Abandoned kittens find new home at cat cafe

Phil Harrison
BBC News, South East@philharrison77
Reporting fromChatham
BBC Black and white kitten curled up in a cat basket that looks like an old television setBBC
One of the seven abandoned kittens making themselves at home at Mrs. Slocombe's Cat Cafe

A newly-opened cat cafe is providing a home for seven kittens who were abandoned in Dartford just before Christmas.

Customers at Mrs Slocombe's Cat Cafe on Chatham High Street can play with the six male and one female siblings, alongside the cafe's other nine rescued cats.

Co-director Jackie Cousins said she decided to take all seven kittens - who found abandoned in a cat carrier - because "they've always been together!"

The kittens are named after characters from the 1970s BBC sitcom Are You Being Served?

Co-directors Glinda Bishop and Jackie Cousins sit on a green sofa at Mrs. Slocombe's Cat Cafe in Chatham
Glinda Bishop and Jackie Cousins are supporting local animal rescue centres and mental health initiatives

They are called Miss Brahms, Captain Peacock, Mr Lucas, Mr Rumbold, Mr Grace, Mr Harman and Mr Grace.

Fellow co-director Glinda Bishop said the cats will be supporting local animal rescue charities and mental health initiatives.

"A lot of people find it therapeutic to spend time with the cats," she said.

"We hope we can be a big part of the community and maybe assist charities that help people with mental health issues."

Iris Smith, cat cafe customer, is sat on a sofa cuddling a black rescue kitten
Customer Iris Smith enjoys a cup of tea with one of the rescued kittens

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