A new cat cafe has opened in Oxford city centre but the store is still waiting to welcome its first feline friend onsite.

Mac Kitten coffee shop opened in Cowley Road near the Plain Roundabout on Friday, February 9 with customers excited to enjoy a cup of coffee with a purring kitten on their lap.

But it is far from purr-fect for animal lovers as the cafe is unable to house cats yet within the store.

It is understood permits are still being arranged for this.

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The cafe has said it cannot confirm a date for when it will be able to bring cats onsite.

A spokesperson said: "For now, we are a normal cafe. 

"We cannot estimate how long the procedures will take yet.

"Once the procedures are completed, we will bring the cats."

Liberal Democrat candidate for the Cowley Ward, Scott Urban, said: “A warm welcome to Mac Kitten Coffee Shop on Cowley Road. Do pop along and say hi.”

One review on Google also reveals customers would be able to bring their cats into the cafe.

It said: “The service was excellent, with friendly staff who were attentive to customers' needs.

“The shop itself was impeccably clean, creating a welcoming environment to enjoy a cup of coffee or a bite to eat.

“What sets coffee shop Mac Kitten apart is its unique cat atmosphere.

Oxford Mail: The new cat cafe in Cowley Road The new cat cafe in Cowley Road (Image: Newsquest)

“The presence of feline friends adds an extra layer of charm to the place, and I was thrilled to hear that they will soon be welcoming kittens.”

It replaces Boss Chic hairdressers which is next door to the Korean food store Seoul Plaza.

Cat cafes have gained in popularity in the UK following a craze which began in Taiwan.