Belgium is a tiny country, with a population of approximately 11.4 million residents and spanning only 30,689 square kilometers (11,849 square miles). Yet there are currently 19 (!) different cat cafés in Belgium (known as “bar à chats” in French and “kattencafé” in Dutch). If you’re planning a trip to Belgium or are a resident seeking a cat café experience but don’t know where to begin, this guide is here to help you navigate the purr-fect choices.
9 must-visit cat cafés in Belgium
BaristaCat in Ostend
Opened in 2022, BaristaCat has since provided a home for numerous stray cats. Unfortunately, this is the least cozy cat café I’ve ever been to. Nonetheless, their commendable mission to find homes for as many strays as possible makes it a worthwhile cause.
Situated conveniently in the heart of Ostend, near the beach and surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops, a visit to BaristaCat ensures that every penny spent contributes to aiding these cats in need.
Address: BaristaCat, Louisastraat 4, 8400 Ostend, Belgium.
B’Aristokat in Kortrijk
B’Aristokat in Kortrijk is conveniently located in the shopping center. It’s a popular spot among students who enjoy studying here in the company of the cats. On weekends, it mainly attracts families.
Address: B’Aristokat, O.L. Vrouwestraat 9, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium.
Cat Café Antwerp
Established in December 2023, Cat Café Antwerp stands as the city’s premier cat-centric destination. It boasts a convenient location near shops and tourist attractions and is easily accessible via public transport. The café is committed to finding forever homes for as many cats as possible through collaborations with the local adoption center Huppeldepup VZW. By crafting a welcoming environment for both felines and humans, Cat Café Antwerp aims to foster genuine connections and friendships between them.
Address: Cat Café Antwerp, Sint-Katelijnevest 50, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.
Cats & Cups in Mechelen
At Cats & Cups in Mechelen, you can indulge in a wide range of beverages, including various types of hot chocolate, tea, coffee, chai, and even refreshing soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava.
All the feline residents have been lovingly adopted from the Dierenopvangcentrum Zemst animal shelter and are eagerly awaiting their forever homes.
Address: Cats & Cups, Désiré Boucherystraat 7/8, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium.
Chacolathé in Andenne
Chacolathé in Andenne is more than just a cat café. It’s a world that combines relaxation, indulgence, and cats. These felines have life all figured out! They invite you to be more in tune with yourself. The natural and home-made pastries (including gluten-free and lactose-free options) will enhance your moments in the Chacolathé lounge. A purr…fectly charming place.
Address: Chacolathé, Avenue Roi Albert 62, 5300 Andenne, Belgium.
Chez Miss Miaouw in Namur
A cozy city such as Namur needs a cozy cat café, and Chez Miss Miaouw is just that. It’s conveniently located right next to all the must-see attractions, restaurants, and shops – but chances are you won’t want to leave their cuddly cats. Also, Chez Miss Miaouw goes the extra mile to decorate their interior for events such as Halloween and Christmas.
Address: Chez Miss Miaouw, Rue des Brasseurs 8, 5000 Namur, Belgium.
Complètement Félin in La Louvière
Complètement Félin in La Louvière holds the distinction of being the first cat café in the province of Hainaut. This cat café has a noble mission; it houses previously homeless feline companions who are now ready for adoption, eagerly awaiting their forever homes.
Address: Complètement Félin, Rue Kéramis 75, La Louvière, Belgium.
Cup Cats in Brussels
Brussels’ new cat café opened its doors in 2024 and is situated right in the middle of the city center, in close proximity to many other cat-centric establishments such as Mokafé, Café Au Soleil, and many of the restaurants with resident cats.
Address: Cup Cats, Rue des Dominicains / Predikherenstraat 14, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
DreamCATchers in Ghent
DreamCATchers in Ghent is where dreams come true for both cats and cat lovers. This cat café offers a serene oasis where you can savor a cup of aromatic coffee while bonding with their resident cats. With a focus on comfort and relaxation, it’s the purrfect place to unwind. The resident felines are all previous shelter cats and are available for adoption.
Address: DreamCATchers, Baudelokaai 13, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Kat op Schoot in Tongeren
The cat adoption café Kat op Schoot in Tongeren invites you to cuddle with their friendly feline residents. A warm and inviting space, this cat café is all about relaxation and the joy of spending quality time with adorable cats that are waiting to be adopted.
Address: Kat op Schoot, Blaarstraat 99, 3700 Tongeren, Belgium.
Kattencafé Katmosfeer in Antwerp
Opened in 2024.
Address: Kattencafé Katmosfeer, Korte Nieuwstraat 8, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium.
Kuro Neko in Kortrijk (closed)
Although Kuro Neko is now closed, it will forever be remembered for its Japanese-inspired cat café and their 11 cuddly cats (also with Japanese names). The cat café has been replaced by B’Aristokat, located in the same street.
Address: Kuro Neko, O.L. Vrouwestraat 20, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium.
Le New Chattouille in Brussels
Le New Chattouille is a tiny, green-colored cat café in the heart of the St. Gilles neighborhood in Brussels. This establishment has a heartwarming mission: serving as an intermediary between the local shelter Ever’y Cat and those eager to welcome a new furry companion into their lives. The café acts as a vital link, offering these once homeless and now rehabilitated cats a chance at finding their forever homes. It’s a place where stories of second chances and new beginnings come to life.
Address: Le New Chattouille, Rue Tasson-Snel 11, 1060 St. Gilles, Belgium.
Lierse Aaikes in Lier
At Lierse Aaikes, you can drop by for a delicious cup of coffee or a “Kitty Brunch.” This, in the company of seven adorable cats who call the cat café their forever home.
Address: Lierse Aaikes, Rechtestraat 37, 2500 Lier, Belgium.
MangaKat in Brussels (closed)
MangaKat was located in the Saint-Josse-ten-Noode neighborhood of Brussels, It is now closed but is fondly remembered for its unique fusion of Art Nouveau decor, large manga book collection, and delightful cats.
Address: MangaKat, Rue Royale 316, 2010 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Belgium.
MAU in Genk
MAU is a cat café in Genk, a city located in the northeastern part of Belgium, in the province of Limburg, Here, everything revolves around authenticity; what they serve is 100% plant-based and lovingly homemade. The interior of MAU is contemporary and sleek, inspired by an edgy living room setting mixed with a touch of ‘urban jungle.’ All of this creates a stylish ambiance without the typical ‘crazy cat lady’ feeling, but always with the well-being of their cats as their top priority.
They currently have five resident cats: Zadie, Ona, Izzie, Tua, and Oscar.
Address: MAU, Molenstraat 17, 3600 Genk, Belgium.
Merlix in Liège
The keyword here is quality! At Merlix, you can savor sophisticated drinks such as gourmet coffees and hot chocolates, as well as bowls of healthy vegetarian or non-vegetarian food, smoothies, and Japanese pancakes. What’s more, the little bundles of fur come from a shelter (Animal Sans Logis) and can therefore be adopted.
Address: Merlix, Rue des Clarisses 50, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
Poescafé in Leuven
Poescafé in Leuven is a cozy and welcoming cat café that celebrates the joys of feline companionship. With comfortable seating, a selection of drinks, and a tranquil atmosphere, it’s a great place to relax and unwind.
Address: Poescafé, Parkstraat 14, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Puss and Books in Bruges (temporarily closed)
Puss and Books in Brugge offers the perfect blend of literature and feline companionship. Enjoy a good book, a warm beverage, and the serene presence of their cats, making it a haven for bookworms and cat lovers alike.
Address: Puss and Books, Eezelstraat 35, 8000 Bruges, Belgium.
Conclusion – Cat cafés in Belgium
There you have it, an exhaustive list of all the cat cafés in Belgium. Have you visited any of these “bars à chats” or “kattencafés”? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below, and feel free to share your photos on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
If you’re looking to explore even more cat cafés, neighboring countries like the Netherlands, France, and Germany also have a fantastic selection of feline-friendly spots waiting to be discovered.
How a Belgian Cat became an international icon
Meet Avalon, the world-famous cat from Belgium, whose adventures have captured hearts around the globe. In his memoir, Avalon by Vanessa Morgan, the charismatic cat shares his extraordinary journey from a beloved pet to an international movie star and cartoon character. This heartwarming and humorous tale gives readers a glimpse into the life of a cat who became a worldwide sensation.
Available in both English and French, Avalon’s story is a must-read for any cat lover or anyone fascinated by the world of animal celebrities. Don’t miss the chance to dive into the memoir of this legendary Belgian feline and discover the magic behind his rise to fame!