Manchester's Cat Cafe has announced it is closing for good - and its owners are looking for loving new homes for its residents.
The Northern Quarter venue was founded by sisters Ellie and Sarah Close in 2016 and is home to a menagerie of moggies that visitors could pay to spend time with.
They said they were 'truly heartbroken' but said the impact of coronavirus closures on the business gave them no choice but to permanently shut the High Street site, where its lease is about to come to an end.
Posting on Instagram, they added: "It has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, but as it stands we simply cannot afford to continue in our current unit."
It's hoped the concept can return at a new site in future - but the 10 resident cats will be rehomed in the meantime.
"We hope to relaunch in a new premises once the pandemic is over, so please continue to bear with us through this very difficult time," the post continued.
"We will be spending the next few weeks finding loving, permanent homes for our 10 resident cats.
"We would like to thank every single customer who has visited us over the last 4 and a half years. Without you we wouldn’t be here and we are forever grateful for your custom.
"We know that Cat Cafe Manchester has a special place in the hearts of many, and we hope this farewell is for now, and not forever.
"If you have any memories you would like to share please do so in the comments below. We would love to hear your stories and see photos to remind us of the wonderful times.
"All our love, Harvey, Georgie, Aslan, Bert, Leo, Savannah, Riley, Darcey, Dax, Daisy and all the Cat Cafe Manchester team."
The cafe has previously said that it feels the Government has 'misled' those working in the hospitality sector, and that the north-sound divide had 'never been greater'.
