CAT lovers will be able to spoil their pets - and themselves - even more after a shop in York, devoted to the beloved felines, has announced plans to expand.

The Cat Gallery, on Low Petergate, has begun converting its first floor stock room into a second cat showroom, that will sell a collection of new produce as well as selective vintage gifts that have been best sellers over the years.

The refurbishment, which is scheduled to be finished by the end of the month, will provide space for a clothing section that is cat themed. Customers will be able to buy a selection of t-shirts, blouses, fleeces and casual jackets.

Owner, Peter Hanson, said that this development had been an aspiration for the past few years and that they decided after the new year that it was time to expand the shop.

He said: “We have always wanted to sell clothing but we have never had the space.

“We decided that the first floor, which was the stock room, would be an ideal place to have a clothing section.

“It has been a frantic few weeks as we have stripped out the stock room and we have brought in builders to help get the room ready for the end of February.

“The second floor is bigger than the first floor so customers can expect an even broader selection of choice.”

Mr Hanson added that another section of the second floor would include vintage items, that will include a selection of fan favourite items that have been sold over the years.

He said: “There will be vintage ornaments, cabinets as well as portraits of cats that have been some of the best sellers over the years.

“Many visitors come in and ask for specific vintage stock that we no longer sell so the team have been busy coming up with an ideal variation of historic favourites.”

Whilst many shops on the high street are closing in the city, Mr Hanson believes that the success of the company is down to high-quality stock and service as well as the businesses relying on the many tourists that visits the city's streets every week.

He said: “Thousands of people visit York every year and we rely on the cat lovers who come to visit our shop. It has helped us stay successful and long may it continue.”

Mr Hanson added that although it was not yet confirmed, the shop were hoping to get some larger accessories for cats, such as cat scratchers, onto the second floor showroom.