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Co-working space 'purrfect' for cat lovers

George CardenBrighton
News imageGeorge Carden/BBC A dark grey cat lying on a sofa underneath an orange pillowGeorge Carden/BBC
Purrfect Space wants to create a calming environment for people and cats

Both cat cafes and co-working spaces have increased in popularity across the UK, but how about combining the two concepts?

A co-working space in Brighton which homes rescue cats believes it is the first dedicated cat office in the UK.

"We believe the presence of cats is calming", said Ash Kazmaz, owner of Purrfect Space, which opened this month.

The business, in Imperial Arcade, operates as a co-working space for office workers but is also the home of six rescue cats from Turkey.

News imageGeorge Carden/BBC A cat with grey brown hair and a black head perching on a wooden structure attached to the wall. It leads to an area where cats can relax away from peopleGeorge Carden/BBC
Purrfect Space is a dedicated cat co-working space which has opened in Brighton

"We wanted to make sure we created a space that's calming and calming for cats too", said Ash, 36.

Ash, originally from Turkey, opened a cat cafe half a mile away called Munchies Craft in March 2024. Purrfect Space hopes to have ten cats in total in the near future.

Across the UK, there are 32 licensed cat cafes, while there are more than 4,000 co-working spaces, which are used by freelancers, remote workers and businesses.

News imageGeorge Carden/BBC Both owners standing in their cat co working space which is bright and cream coloured with desks and areas for cats to perch. Ash has red hair George Carden/BBC
Co-owners Ash Kazmaz (right) and Courtney Wilson

The business describes itself as a "space for work, not a cat cafe" and has house rules including not playing with the cats except during designated "soft hours".

Purrfect Space charges £17 for half a day, or £30 for a full day to have a desk and use their other facilities. They provide coffee, tea and snacks in the price.

Ash added: "In the working environment in an office, you might be super busy. It's challenging, working all day at a desk.

"Hopefully if people are working and are stressed at work, if they see a cat rolling around it will give them relief."

Purrfect Space said it operates under an official animal welfare licence issued by Brighton & Hove City Council.

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