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Last Updated on 29 December 2023 by Vanessa

The story behind Cats & Cups in Mechelen is such an inspiring one.

For years, founder Axelle faced numerous challenges before opening her little cat café. But despite the obstacles, she persevered.

Since Cats & Cups opened its doors on April 4, 2023, they’ve found loving homes for 72 rescue cats, including some elderly ones – all in just eight months.

Curious to learn more about this charming cat café, its mission, and the inspiration driving it? Then grab a hot drink and read on.

Table of Contents show

Welcome to cat café Cats & Cups in Mechelen

The inspiration behind Cats & Cups

Everything started back when Axelle was studying animal care in Ghent. She and her friends used to hang out at this place called DreamCATchers, one of the first of its kind in Belgium. Axelle loved the idea of not just having a café with cats but also giving a new home to rescues who needed one.

But turning that dream into reality took time.

She initially took a job as an animal caregiver at the Planckendael Zoo near Mechelen but quickly faced a burnout. That’s when her cat café dream started coming back to life. She found this perfect spot on Désiré Boucherystraat in Mechelen, just a stone’s throw away from her house, but when she reached out, someone else had already grabbed it.

But Axelle didn’t give up. While drafting her business plan and figuring out all the details of her cat café, she followed a Felinova course in cat behavior and trained as a barista.

To get inspired, she checked out other cat cafés in Belgium, like Poescafé in Leuven, B’Aristokat in Kortrijk, and Mau in Genk.

Then, miraculously, Axelle’s dream location on Désiré Boucherystraat became available again. This time, she succeeded in signing the lease, and now, her cat café Cats & Cups calls this place home.

The beginning wasn’t without challenges. During the opening, the electricity went out in the entire Désiré Boucherystraat, and three weeks later, the boiler burst, flooding the entire café.

But when you step into Cats & Cups, you can just feel the love that went into creating this cat café.

The café cats

Since Cats & Cups opened eight months ago, they found forever homes for 72 rescue cats, including some with challenges or in their golden years.

The café accommodates up to 12 cats at once. They come from the animal shelter Dierenopvangcentrum Zemst and are all avalable for adoption. The café gladly takes in shy and older felines, too. There was even a 15-year-old cat recently, and it’s happily settled in a forever home now.

Thinking of adopting a cat?

Stop by Cats & Cups, and perhaps, your new four-legged friend will be eagerly awaiting your arrival.

If there’s a good match, two intake interviews will be scheduled. This way, potential adoptive families can take the time to think about their decision. In any case, a cat is always reserved for you during this time, so you don’t have to worry that your new fluffy friend will go to someone else.

Even after the adoption, Axelle and her colleague Jirka remain available to make the transition from stray to a new home as smooth as possible. Their expertise in feline behavior is there to support and assist.

The interior

For a cat café, Cats & Cups is quite spacious.

There are plenty of tables for you to leisurely savor a cup of coffee, complemented by a cozy sitting area with a sofa. You have ample space to walk around and get acquainted with the cats.

The feline residents enjoy a variety of cat furniture and toys. There’s a large area at the back of the café where the cats can retreat, far away from all the people if they feel the need.

Everything at Cats & Cups is homemade, from the wooden benches to the cat furniture hanging on the wall.

The café is also wheelchair accessible.

Workshops and events

Cats & Cups regularly hosts workshops and talks on cat behavior, along with fun events like yoga with cats, game nights, and creative workshops (such as how to craft your own cat bed).

Practical information

Address

Cats & Cups, Désiré Boucherystraat 7/9, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium.

How to get to the café?

Cats & Cups is in the middle of downtown Mechelen, super close to all the shops and attractions. It takes a bit more than ten minutes on foot to reach the café from Mechelen’s train station.

When you exit the station, head northeast toward Koningin Astridlaan.
Turn left and walk for about 190 meters (0.118 miles).
Turn right onto Leopoldstraat and continue for approximately 350 meters (0.217 miles).
Turn left onto Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat and walk for about 220 meters (0.137 miles).
Continue straight onto Grote Markt, passing St. Rumbold’s Cathedral on your left.
Cross the Grote Markt and take the street called Bruul on the other side.
Walk along Bruul for about 400 meters (0.249 miles).
Turn right onto Désiré Boucherystraat. Cats & Cups is on your right.

Opening hours

Monday: Closed.
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
Sunday: Closed.

Reservations

Cats & Cups is a walk-in café, so reserving a spot is not required. However, the place can get really busy on weekends, so making a reservation for that time is recommended.

Rules

Just like in other cat cafés, there are several rules in place to ensure the cats stay healthy and happy:

Sanitize your hands upon entry to prevent the cats of the café from getting sick.
Allow the resident cats a moment to sniff your hand, and preferably, let them come to you.
Avoid picking them up; they’re not big fans of it.
Do not feed the cats cake or other human food.
Refrain from using flash when taking photos.
Keep a close eye on children under 12 years old.
Do not enter the special cat rooms at the back of the café; these are reserved for cats seeking some peace and quiet.

Other things to do in Mechelen for a perfect day trip

Are you traveling a long way and don’t want to make the trip to Mechelen just for the cat café?

No problem. Mechelen is a beautiful city, and there’s a lot of other things to check out. Here are some top spots recommended by the city guide in Mechelen (who, by the way, is a Cats & Cups regular):

Climb the 536 steps of the Romboutstoren: This medieval bell tower with a UNESCO World Heritage-designation soars to a height of 97 meters and stands as a key landmark in the cityscape. Constructed over several centuries, it showcases a mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque and Brabantine Gothic. If you are sporty enough to climb its 536 steps to the top, you’ll be rewarded with the best panoramic views of Mechelen and the surrounding area, going even as far as Brussels. The tower is also known for its impressive carillon, which ranks among the world’s oldest and contains an extensive collection of bells, making Romboutstoren a significant cultural and historical symbol in Mechelen.

Explore Speelgoedmuseum (Toy Museum): The Toy Museum of Mechelen showcases a diverse collection of toys from different eras, providing visitors with a nostalgic and educational experience. Exhibits include dolls, board games, model trains, and various interactive displays that engage both children and adults.

See the Holocaust Museum: Another interesting museum is the Kazerne Dossin Memorial, Museum and Documentation Center on Holocaust and Human Rights, located in the former Mechelen transit camp. This institution commemorates the deportation of Jews and Roma from Belgium during World War II and focuses on promoting awareness of human rights.

Take a boat trip on the Dijle river: The Dijle is the lifeblood of Mechelen. By taking a boat trip on the river, you’ll learn more about the landmarks along the banks, interspersed with facts and anecdotes about Mechelen’s history.

Attend an exhibition at Hof van Busleyden: This Renaissance city palace was built in the early 16th century and has been repurposed into a museum and cultural center, with exhibitions covering topics such as the Burgundian lifestyle, the Renaissance, and contemporary art.

Walk around Begijnhof: Begijnhof is a well-preserved and picturesque beguinage, traditionally inhabited by beguines (women who dedicated themselves to a religious life without taking formal vows). It features charming cobblestone streets, quaint houses, and a tranquil garden.

Go shopping: Mechelen is a pleasant destination for a day of shopping. The city offers a charming and compact shopping district with a mix of well-known brands, boutique stores, and specialty shops. The main shopping streets include Bruul, IJzerenleen, and Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat, where you can find a variety of fashion, accessories, and unique items. Mechelen’s city center also features quaint squares and atmospheric alleys with local shops, making the shopping experience more diverse and enjoyable.

Take a guided tour: A guided tour can be a fun and educational way to explore the city of Mechelen. You can check out all the available options here.

If you’re staying overnight in Mechelen, consider exploring another cat café in a nearby city the following day. For instance, you can check out Lierse Aaikes in Lier (around 14 kilometers or 8.7 miles from Mechelen) or Le New Chattouille in Brussels (approximately 22 kilometers or 13.67 miles from Mechelen).

Where to stay in Mechelen?

Van der Valk Hotel Mechelen comes highly recommended.

This trendy hotel is approximately 2.5 km from Mechelen train station and within walking distance from Cats & Cups.

It features a fitness center, a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a coffee machine, a safe, etc. Some rooms also have a kitchen with a refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven.

Book your stay at Van der Valk Hotel Mechelen now!

Address: Van der Valk Hotel Mechelen, 1 Rode-Kruisplein, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium.

Conclusion – Is Cats & Cups worth your time?

Absolutely. Cats & Cups is a delightful cat café that exudes love for both its customers and its feline residents.

If you’re in Belgium and are considering adopting a cat, it’s a must-visit. Who knows, your purr-fect furry companion might be waiting there for you. They keep their website updated with info on new cat arrivals, so you can check in advance who you might meet.

Even if you’re not looking to adopt, Cats & Cups is a great way to spend your time. Make it a day trip – explore the city of Mechelen with all its attractions. And when you need a coffee break, drop by Cats & Cups.

And, of course, if you do visit, capture some moments with these adorable kitties and share your photos with us on Facebook or Twitter!