(ECNS) -- A cat café in Shanghai has launched a probationary service for cat lovers, a way to help them avoid impulsive decision making.
Customers are required to pay the full price first. If they finally decide to return a cat, there would be a deduction from their payment.
"Customers should show great willingness to own a cat first," the café manager said.
"For those who would like to raise a cat, especially people with no experience, it is a remedy. If a cat can't adapt to a new environment, or fail to eat, drink, or behave itself, the customer will be refunded in full," said the manager surnamed Ye.
As for allergy symptoms or disagreements between family members, a payment is requested.
"We sell 50-60 cats a year, only two or three of which are returned. The time limit of the probationary service is set at one week, two weeks, or one month. It is based on scientific evidence showing cats usually reveal a stress response within one week in a new environment," she said.
The other two limits create a buffer time in case customers might regret their impulsive decision.
China's pet consumption market grows rapidly, reaching more than 295 billion yuan ($45.7 billion) in 2020, an year-on-year increase of 33.5%, according to iiMedia Research.
