A scandal has arisen in Odesa regarding the Cat Lounge café, sparking outrage over the inadequate conditions for animal care and the possibility of renting cats. Animal rights activists, along with veterinarians and police, rescued four kittens in critical condition; two of them did not survive, while the other two are under medical supervision.
In December, a new cat café opened in Odesa, described by its owner, 20-year-old Arina, as a place to relax and interact with cats.

"This is a space where you can come, unwind, and play with the kitties, or hold a cat in your arms while it sleeps and purrs," she stated in a video.

However, videos offering "cat rentals" for 500 hryvnias soon surfaced, prompting widespread public outrage. Users in the comments called for an end to the exploitation of animals.

In a statement to the press, the owner claimed she never intended to rent out cats and termed the situation a "PR stunt."

"We have never rented out cats and never planned to. This rumor caught on, leading to a lot of attention and views of the videos," she said.

Following this, animal rights activists began to demand documentation for the animals, although the owner initially refused to comply.

On December 21, a peaceful protest took place outside the cat café. Participants demanded the closure of the establishment and the cessation of any form of cat rental. Protester Lily noted that, in her opinion, the cats were kept in unacceptable conditions.

"The animals lack space and rest. The whole idea is poorly thought out," she remarked.

After the protest, animal rights activists, along with a veterinarian and police, returned to the Cat Lounge. This time, the owner provided veterinary passports, but only for 6 out of 12 cats. The documents did not include the owner's information or details on microchipping.

Veterinarian Inessa Postova reported that some vaccinations in the passports raised doubts, and the condition of the animals was unsatisfactory.

"Four kittens, just over three months old, barely reacted to stimuli. When picked up, they just hung limply, like they were lifeless," the vet explained.

Animal rights activist Yana Okhotyuk received written permission from the owner to take four of the smallest kittens for urgent treatment. Two of them died, and the other two are currently under veterinary care.

The police have opened a criminal investigation regarding the death of the two kittens, and the café's owner could face up to three years in prison.

Currently, animal rights activists have removed the remaining cats from the establishment and are raising funds for their treatment.