AS an avid cat lover and someone who enjoys celebrating and visiting new businesses, when a new cat café opened in Essex, I just had to pay a visit.

Rebecca White, from Halstead, opened her Meow Cat Café earlier in June.

After weeks of work, the mum was delighted to see her hard work come to fruition, welcoming in fans of felines to meet and greet some new furry friends.

I finally got the chance to visit the café this week, and it is safe to say I had the purr-fect time!

Halstead Gazette: Outside the new Meow Cat Café in Halstead High StreetOutside the new Meow Cat Café in Halstead High Street (Image: Newsquest)

It was a slightly cooler day, and I arrived outside the shop on Halstead High Street promptly just before my allotted time slot at 9.30am.

Halstead Gazette: Some of the cats at the café - not all were picturedSome of the cats at the café - not all were pictured (Image: Newsquest)

Arriving for my hour session, I was greeted warmly by the staff, who showed me to my table before introducing all the feline friends.

Halstead Gazette: The neon sign inside added a cozy feeling to the café The neon sign inside added a cozy feeling to the café (Image: Newsquest)

The décor was lovely, and the atmosphere was calm and relaxed.

Halstead Gazette: The rules of the Meow Cat CaféThe rules of the Meow Cat Café (Image: Newsquest)

There were a handful of cats at the café on the day I visited, from kitten siblings to older cats

Staff helped us to settle in and reminded us of the rules and how the session works.

Halstead Gazette: Toffee enjoyed playing with the laser pointerToffee enjoyed playing with the laser pointer (Image: Newsquest)

The first thing to note was how well the cats are looked after.

Halstead Gazette: Millie was one of the older heads at the café Millie was one of the older heads at the café (Image: Newsquest)

They are all indoor cats, who seemed comfortable in their environment and around people.

Halstead Gazette: The kittens were a bundle of joyThe kittens were a bundle of joy (Image: Newsquest)

All the cats are from a shelter and are looking for permanent homes, so this is a great way for people to meet and possibly fall in love with a new future pet.

If a cat comes in and is not comfortable, they are moved out, and they are given endless love, care and attention, not to mention delicious food, drink and other treats.

Halstead Gazette: The kittens at the café are very well looked afterThe kittens at the café are very well looked after (Image: Newsquest)

The staff made sure everyone got to spend some time with the kittens, with the other cats roaming around and making their presence known when they wanted.

Halstead Gazette: Two kittens enjoying some milk on my tableTwo kittens enjoying some milk on my table (Image: Newsquest)

I managed to have some great cuddles and play with the kittens, as well as showing some attention to the café’s older heads too.

Completely distracted by the furry friends, I did eventually order, opting for some crisps, a cookie and a drink of coke.

Halstead Gazette: I ordered a coke, crisps and a chocolate cookie to enjoyI ordered a coke, crisps and a chocolate cookie to enjoy (Image: Newsquest)

All were delivered promptly and it was a delicious snack to enjoy whilst at the café.

Halstead Gazette: Halstead cat café owner Rebecca White has set up a fantastic business for the areaHalstead cat café owner Rebecca White has set up a fantastic business for the area (Image: N/A)

The pricing is more than fair, especially as I went during the weekly happy hour, meaning entry was half price at just £3.50, and the food was cheap too.

After the hour-long session flew by, I left, having eaten well and spent some lovely time with the four-legged bundles of joy.

It was a fantastic experience and well worth the price, and I hope to return soon.