Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in Bethnal Green Road claims to be the first cat cafe in the UK.
But 11 years into business the future of the emporium has been threatened as a result of “uncontrollable debt lingering from the impact of Covid”, according to cafe manager Freyja Hides-Westwood.
Other threats to the cafe include rising costs and a restructure that “came too late”.
The cafe’s closure is planned for June 23.
Freyja has now launched a fundraiser with a plan to buy the assets of the business and continue trading under her own “vision, while keeping the Lady Dinah’s legacy alive”.
The cat cafe has been responsible for the rehoming of more than 100 cats since opening, organising all details from rescue and adoption in-house through its cat care team.
Lady Dinah’s offered a place for unwanted and stray cats to find a temporary home as part of the overall mission “to heal, grow, and eventually find a forever home that’s just right for them”.
Freyja, who has worked at the cat cafe for six years, wrote: “Lady Dinah’s is a place where unwanted or stray cats can find a temporary home, filled with care, enrichment and love – where their individual personalities are nurtured and respected.
“Every cat that comes through our doors is part of a greater mission: to heal, grow, and eventually find a forever home that’s just right for them.
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“I know people are asking how we’ll avoid the same fate. With a fresh start, a smaller operation, and new leadership, I believe we can build a more sustainable future.
“The funds raised will go directly towards buying the café’s assets and setting up a leaner, more resilient version of Lady Dinah’s, one that honours what people have always loved about it while adapting for the future.”
With ten days to go Freyja has managed to raise more than £33,000 out of the £50,000 goal thanks to donations from the public.
To donate, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-lady-dinahs-cat-emporium-1.
