Last Updated on 17 January 2026 by Vanessa
Some cats are homebodies. They nap on couches, guard windowsills, and rarely stray far from their food bowl. René is not one of those cats. He’d much rather hang out at deDingen, a café in Kortrijk, Belgium, where the chatter and clinking glasses suit him far better than any living room ever could.
Meet René, the milk-obsessed cat from café deDingen in Kortrijk, Belgium
René’s favorites: milk, naps, and human companionship
René “runs” the café on his own terms. Regular visitors know him as “the boss,” because he keeps things running smoothly, even though he takes plenty of catnaps.
He spends most of his time at the bar, waiting patiently for his favorite thing in the world: milk.
René absolutely adores milk. Say the Dutch word for it, “melk,” and his ears perk up. Any order with milk immediately becomes his business.
He also thrives on human company. René settles next to guests, loves attention, and sometimes turns a customer’s lap into his temporary bed.
About Café deDingen
deDingen draws people in for more than René.
The café serves organic beers and generous breakfasts.
Yet, what truly sets deDingen apart is its unique and innovative concept: trading second-hand items. The very name of the café, “De Dingen,” comes from the Dutch word for “the things.” The name says it all.
You can take home whichever second-hand object you want as long as you exchange it for something else. One object exits, another enters, and the cycle keeps going. This breathes new life into items that once held meaning for others.
The result feels equal parts café and swap shop. It makes people linger longer.
And yes, before you ask—René is not part of the exchange. 🤭
General information
Address: Café deDingen, Budastraat 12, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium.
Opening times
Café deDingen is open every weekday from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Website: https://dedingen.be
Final thoughts
Did you meet René while visiting deDingen? What was he up to when you saw him? If not, what’s the most memorable café cat you’ve met? Share your stories in the comments!
And if René made you smile, pass this article along to a friend who loves cats. Maybe you’ll inspire someone else to meet René in person.
Visit next => Kuro Neko, the cat café of Kortrijk
If one café cat isn’t enough, Kortrijk has another waiting nearby. Kuro Neko is just a short walk from deDingen and centers its entire concept around rescue cats.
The café pairs coffee with the companionship of over ten resident cats.
So, if you need another drink after you visit deDingen, cat café Kuro Neko is the place to be.
Text and photos by Gilles Vranckx
