Last Updated on 7 September 2024 by Vanessa

Did you know that Antwerp is home to a café where you can sip a coffee, cozy up with some feline friends, and maybe even head home with a new furry companion? Welcome to Cat Café Antwerp—where every latte comes with a side of purrs!

Whether you’re a cat lover or need a caffeine fix with a whiskered twist, this cafe has got you covered. So, why not make your next coffee run a little more adventurous?

Welcome to Cat Café Antwerp!

Founders and vision

Cat Café Antwerp was founded with a clear mission: to increase cat adoptions by providing a comfortable and engaging environment for both cats and humans, thus reducing the number of homeless cats.

The founders partnered with local animal shelters such as Huppeldepup VZW and Ark Van Pollare VZW to bring this vision to life. Their goal is to provide a temporary home for shelter cats while they await adoption, ensuring they are well cared for and socialized. Cat Café Antwerp is like a cat shelter but with a modern twist.

The café opened its doors in December 2023 and has since helped over 40 shelter cats find loving homes. The owners, Safa Manlayakhaf, a full-time chemistry student, and her partner, Tim Ferwerda, were inspired to start the café after learning about the concept during their city trips.

“Kattencafé Kopjes in Amsterdam was the first cat café we visited,” Safa says.

“My favorite cat café in Belgium? That’s Cats & Cups in Mechelen. I especially love that they have shelter cats for adoption, which isn’t always the case in Belgium. Other favorites are Mau in Genk and Lierse Aaikes in Lier.”

The cats

The cats at Cat Café Antwerp are the true stars of the show!

The café usually hosts around 12 cats. While many of them are social and love interacting with visitors, some are a bit shy and prefer to stay hidden when it gets too busy.

All of them come from partnered animal shelters and are available for adoption. The café offers a warm and stimulating environment where these cats can roam freely, play, and interact with visitors. This setup lets potential adopters see the animals’ real personalities and form a bond before deciding to adopt.

Of course, adoption is entirely optional. You’re welcome to simply drop by for some cuddles with the cats. Even by just ordering a coffee or a bite to eat, you’re still helping support them.

Adoption process

Adopting a cat from Cat Café Antwerp is simple and easy. Visitors can spend time with the cats, and if they find a good match, they can fill out the necessary paperwork to begin the adoption process. The adoption is handled directly by the animal shelter the cat comes from, with Cat Café Antwerp serving only as an intermediary.

The café staff and representatives from the partner shelters are always available to answer questions and guide potential adopters through each step. This approach ensures that every adoption is a good match for both the cat and its new owner, promoting a happy and lasting relationship.

Location and atmosphere

Situated in the heart of Antwerp, the café is designed with both humans and felines in mind. It features comfortable seating, plenty of nooks and crannies for cats to explore, and a serene ambiance that promotes relaxation and bonding.

“I wanted to create a space that feels like a living room,” Safa says. “I love the cozy atmosphere so much that I often stay here after hours to study.”

Menu

“We initially wanted to open a simple coffee bar, but we quickly realized it would be hard to stand out,” Safa explains. “That means we spent a lot of time finding the perfect beans and eventually chose Andy Roasters.”

The rest of the café’s menu is designed to match the cozy, relaxing vibe. Alongside several coffee options, visitors can enjoy teas, chai lattes, matcha lattes, hot chocolate, sodas, homemade lemonades, and iced teas. They also offer light bites, including pastries, cookies, and sandwiches—all made in-house.

House rules

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone—both guests and feline friends—you are asked to follow these simple house rules.

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before touching any of the cats.
• Be mindful of the doors: Make sure one door is always closed when entering or exiting to prevent any sneaky cats from escaping.
• Notify the staff when you’re leaving.
• Children under 13 must be with an adult—one adult for every two children. Adults and kids should stay together while interacting with the cats. Guardians are responsible for their children’s behavior.
• Don’t pick up the cats; some may not like it and could react defensively. Be gentle and respect their boundaries. If a cat walks away, it’s time to stop petting.
• Stay calm and quiet—no running, yelling, or chasing the cats. They get scared easily!
• Feel free to eat and drink, but keep an eye on your items. Cats are curious and may try to sample your food!
• Take as many pictures as you like, but please avoid using flash photography.

Events and activities

In addition to facilitating adoptions, the café is involved in various community initiatives. It hosts events and workshops on animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and cat care. These activities help raise awareness about the challenges faced by homeless animals and encourage community involvement in animal welfare efforts.

They also regularly host events and activities to help bond with the cats. These include cat yoga and cat painting classes.

You may also host your own events (such as birthdays, bachelorettes, weddings, and team building) at the café

What will the future bring?

“We’re committed to continuing to invest in Cat Café Antwerp,” Safa shares. “The café has already come a long way since we opened, and we’re eager to keep improving.”

Plans include partnering with more animal shelters, adding new items to the menu, and hosting more events for the local community.

Practical information

Operating hours

Cat Café Antwerp is open seven days a week, making it accessible for visitors with various schedules. The operating hours are:

• Monday to Friday: 11:00 – 17:00
• Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00

“The best time to visit is early morning,” Safa suggests. “The café is quieter then, so the cats feel more comfortable coming out to interact. They’re also more energetic in the morning, unlike in the evening when they’re usually asleep. Weekends can get quite busy, which isn’t ideal. The cats often hide when large families visit, so it’s best to come during a calmer time.”

Address

Cat Café Antwerp, Sint Katelijnevest 50, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Transportation options

To visit Cat Café Antwerp, you have several transportation options:

By train:

Antwerp Central Station is the main train station in Antwerp and is well-connected with various local and international trains. From Antwerp Central Station, you can walk or take a tram or bus to reach the café.

By tram:

Tram lines that stop nearby are the numbers 4, 7, 9, and 15.

By car:

If you visit Cat Café Antwerp by car, you’ll find parking right in front.

Where to stay?

Safa recommends staying at the nearby Hilton Antwerp Old Town on Groenplaats 32.

Have you ever visited Cat Café Antwerp? Let us know your experience in the comments, and share your photos with our community on Facebook and Twitter.

Want to visit even more cat cafés? Then check out the following articles:

• 18 must-visit cat cafés in Belgium – a purr-fect guide to coffee, cats, and cuddles
• Your ultimate guide to all the cat cafés in the Netherlands

Pin this article about Cat Café Antwerp!

Related Posts

Chez Miss Miaouw – Halloween at the cat café of Namur

29 pictures of adorable cats in Zaventem, Belgium

Cat from Dinant {Belgium}

Cat from Bredene {Belgium}