Russia’s first ever cat cafe opened its doors to customers and their feline friends this week.

Named Cats and People, the cafe based in Moscow invites cat lovers to bring their pets along with them when they go for a cup of tea.

Alternatively, those who do not have a cat, can rent one for the duration of their visit and play with them in a separate room.

All of the cats that live at the cafe were rescued from a local shelter and have each been vaccinated and chipped.

Customers are allowed to adopt the cats, should they strike up a rapport with a feline over a piece of cake, but only if they meet certain requirements after an extensive interview.

The cafe was influenced by the many cat cafes that have opened up in parts of far-east Asia, where they have become customary to many residents of cities such as Tokyo.

Customers are allowed to adopt the cats but only if they meet certain requirements after an extensive interview

The cafe is the first of its kind to be opened in Russia and was influenced by the many cat cafes that have opened up in parts of far-east Asia

Its inaugural opening was captured on video and felines can be seen dotted around the room on various ledges as customers enjoy cups of tea and coffee.

The fixtures and fittings are catered to the cats and feature scratching posts, hammocks and even feline-themed wallpaper.

The cafe is based in Moscow and invites cat lovers to bring their pets when they go for a cup of tea

Co-owner Oleg Agronovich says almost every cat and animal fan would like to see a place like this near them

Toys are also available to the guests and one customer can be seen holding a feather dangler while interacting with a cat.

Oleg Agronovich, co-owner of the cafe, also makes an appearance in the short clip.

He says: ‘Almost every cat and animal fan would like to see a place like this near them, where they can communicate with animals and just relax.’