Alan enjoys visiting the cafe and has been known to walk all the way from Poole for a cup of tea with the cats. His favourite cat is Petrus, who occasionally climbs onto Alan’s shoulders for a cuddle. When asked why he likes Pause so much, Alan says “I like seeing Petrus, and they do good tea.”

The cafe aims to provide a welcoming environment for everybody and makes a special effort for people who have disabilities, learning difficulties and those who struggle with their mental health. Pause recently won the Dorset Tourism Award for the most Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Business in Dorset.

Alan first visited the cafe when it opened in 2017 and missed seeing the cats when the cafe was closed during lockdown. Alan was one of the first to return when cafes were able to reopen. Seeing as Alan doesn’t use email or social media, the cafe's ‘meownagers’ made sure to phone Alan to tell him about the reopening and book him in.

Pause pre-opened to regulars and volunteers who the cats were familiar with, to help the cats adjust to the change. The cats were attended to 24-7 by volunteers during lockdown, but it was still hard for some of the cats, who are used to lots of people giving them fuss. “It was heartwarming to see them so happy and playing all day when we reopened.” says owner Jaya Da Costa.

As well as cats, Alan is a big fan of balloons, so the Pause team has got a special cat balloon to celebrate his 200th visit on Sunday, and a ‘ConCATulations’ card signed by all the team and designed by volunteer and artist Kelly Morgan.

The non profit cafe was set up with the intention of helping the community, and the team is running an event to relieve loneliness for older, isolated people. ‘Aunty Anne’s Tea Party’ is a free event for older people to come to the cafe and spend time with the rescue cats and meet other people. The event is named after the cafe’s oldest cat who passed away earlier in the year.

Cats have been known to help boost mood and provide company but many older people are unable to have a pet of their own. Pause gives them the chance to enjoy this again and reminisce about times with previous pets.

If you know an older person who could benefit from some cat time, or would like to volunteer to help out, drive or donate, please contact the cafe hello@pausecatcafe.com