Manchester has its first Cat Cafe - now open in the Northern Quarter for people who want some feline company with their morning latte. But how does it work? We decided to drop in and check out the city’s latest quirky addition to the coffee scene.

A cat cafe? How does that work then? Do you take your own cat with you?

There are 11 wandering, sleeping, purring felines living inside an actual cafe in the Northern Quarter.

It’s a simple concept. Humans pay for time with the kitties, either by pre-booking on the website or turning up on the day.

For their dollar, which is £12 an hour including unlimited hot and cold drinks, visitors can be at one with the cats. Stroke them, feed them treats and take pictures.

Be prepared to wait for a walk-in spot, with only 20 people allowed access at any one time and online slots already pretty much booked up until mid-September.

They can’t share their human food or milk, though. Or pick the furry creatures up. Sorry about that.

You’re given a ‘time card’ upon arrival, which includes a handy lanyard and space to write in any extras you might buy during your visit.

The menu is limited, with just drinks and a small selection of cakes available, so don’t go expecting to have a three-course lunch. You’ll be too busy taking selfies with Joel or Gemma anyway.

Aren’t there cat hairs everywhere though?

The response to the news that Manchester would be welcoming its first ever Cat Cafe was pretty phenomenal.

Whether it was pure intrigue, cat fanatics keen to share a brew with a kitty (not literally) or just a talking point, the opening was hotly-anticipated.

But, as with anything, the project had its fair share of critics. Complaints ranged from concerns about cat welfare to how hygienic sipping a coffee surrounded by self-grooming felines actually is.

I can confirm the cafe was immaculately clean. You’re asked to wear shoe protectors or slippers and also encouraged to sanitise your hands regularly.

The cats have their own private room, where they do their...bathroom visit and have a bit of ‘me’ time away from visitors. They’re also well cared for, with dedicated staff feeding and looking after them from 7am until midnight. One kitty was even whisked off to the vet during my visit, proof that their health and well-being is a top priority for owners Ellie and Sarah Close.

Anyone who has ever owned a house cat will know it is virtually impossible to keep your home hair-free, so it would be unfair to expect any different from a venue home to 11 kitties.

However, I didn’t leave needing to use a lint roller to get rid of ‘all the cat hairs’ countless people had told me I would ‘definitely’ be left with afterwards.

Are the cats friendly?

They are cats. They are unpredictable. They might scratch you. Some will approach you, rub up against your leg, attempt to climb into your bag, sit on your laptop keyboard. Others will just snooze in the corner or patrol their kingdom along the wooden sky run above our heads. The space is light, airy and allows each cat plenty of personal space.

You will most likely come away having a favourite. Ygritte stole my affections during my hour-long visit. She was playful, mischievous and loving. But petite tabby Keira was a close second.

I hate cats and they don’t like me. Is it still worth going?

No.

I love cats, shall I go?

Yes.

What else, besides the cats roaming, will I find there?

There’s a good selection of daily newspapers and magazines, comfy sofas and tables to rest your laptop on, to fire-off and email or two.

Handily, plug sockets are waiting for you to pop in to give your mobile phone some juice so you can carry on snapping your cat pictures to upload on Instagram.

The wifi is free but was a little sketchy while I was there.

The staff are just the right level of attentive and were on hand to offer me a warm welcome and answer any questions with enthusiasm and a smile.

Anything else?

There’s something addictive about the cat cafe.

It was a surprisingly tranquil, comforting place. There’s pretty acoustic music playing in the background and soon cat yoga, regular film nights and cat mindfulness sessions will add a little more to your time with the feline residents.

Whether you’re away from home and missing your ginger pet Garfield, in need of an animal ‘hit’ because your flatmate is allergic to animal; or maybe you’re going through a break-up and need to seek solace in the face of an adorable blue-eyed kitty. Gus and co will not solve all of life’s woes but what they will offer you is something nowhere else in the city can.

And if you’re on the fence about cats, you’ll certainly have scrambled cat-style over one side or the other by the time you depart.