New York, Nov 17 (IANS/EFE): New York City cat lovers will be able to tuck in with tabbies next month, when a cafe opens offering feline companionship, a trend imported from Asia which has so far not caught on in Big Apple.

The Meow Parlour, to be opened by the owners of a famous pastry shop, comes after the success of a similar establishment opened for a short period in the city earlier this year.

The cafeteria will open Dec 15 and will charge $4 for 30 minutes with the cats, media reported Sunday.

Around 12 animals that will be kept on the premises will be brought from a shelter and will be available for adoption to those interested.

The owners have separated the room in which the animals will be kept from the area where coffee and cakes will be served to meet the sanitary standards of the city.

Although new to the US city, this kind of an establishment is common in Japan where many venues to spend time playing with pets have been in practice for years.