Last Updated on 15 November 2023 by Vanessa

Kattencafé Stripe in Dordrecht, Netherlands, had been lingering on my list of must-visit cat cafés for a while now. Because I had to be in the nearby city of Tilburg, I finally had the chance to explore this feline haven last Wednesday. Was it worth it? Let’s find out in words and photos.

An afternoon at Kattencafé Stripe in Dordrecht

How do cat cafés work?

The concept of cat cafés originated in Taiwan back in 1998. Over time, the trend spread like wildfire, with hundreds of cat cafés now thriving in Japan and prominent cities like London, Paris, Copenhagen, and New York.

Eventually, this charming trend found its way to the Netherlands. Cat cafés, known as “kattencafés” in Dutch, started gaining popularity in the Netherlands around 2015.  Amsterdam proudly welcomed the first cat café in the country in April 2015, marking the beginning of a feline-inspired movement. Other Dutch cities quickly followed suit, including Rotterdam, Breda, Groningen, Haarlem, Hengelo, etc.

These establishments offer a haven of coziness, providing a tranquil atmosphere akin to a comfortable living room. Throughout these cafes, you’ll find plush sofas and chairs thoughtfully placed, allowing you to savor a delightful cup of coffee, indulge in cake, or relish a delectable sandwich. All the while, you can form connections with the resident cats, sharing moments of petting, cuddling, and playfulness.

How Kattencafé Stripe came about

Cat café owner Monique Rozendaal worked at the Aldi supermarket for 27 years until she ended up on sick leave and had to find another job that was more suited to her physical condition. When she visited the cat café in Rotterdam, Pebbles Kitty Cat Café, she was inspired to start one herself.

Monique conducted thorough research on establishing a cat café, leaving no stone unturned. Her efforts involved a visit to Sophie Kattencafé in Leiden, where she not only interviewed the owner to gain valuable insights but also spent a day working there. This hands-on experience allowed her to truly understand the intricacies and challenges of running a cat café and provided her with a solid foundation for setting up Kattencafé Stripe in Dordrecht.

Fast forward to 2020. After a lot of hard work and cute decoration gifts from friends and family, Monique successfully launched her cat café. She decided to name it after her own cat, Stripe, who sadly passed away from cancer only a few short months later. Stripe’s photo can still be seen amongst the other decorations of the cat café.

Only one week after opening Kattencafé Stripe, the pandemic and lockdown happened. The cat café had to – temporarily – close its doors.

A ray of light emerged when Monique’s brother initiated a crowdfunding campaign to assist with the rent. However, despite these efforts, the contributions fell short of covering everything.

But then an anonymous benefactor bestowed a substantial sum upon Monique, accompanied by the simple phrase “one month’s rent.” Astonishingly, the payments continued to arrive month after month, steadfastly covering the rent, until the day arrived when Monique could once again open the doors of her beloved cat café.

To this very moment, the identity of this selfless giver remains a mystery, leaving Monique touched by the unexplainable benevolence that graced her journey.

A haven for 10 rescue cats

Kattencafé Stripe in Dordrecht stands as a haven for 10 wonderful feline residents, each with their unique stories to tell.

The first group of cats, mostly former strays, come from the shelter Asiel van Gorinchem, with whom good agreements have been made. If a cat isn’t comfortable in its new cat café environment, it can go back. In the event that a cat becomes elderly or unwell and its time at the cat café comes to an end, it can transition to Monique’s home, where it can enjoy a quieter environment in its later years.

The second group comprises kittens born within a shelter.

The cats that call Kattencafé Stripe home are not available for adoption, though. This is a departure from the more common cat café practices outside the Netherlands. Yet their stories serve as a beacon of hope. What once were lives filled with uncertainty have now transformed into a forever home full of comfort, cat food, and companionship.

Unfortunately, you cannot bring your own cat to the cat café. The primary reason is to ensure the well-being and comfort of both the resident cats and your own feline companion. Introducing new cats into the environment can lead to stress, territorial conflicts, and potential health risks. To maintain a harmonious and stress-free space for both visitors and resident cats, it’s best to leave your own cat at home and enjoy the company of the café’s feline residents during your visit.

Jackson Galaxy approved

Kattencafé Stripe has left no stone unturned in creating an environment that truly resonates with its feline residents.

The cat café itself boasts ample room for the cats to explore and call their own, while every element has been meticulously designed to provide the utmost comfort and stimulation for the cats.

The café’s layout has been thoughtfully curated to ensure that each corner presents an opportunity for exploration, play, and relaxation. From abundant scratching posts that invite them to unleash their natural instincts to cozy cat beds that offer moments of repose, the café is a haven that caters to every feline whim.

In shaping this unique space, Monique sought inspiration from none other than Jackson Galaxy, a renowned feline expert and advocate. Drawing from Galaxy’s book Catification: Designing a Happy and Stylish Home for Your Cat (and You!), the café’s proprietor embarked on a mission to create a living environment that seamlessly marries functionality and style, catering to both feline residents and their human counterparts.

Just like in all cat cafés, the cats at Kattencafé Stripe have access to a private room where they can retreat whenever they need to use the litter box or simply seek some alone-time.

Cats first

Kattencafé Stripe has successfully crafted a space where cats are not just attractions but cherished inhabitants. Their instincts, needs, and desires are not just respected but celebrated.

Thriving on human interaction, these cats have grown accustomed to the stream of visitors that grace the café. A testament to the dedication of the café’s owner and its volunteers, the welfare of these feline friends is a top priority. The attention to their well-being ensures that these cats are content, and their genuine affection for human company shines through every interaction.

A distinguishing feature of Kattencafé Stripe is its welcome to children, an exception to the norm. Yet, Monique remains vigilant in upholding the cats’ well-being and boundaries. At Kattencafé Stripe, running after the cats, lifting them abruptly, rousing them from slumber, or attempting to interact when they’re not inclined, is discouraged.

Visitors may not always fully grasp this stance, but it’s a genuinely positive aspect. I’ve encountered cat cafés where the cats’ needs took a backseat to customers, and as a result, the feline residents seemed extremely unhappy.

The menu

When it comes to food at a cat café, the experience can often be hit or miss. However, at Kattencafé Stripe, it’s undoubtedly a hit. The menu offerings are simple and straightforward (and went for a sandwich with house-made egg salad and a latte), but the food is tasty and made with love. It’s also less expensive than what you would expect from a cat café.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the items you can find on their menu:

Lunch Options:

• Tosti: A classic grilled sandwich with ham and cheese.
• Luxe Tosti: A gourmet twist on the tosti with goat cheese, raw ham, honey, and thyme.
• Caprese Panini: A panini filled with mozzarella, tomato, green pesto, and basil.
• Broodje Brie met Honing: A sandwich with brie, arugula, walnuts, and honey.
• Broodje Tonijnsalade: A sandwich with house-made tuna salad and arugula.
• Broodje Eiersalade: A sandwich with house-made egg salad and arugula.
• Italiaans Broodje: A sandwich with cheese, salami, arugula, mayo, and tomato.
• Club-Sandwich: A toast with smoked chicken, mayo, bacon, tomato, and arugula.
• Vega/Vegan Broodje: A sandwich with hummus, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and onion.

Gebak (Pastries):

• A variety of sweet treats like homemade brownies, apple pie, vegan banana bread, cheesecake, red-velvet cake, and muffins.

Warme Dranken (Hot Drinks):

• A wide selection of coffee and tea options.

Koude Dranken (Cold Drinks):

• Cold beverages such as Ice Tea, Coca Cola, Sinas (Orange Soda), Water, Melk (Milk), Chocolade Melk (Chocolate Milk), Fristi, Appelsap (Apple Juice), and Verse Jus d’Orange (Fresh Orange Juice).

Extra’s:

• The café offers various High Tea options, including regular, vegan, and luxury versions. These include an assortment of treats like brownies, cupcakes, bonbons, boterkoek (butter cake), wraps with chicken and cream cheese, and more. The vegan options include items like berry crumble tart), hummus wraps, and more.

Practical information

Address

Kattencafé Stripe, Vriesestraat 110, 3311 NS Dordrecht, Netherlands.

Opening hours

The opening hours of Kattencafé Stripe in Dordrecht are as follows:

• Tuesday: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
• Wednesday: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
• Thursday: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
• Friday: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
• Saturday: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
• Monday and Sunday: Closed

Reservations

As you can see from the photos, it was quiet at the cat café when I visited on a Wednesday afternoon. However, cat cafés can fill up quickly, and it’s always best to reserve your spot beforehand to avoid having to wait in line.

How to get to Kattencafé Stripe in Dordrecht?

Dordrecht is a smaller city compared to larger metropolitan areas like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. This means you can easily find your way by foot.

Here are step-by-step directions to get to Kattencafé Stripe from Dordrecht Train Station by foot:

• Exit Dordrecht Train Station and head northwest toward Stationsplein. This will be right in front as you exit the train station.
• Keep going straight onto Johan de Wittstraat.
• Walk along Johan de Wittstraat for about 400 meters (0.25 miles).
• When you arrive at the shop MediaMarkt, turn right into Veste.
• Walk along the water until you see Vriesestraat on your left.
• You’ll find the cat café at Vriesestraat 110. Keep your eyes out for it because the sign is very discreet (I walked right past it).

Kattencafé Stripe is located in the center of Dordrecht, and the stroll between the train station and the cat café will take around 10 minutes.

What else to do in Dordrecht

For those seeking more than a cat café experience, here are some valuable suggestions I gathered from the cat café owner, a dedicated volunteer, and some engaged customers:

1. Dordrecht Minster or Church of Our Lady (Grote Kerk of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk): As one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Dordrecht Minster stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectural grandeur. Its stunning Gothic design and imposing presence make it a must-visit for both history enthusiasts and admirers of fine craftsmanship. The church’s rich history reflects the city’s evolution, making it an important cultural and religious symbol that offers visitors a glimpse into Dordrecht’s past.
2. Biesbosch: Nature lovers and outdoor adventurers will be drawn to the Biesbosch, a unique freshwater tidal area that spans a maze of waterways, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife. This sprawling natural reserve offers an escape into tranquility, where visitors can engage in activities such as kayaking, birdwatching, and hiking. Biesbosch’s pristine beauty and ecological significance make it an invaluable gem for sustainable tourism and a perfect retreat from urban life.
3. Fluisterboot (Whisper Boat): Embark on a serene journey through Dordrecht’s intricate network of canals and waterways aboard a “Fluisterboot.” This experience offers a unique perspective of the city’s charming architecture and historical sites. The hushed glide of the boat allows for quiet contemplation, enabling travelers to appreciate the city’s beauty in a leisurely manner.
4. National Museum of Education: Delve into the evolution of education at the National Museum of Education, where interactive exhibits and historical artifacts illuminate the progression of learning methods and tools. This museum not only offers a fascinating insight into the educational journey but also encourages visitors to reflect on the transformative power of knowledge and its role in shaping societies.
5. Dordts Patriciërshuis: Dordts Patriciërshuis is an exquisite mansion that provides a window into the opulent lifestyles of Dordrecht’s affluent residents during the 18th century. The meticulously preserved interiors and intricate decor allow visitors to imagine the elegant gatherings and cultural influences that once flourished within its walls. This museum offers a captivating glimpse into Dordrecht’s aristocratic past and the city’s historical tapestry.
6. Dordrecht’s alleyways: Exploring the alleyways of Dordrecht as a tourist offers a unique glimpse into the city’s historical and cultural heritage. As you stroll through these narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter well-preserved buildings, traditional architecture, and a sense of the city’s past that dates back centuries. These alleyways are home to a variety of shops, cafes, and local businesses, giving you the opportunity to experience the authentic local life of Dordrecht. Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or simply soaking in the local atmosphere, wandering through Dordrecht’s alleyways is a rewarding experience that offers a deeper understanding of the city’s identity.

Monique recommends you stay for at least two days.

Tip: Go back to Stripe the following day for your morning coffee and breakfast.

Where to spend the night in Dordrecht?

If you’re planning an overnight stay in Dordrecht, particularly close to Kattencafé Stripe, Monique has some great recommendations for high-value options:

1. Van Der Valk Hotel Dordrecht Located at Laan van Europa 1600, Van Der Valk Hotel offers a comfortable and luxurious stay in Dordrecht. With modern amenities, spacious rooms, and a range of facilities, it’s an excellent option for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves delicious meals, and guests can enjoy the wellness center, fitness facilities, and even rent bicycles to explore the city and its surroundings.
2. Hotel Dordrecht Situated at Stationsplein 1, Hotel Dordrecht is conveniently located near the train station, making it a great choice for travelers arriving by public transport. The hotel provides cozy rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a budget-friendly option with easy access to the city center, allowing visitors to explore attractions, restaurants, and shops within walking distance.
3. Villa Augustus A unique accommodation option, Villa Augustus is found at Oranjelaan 7. This charming hotel is housed within a former water tower and features creatively designed rooms that showcase a blend of rustic and modern aesthetics. The lush gardens and on-site market provide a tranquil ambiance. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining in the restaurant.

Conclusion: is Kattencafé Stripe in Dordrecht worth visiting?

Every cat café holds its own charm, no doubt about it. However, Kattencafé Stripe boasts several noteworthy attributes that set it apart. Firstly, the expansive layout is a standout feature; ample space ensures that even during peak times, you’ll have the freedom to move about comfortably and engage with the cats. What’s more, its central location within Dordrecht’s heart makes it effortlessly accessible and a breeze to locate on foot. The cats themselves are absolute darlings, a reflection of the warm-hearted nature of Monique and her dedicated volunteers. Beyond the feline residents, the culinary offerings add an extra layer of delight. I’ve personally relished a delectable lunch and savored some truly fine coffee. So, if you ever find yourself in Dordrecht, I highly recommend you visit Kattencafé Stripe.

Text and photos by Vanessa Morgan.

English version / version française

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