Last Updated on 3 January 2024 by Vanessa
Earlier this afternoon, I spotted a heartwarming “couple” in the bustling shopping street Rue Neuve in the heart of Brussels, Belgium: a homeless man with the most adorable white cat perched on his lap.
A streetcat named Hihi
The origin of Hihi’s unique name
The man told me that the cat is named Hihi (pronounced as Chichi) and that both hail from Hungary.
Hihi is a typical Hungarian cat name. The term “hihi” does not have a specific meaning, but it is often used as a nickname or a cute moniker for pets.
A heartwarming bond
The homeless man found Hihi on the streets, and they instantly formed a deep connection.
Observing the charming scene on Rue Neuve, it was hard not to draw parallels with James Bowen’s popular books A Streetcat Named Bob and The World According To Bob. Just like the titular feline characters in those books, Hihi exhibited a remarkable adoration for his homeless owner. The cat’s undeniable affection was evident in the abundance of headbutts and other gestures of love and closeness.
Social butterfly
This man and his white cat quickly captured the attention of passers-by.
Many people stopped to offer Hihi a gentle pat or to exchange a few words with his human.
Hihi reveled in the affectionate gestures bestowed upon him, and he proved to be a social butterfly.
Total trust
Hihi didn’t even need a leash. He embraced his surroundings with a sense of liberty and confidence, going up to passers-by if he noticed they wanted to intereact with him.
Most of all, though, he just wanted to stay close to his owner whom he had clearly chosen as his partner.
Hihi’s visitble trust in the man, coupled with the security of their bond, allowed him to roam freely without ever going out of sight.
Conclusion – Meeting Hihi in Brussels
It was hard not to fall under the spell of this endearing cat (I mean, look at that face!) and the true bond his shared with his kind-hearted owner.
If you ever find yourself in the center of Brussels, make sure to stop by Rue Neuve to greet them.
More cat-friendly places to explore in Brussels
Will you be paying Hihi and his owner a visit? If so, why not explore some other popular places in Brussels that have cats:
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- MangaKat: This is a cozy cat café in the center of Brussels with Art Nouveau decor and a diverse collection of manga titles.
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- Le Chat Touille: Le Chat Touille is a small cat café where feline companions roam freely, offering warmth and companionship to patrons while they enjoy a cup of coffee.
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- Cat Rescue: This shelter provides a loving environment for rescued cats, offering them a chance for a new beginning. Support their noble cause or even find a furry friend to bring home.
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- Mokafe: Mokafé is a beloved café in Brussels known for its excellent food, cozy atmosphere, and… resident cat.
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- Au Soleil: This quaint bar in the center of Brussels exudes a timeless charm and has a very inviting ambiance. It is also the home of an adorable resident feline named Jean-Claude.
Read next: Hungry? These famous Brussels’ restaurants are a cat lover’s dream come true!
Text and photos by Vanessa Morgan
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