CAT lovers will be able to enjoy a cup of tea in the company of 10 rare species when the first cafe of its kind opens in Scotland.

Maison de Moggy is expected to create quite a stir when it welcomes its first customers in Stockbridge on Sunday.

Owner Laura O'Neill, 27, was inspired by similar cafes she found while holidaying in Japan. The therapeutic idea has since spread across Europe.

The residents included a fluffy chinchilla Persian, a pair of Bengals, three ragdolls, two British shorthairs, a Maine coon and a Norwegian forest cat, all specially bred for social interaction.

Ms O'Neill said: "We will serve teas, coffees and cakes but it's really a cat paradise. Cuddles will be encouraged.

"In places like Tokyo a lot of people don't have space in their houses for pets, and so visiting these cafes and spending time with the animals can be really therapeutic for them."

Ms O'Neill hopes the venture will appeal to cat lovers who cannot have a pet. But she warned customers not to bring their own pets because it may result in cat fight. She added "The cats we have are used to each other and a new one coming in to their territory could be quite stressful."