Last Updated on 17 January 2026 by Vanessa
In Oudergem, one of Brussels’ prettiest neighborhoods, there’s a locksmith shop called Henrard Serrures. People know it for great service—but also for Minus, the shop cat.
Minus runs the place in his own way: greeting customers, supervising the counter, and charming everyone who walks in. Locals talk about him the way they talk about a neighbor, and first-time visitors rarely forget him.
Meet Minus, the feline “manager” of Henrard Serrures in Oudergem
A furry adoption story
Four years ago, pure luck brought Minus to her forever home at Henrard Serrures in Oudergem.
“A close friend suddenly had a whole litter of kittens that needed homes,” says Henrard Serrures owner Luis Rodrigues. “I chose the best one. She stood out right away—sweet, curious, and a little mischievous. I fell for her on the spot, so I decided to adopt her.”
“That simple choice changed the shop in ways I never expected,” Luis explains. “From the day Minus padded through the door and made herself part of the place. She claimed the space, settled into the rhythm of the store, and won over both our customers and our staff. Before long, everyone knew her as the shop’s feline manager—and honestly, the job suits her perfectly.
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Neighborhood favorite
Minus stands out for more than her good looks. She’s friendly, curious, and always on the move.
She takes her shop duties seriously, but she doesn’t stay put for long. Her sense of adventure pulls her out the door and into the neighborhood, where locals often spot her trotting down the street as if she has a full schedule to keep. People smile when they see her. Some stop to say hello. Others just watch her pass like it’s the most normal thing in the world.
She also makes regular visits to nearby shops. Owners welcome her without hesitation, happy to see her wander in and make herself at home. A few even keep treats or toys ready, just in case she decides to drop by.
Minus doesn’t limit herself to storefronts. She visits the neighbors too. She hops onto windowsills to peer inside, or slips into a house and curls up on a bed for an afternoon nap. No one minds. Most people feel lucky when she chooses their place.
Around here, a visit from Minus feels like a small honor.
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Curious companion
When you walk into the shop, you’ll spot Minus right away. She usually curls up on a chair in the customer area, eyes bright and fixed on the door, ready for whoever comes next. She purrs softly, and the whole place instantly feels calmer and more welcoming.
Minus seems to know what people need. She heads straight for anyone who looks like they could use a little comfort, offering a cuddle or leaning in for a gentle scratch. She picks up on stress without trying, and she responds in her own quiet way.
Even on the busiest days, she makes time for people. She trails behind customers, nudges a leg, or rubs against a hand, small gestures that make visitors feel noticed. Nothing about it feels forced. She just shows up.
Most of the time, she sticks to the customer area, but now and then she hops onto the racks to inspect the merchandise, as if she’s double-checking that everything’s in order.
Watching her work, it’s clear she’s more than a shop pet. She belongs here. The staff treats her like part of the team, because she is.
People fall for her fast. I even joked about getting a duplicate of Minus when I asked for extra keys. Luis laughed and said, “Oh no—Minus is far too precious for that.”
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Visit Minus today!
If you’re ever in Oudergem and need a locksmith—or just want to meet Minus—stop by Henrard Serrures.
Address
Henrard Serrures, Chaussée de Wavre 1337, 1160 Oudergem, Belgium.
Opening hours
Henrard Serrures operates on weekdays from Monday to Friday and welcomes customers from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm. However, please note that the store remains closed on weekends.
Minus looks forward to meeting new friends and making your visit to this locksmith store in Oudergem an unforgettable one.
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Final thoughts
Minus’s story says a lot about how strong the bond between people and animals can be. What started as a simple adoption turned her into a local favorite and a true fixture in Oudergem.
So if you find yourself in the neighborhood, don’t miss the chance to meet Minus—the furry manager who gives Henrard Serrures its special spark.
Meet some other charming cats that call Oudergem home
Minus may steal the spotlight at Henrard Serrures, but she’s not the only cat in Oudergem. The neighborhood has its fair share of memorable felines who give the area its unmistakable, cat-loving charm.
So keep your eyes open as you wander through Oudergem. You never know which of these cats you’ll meet next.
Startling news!
According to Auderghem Henrard Serrures’s Facebook page, Minus was stolen (!) in September 2021. 😿 They simply saw someone picking up Minus and running away. They never saw her again.
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