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Last Updated on 30 October 2024 by Vanessa

When exploring Belgium, the city of Kortrijk might not be the first name that springs to mind. However, tucked away in the heart of the historic center lies a magical place that will change the way you view this charming city.

Prepare to be bewitched by the adorable residents of Kuro Neko cat café: 11 feline rulers (and several kittens will soon be joining the crew), each with their unique Asian-inspired names. This article, will look closer at this delightful café and its Japanese-inspired concept.

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Welcome to Kuro Neko cat café in Kortrijk

A tribute to the pioneering cat cafés of Taiwan and Japan

Founded in 2018 by siblings Arne and Birgit Verbeke, Kuro Neko cat café is a tribute to the pioneering cat cafés of Taiwan and Japan.

The name “Kuro Neko” translates to “black cat” in Japanese, setting the tone for the café’s theme.

Every cat residing has a name with an Asian touch, such as Hime, Toshiro, Sano, Sakura, Natsu, Ichigo, Nee-Chan, and more.

This delightful nod to Japanese culture adds an element of intrigue and fascination for cat lovers and those seeking an immersive cultural experience.

A cat’s paradise

Within the walls of this “kattencafé” (cat café) in Kortrijk, a cat’s dream comes to life. The café’s interior is impeccably catified, boasting an array of climbing and scratching options for its furry inhabitants. Countless cat toys fill the space, leaving no doubt that this café is indeed a feline playground.

The giant exercise wheel, a favorite among the resident cats, is a spectacle as the cats whirl around like crazy. The fish-shaped catnip toys also find approval from the discerning feline community, providing endless entertainment for both cats and visitors.

Harmonious co-existence

However, Kuro Neko cat café strives to balance between the comfort of the cats and the pleasure of its guests.

The café’s layout is thoughtfully designed, with two main areas: the entrance/shop offering organic cat food, toys, and even cat wine (a non-alcoholic treat for our furry friends), and the main seating area where visitors can relax and enjoy their drinks and pastries.

As cats are creatures of comfort and privacy, Kuro Neko ensures their litter boxes are discreetly tucked away in a separate retreat room. Here, the feline residents can find solitude and relaxation away from the prying eyes of visitors.

Cat books

In the seating area, you’ll find an extensive collection of cat books, including titles like Avalon, Catfulness, Cat vs. Human, and many more.

Food and drinks

Beyond the feline wonders, Kuro Neko cat café caters to its human guests with a wide selection of teas, coffees, and homemade lemonades. Pastries add a nice touch to the experience, but arrive early, as these delectable treats tend to fly off the shelves during weekends.

By the way, how cute are those mugs?

Respecting feline royalty

Like any kingdom, there are rules to ensure the well-being and comfort of the feline residents and the café’s visitors. Some of the rules to follow at the cat café include:

No flash photography: Do not use flash photography because this may startle or disturb the cats.
Gentle interaction: While the cats at the café are usually friendly and enjoy human company, it’s essential to approach them with gentleness and respect their personal space. Avoid picking them up without permission, and let the cats come to you if they feel comfortable.
Respect the cats’ slumber: Do not disturb them while they sleep. Remember, a well-rested and content cat is more likely to interact when awake and active.
Avoid feeding the cats: Even though it might be tempting to share your food with the adorable felines, it’s important not to feed them any human food. The café provides specific cat-friendly treats and food to meet their dietary needs.
Wash hands before and after interaction: To maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of germs, visitors have to wash their hands before and after interacting with the cats. Hand sanitizers are available.
Do not visit with children: Children under the age of eight are not allowed inside the café. While most young children are gentle and respectful towards the cats, this measure ensures the cats’ well-being and tranquility, as some past incidents necessitated the implementation of this policy.
Limit the duration of visits: It is best not to stay for several hours to prevent overwhelming the cats with too many visitors. This allows the cats to have sufficient rest periods throughout the day.

Feline movie nights and yoga with cats

While Kuro Neko is undoubtedly a fun experience on its own, the café occasionally hosts workshops and events, such as movie nights or yoga classes in the company of the purring kitties. These gatherings provide an even deeper connection with the feline world, leaving visitors with cherished memories.

Reservations

Kuro Neko cat café is a real hotspot. Due to its charm and appeal, it’s common to experience a brief wait before securing a spot inside.

The good news is that you don’t need to make a reservation in advance. Kuro Neko warmly welcomes walk-ins, ensuring everyone gets a chance to revel in the company of the adorable feline residents.

So, if you find yourself in Kortrijk, don’t miss the opportunity to bask in the Kuro Neko cat café ambiance, even if you have to wait a little while for the experience.

How to get to Kuro Neko cat café in Kortrijk?

Address: Kuro Neko cat café, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwenstraat 20, Kortrijk, Belgium.

By car (from Brussels)

If you’re planning to visit Kuro Neko cat café by car, follow these step-by-step directions to ensure a smooth journey from Brussels to Kortrijk:

Make your way to the Brussels Ring Road (R0) or any major highway leading to the E40 or E19 motorways.
Take the E40 motorway direction to Ghent/Bruges.
Continue on the E40 for approximately 70 kilometers until you reach the junction with the E403 motorway.
Merge onto the E403 motorway, following signs for Kortrijk.
Stay on the E403 for about 25 kilometers, and then take the exit for Kortrijk-Centrum.
After taking the exit, follow the signs for Kortrijk Centrum and continue straight.
As you enter Kortrijk, keep following the signs for the city center.
Once you reach the city center, navigate towards the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwenstraat (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwen Street) where Kuro Neko cat café is located.

By public transport (from Brussels)

Start your journey at any Brussels train station, such as Brussels Central, Brussels Midi (Brussels-South), or Brussels Nord (Brussels-North). There are regular train services connecting Brussels and Kortrijk. Alight at Kortrijk Station.

From Kortrijk Station, you have several options to reach Kuro Neko:

Option 1: Walk from Kortrijk Station to the café (Approximately 15 minutes)
- Exit Kortrijk Station and head northwest on Stationsplein toward Doorniksestraat.
- Turn right onto Doorniksestraat.
- Continue straight on Doorniksestraat until you reach Onze-Lieve-Vrouwenstraat.
- Turn left onto Onze-Lieve-Vrouwenstraat, and you will find Kuro Neko cat café.
Option 2: Take Bus Line 2 towards Kortrijk Stasegem (Approximately 6 minutes)
- Exit Kortrijk Station, and go to the bus stop “Kortrijk Station Perron 2.”
- Take Bus Line 2 (Direction: Kortrijk Stasegem) and alight at the “Kortrijk Sint-Rochuskerk” bus stop.
- From the bus stop, walk west on Doorniksewijk toward Kapucijnenstraat.
- Turn left onto Kapucijnenstraat and then turn right onto Onze-Lieve-Vrouwenstraat.
- Kuro Neko cat café will be on your left.
Option 3: Take Bus Line 4 towards Kortrijk Station (Approximately 11 minutes)
- Exit Kortrijk Station, and go to the bus stop “Kortrijk Station Perron 2.”
- Take Bus Line 4 (Direction: Kortrijk Station) and alight at the “Kortrijk Station” bus stop.
- Walk west on Doorniksestraat toward Sint-Amandslaan.
- Turn left onto Sint-Amandslaan and then turn right onto Onze-Lieve-Vrouwenstraat.
- Kuro Neko cat café will be on your right.

Opening hours

Kuro Neko cat café is open every day, except Wednesdays, from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm.

Conclusion

Kuro Neko is an extraordinary cat café in the heart of Kortrijk, Belgium, where the world of humans and cats beautifully entwine. This hidden wonder offers a unique experience where visitors can relax, sip on beverages, and revel in the affectionate company of the resident feline royalty.

So, if you ever find yourself in Belgium, add Kuro Neko cat café to your must-visit list and let yourself be enchanted by the magical world of cats.

Share this article with your cat-loving friends on social media, and maybe they will be enticed to join you on a trip to Kuro Neko cat café. If you go, take pictures of the cats to remember your trip, and share them with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Other cat cafés across Belgium

If you’re a cat lover exploring the country, you’re in for a treat! Beyond Kuro Neko cat café in Kortrijk, 18 cat cafés sprinkled across Belgium. Each of these unique establishments offers a purr-fectly wonderful experience that feline enthusiasts won’t want to miss. Here are just a few that will steal your heart:

2023 update: Kuro Neko cat café is no longer active. However, fret not, for Kortrijk now hosts another cat café, B’aristokat, located right in front of where Kuro Neko used to be.

Text and photos by Vanessa Morgan

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Belgium, cat cafés, Kortrijk