В Саутгемптоне открылся первый в городе питомник для кошек

Southampton’s only cattery has officially opened its doors after its owner spotted a gap in the market for cat owners in the city. Pat’s Cats Cattery held its grand opening on July 31 with the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Pat Evemy, cutting the ribbon alongside Cllr Misty Burgess. Owner Patrick O’Toole, 53, said the opening marked a proud moment after months of work bringing the cattery to life. He said: "We were absolutely thrilled to share this special day with the Lord Mayor, Councillor Burgess, our friends, family, and everyone who came along to support us. "Seeing the cattery officially opened was a hugely proud moment after everything that has gone into creating it." Patrick said the idea came after he helped look after a friend’s cat and realised there was demand for dedicated feline accommodation within Southampton itself. He said: "I started this cattery after having experience tending to a friend of mine when he needed a hand. "I knew there was a gap in the market in Southampton as people have to travel as far as West End." READ MORE: Care home offers food and rest to firefighters battling New Forest fires Food festival taking extra precautions as fire tears through New Forest BMW driver punched and assaulted motorcyclist, police say The new business has already proved popular, with Patrick saying bookings have flooded in since it opened. The 53-year-old added: "Being the only cattery in the city has meant I have been flooded with bookings for August and September. "We even have bookings for next year. "We have all sorts of cats through the door even though we have only been open a week and a half." The grand opening saw guests enjoy a sunny afternoon of cake, refreshments and conversations about all things feline. The Lord Mayor formally opened the new cattery by cutting the ribbon, marking the culmination of months of planning and hard work. Patrick said he hoped the new business would provide Southampton cat owners with a safe and comfortable option when they go away. He added: "Please get in touch if you think we could help with your cats while you’re on holiday."