A popular local cat café is marking its first birthday this May bank holiday weekend after helping 43 rescue cats find new homes in its first year.

Meow Lounge says it has worked closely with rescue partner The Scratching Post since opening, with every adoption overseen by the rescue centre to help match cats with the right forever home.

To celebrate the milestone, the café is launching a birthday raffle to raise money for The Scratching Post and its work supporting cats in need.

The top prize is a year of free access to the lounge for one lucky cat lover. Other prizes include afternoon tea for two and tickets to one of the venue's popular event nights.

Co-founder Stef Gaglio said: "Everything we do starts with the cats. The lounge is their space first – we just get to share it.

"Rehoming 43 cats in our first year is something we're incredibly proud of. It's a privilege to be part of their journey back to happiness."

Special Birthday Party Sessions will also take place on Saturday 2 May, with a limited number of spaces still available.

Guests can enjoy an arrival drink, an hour in the lounge, a take-home goodie bag for cat lovers and automatic entry into the birthday raffle.

advertisement

Stef added: "Our community has grown in the most lovely, unexpected ways.

"We've met so many brilliant people – cat people, of course – and built something that feels genuinely inclusive and joyful. The cats are always the stars, but it's the people who make it special."

Money raised from the raffle will go directly to The Scratching Post to support rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming efforts.