A CAT lover is to open a cafe where fellow fans can enjoy a drink alongside feline friends.

Lucy Allen, 30, often calls herself “the crazy cat lady” and the venture is something she has dreamed of for some time.

Her six cats will be in the cafe on a regular basis and there will be room for a few unwanted or rescue cats looking for a home.

The sales rep, who lives in Stone Cross near Eastbourne with boyfriend Sam Firman, 33, intends to call it Mad Catters.

She said: “It’s been something I have wanted to do for a long time and I just thought ‘why not?’.

“There was a property going in Eastbourne which was perfect.”

Lucy said the cafe, in Station Parade, Eastbourne, will have a 1940s theme with swing music and she will be dressed to match the era.

She said: “It’s great we have an alcohol licence so people can have a glass of wine in the company of all the cats.

“It will be a fun place for people to have a drink on a Friday or Saturday night before heading into town. I know on the weekends people tend to dress in nicer clothes for going out, so every table will have a lint roller, for removing the hair and hand sanitiser.”

The former veterinary nurse said the cats will have a bit of training before the cafe opens to make sure they are used to groups of people.

Lucy is planning cinema nights in the cafe’s basement where guests can snuggle down and cuddle the cats.

She is also open to the idea of setting up life drawing classes where the model can be surrounded by cats if they wish.

Her pets – Toast, Marmalade, Cherri, Dickins and two kittens due to be picked up in a fortnight and still yet to be named – will all be cafe members.

She is thinking of asking the public to name her two newest additions to the family, who will grow up in the cafe.

She is also looking for more members and is planning to use the space to help people rehome unwanted cats and rescue cats.

Lucy, who trained at the Royal Veterinary College, said the welfare of the animals was her top priority.

She said: “They will be so well looked after.

“They are my pets and any that join will be treated just the same.

“The cats will stay in the cafe, but they will be on rotation so that way they can spend time back at home as well.”

The launch party will be October 12 from 6pm until 10pm.

Guests can enjoy a free glass of sparkling wine on arrival and are encouraged to wear 1940s dress.

Booking in advance is required which will be available on the website.