas,"purrristas"serve hot beverages and snacks while customers can play with catsin anearby lounge.

Thecafe must ensureall edibles remain away from the animals because of food safety concerns.

Michelle Furbacher, the owner, brought the vision to life following a popular crowdfunding campaign.

She ultimatelyhopes thefelines in her shopwill be adopted after customers interact with them.

Until then, Catfwill provide temporary reprieve from the BCSPCA's shelter.

"We're taking cats out of cages which is a worse environment for them and then giving them a chance to live in this nicer space," said Furbacher.

The BC SPCA will be choosing the cats who will make appearances at Catf.

"There are some cats we have in the shelterthat are fearful," said Lorie Chortyk withthe BC SPCA.

"We'd never want to put cats in the situation where they're going to be uncomfortable, so we'll make sure whatever cats come here are ones that will enjoy the environment and experience."

Five cats were on-hand for kitty cuddles on Saturday, whileFurbacherexpects to eventually host up to 12 of the animals.

The cafe opens to the public onMonday, December 14, but,if you want quality cat-time, reservations are recommended only 16 people will be allowed in thecat lounge at one time.

Cat cafes have also opened in Montreal and Toronto.