A scandal has erupted in Odesa surrounding the Cat Lounge café due to the treatment of animals. The owner, 20-year-old Arina, sparked outrage among animal rights activists with her claims of "cat rentals." Following a protest, activists, along with veterinarians and police, rescued four severely ill kittens, two of which have died and the others are receiving medical attention.
In December, a new cat café opened in Odesa where visitors pay a fee that includes drinks and playtime with the cats.

"This is a cozy place where you can relax and play with the kitties," — the owner stated in a video.

However, shortly after, videos appeared online offering "cat rentals" for 500 hryvnias, causing public outrage. Users called for an end to animal exploitation.

The owner claimed she had no intention to rent out the cats, referring to the situation as "black PR."

"We never planned to do this. People misunderstood, and the video gained a lot of views," — she explained.

Following the protest, animal rights activists demanded to see the animals' documentation, but initially, the owner refused to comply.

On December 21, a peaceful protest was held outside the cat café, where participants called for the closure of the establishment and an end to any form of "cat rentals." One protester, Lili, mentioned that the cats were kept in inadequate conditions.

"The animals have no proper resting place. The whole idea is completely thoughtless," — she emphasized.

After the protest, animal rights activists returned to Cat Lounge with a veterinarian. This time, the owner presented veterinary passports for only 6 out of 12 cats, lacking information about ownership and microchipping.

Veterinarian Inesa Postova noted that some vaccinations in the passports raised concerns, and the animals' condition was unsatisfactory.

"Four kittens, just over three months old, barely reacted to stimuli. When held, they just hung limply, like lifeless," — the doctor recounted.

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, while the other two are currently under veterinary supervision.

The police have opened a criminal case regarding the deaths of the two kittens. The owner may 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.