Hyderabad, Aug. 8 -- The moment you walk through the door of Cats Country in Tolichowki, you are not greeted by a host; instead, you are greeted by an eager orange cat named Sheru, weaving through your ankles, purring a gentle welcome before settling into a soft cuddle with you. Nearby, Sheru's roommates Hoor, Noor, Minnu, Koko, and 50 others lazily claim their favourite spots across the room. There is no awkwardness of human interaction here or the noisiness of a trending cafe; you only get to hear the rhythmic purr of curious furry friends.

For anyone carrying the weight of worldly stress, this instant affection is precisely what they need. Located just off 7 Tombs Road, Cats Country bills itself as India's first dedicated cat therapy ...