Last Updated on 15 November 2024 by Vanessa
Attention, cat lovers! Next time you’re in the Belgian city of Leuven, here’s the purr-fect place for you to grab a cup of coffee and a pastry: Poescafé.
Here’s everything you need to know about this delightful new cat café.
Poescafé in Leuven
The world’s first cat café
In case you wouldn’t know, cat cafés are places where customers can enjoy lunch or coffee with furry friends surrounding them.
They were conceived in Asia to give people who do not have pets the opportunity to spend time with them.
The world’s first cat café, Cat Flower Garden, opened in 1998 in Taipei, Taiwan, and is still running. Taiwan is definitely a cat lover’s place to be as they even have a town dedicated to cats called Houtong.
Beyond the charming atmosphere and culinary offerings, cat cafés have garnered attention for their therapeutic benefits. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) attests to the stress-relieving properties of being in proximity to pets. Interacting with cats has been shown to release oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress reduction, contributing to an overall sense of well-being.
The success of the initial cat café in Taiwan sparked a global trend, leading to the establishment of similar venues in diverse locations. Many cat cafés collaborate with local animal shelters, acting as temporary homes for rescue cats and facilitating adoption efforts. This dual role of providing a therapeutic space for patrons and supporting animal welfare initiatives underscores the multifaceted impact of cat cafés on both human and feline communities.
Moreover, cat cafés continue to evolve, with some incorporating innovative elements like themed décor, interactive toys, and special events. These additions contribute to the diverse and dynamic nature of cat cafés, ensuring that each visit offers a unique and enjoyable experience. As these establishments continue to thrive and expand globally, their influence on fostering positive mental health, community engagement, and animal advocacy remains ever more significant.
Cat cafés in Belgium
Cat cafés have been present in Belgium since 2014.
The first Belgian cat café – Le Chat Touille – opened its doors in Brussels. Since then, Belgian cities such as Kortrijk, Ghent, Liège, La Louvière, Genk, Namur, Tournai, etc, also host establishments where you can have a drink surrounded by cats.
Visit here for an overview of all the cat cafés in Belgium.
How Poescafé started
The idea of opening her own cat cafe came to founder Hanna Buttiens during a beautiful walk in nature.
That same (sleepless) night, she worked out what the ideal cat cafe should look like. She wanted the place to feel like a cozy living room – with snuggly corners, soft lighting, blankets, cat books, air-purifying plants, hot drinks, home-made pastry, and, of course, cuddly little residents.
The word got through to Helena Berben, and, as a fellow animal lover, she too was immediately won over by the idea.
After a few brainstorming sessions, they decided to make their dream a reality.
Meet the cats
Poescafé is currently home to four cats: Lizzie, Lucy, Anna, and Bowie.
At this time, they are not planning to take in another cat, but they are willing to consider the possibility if a shelter cat can’t find its forever home.
Sisters Lizzie and Lucy are the most sociable of the bunch. They often take the initiative to come and cuddle with customers, and they love to sleep on their coats and bags.
They were given to the café by a couple who could no longer take care of them.
Bowie, too, is friendly and cuddly, and he sleeps on people’s laps whenever he can.
Anna, on the other hand, is more aloof. This Ragdoll cat will allow customers to cuddle her, but she can’t hide that she doesn’t like this very much.
The cats need to feel at home, as they “work hard” all day to create a relaxed atmosphere. That is why Poescafé has provided several hiding and resting places for them, both in the café as well as outside in the cat court.
If a cat is unhappy at the café, the owners of Poescafé will find them a new home.
Practical information
Will you consider going to Poescafé next time you’re in Leuven? Here’s some practical information to help you get started.
Address
Poescafé, Parkstraat 14, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Nearby train and bus stops
Leuven Station is about a 15-minute walk away from the cat café.
Several buses of De Lijn stop nearby, including numbers 539, 631, 358, 351, 2, and 13.
Opening hours
Poescafé is open every day, including weekends, from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm. If there’s a lot of demand, they sometimes stay open much longer.
Website
Visit the website of Poescafé to have a look at the menu and to book a table.
While reservations aren’t mandatory, it’s best to book a table beforehand because spaces fill up quickly. During weekends, you’ll often have to wait several hours if you haven’t reserved your spot.
Where to spend the night in Leuven
I’ve stayed at both Hotel Mille Colonnes and Hotel Malon. Both are around the same quality and price-range, and they are both located in front of the train station.
Hotel Mille Colonnes is more modern, with a slightly better service, while Hotel Malon is cozier and has better views.
What else can you do in Leuven?
Restaurants: Leuven is a city for foodies and boasts a diverse culinary scene. The most restaurants are concentrated in the heart of the city, particularly around the Old Market Square (Oude Markt) and the surrounding streets. Here, you’ll find a plethora of eateries ranging from traditional Belgian cuisine to international flavors.
Grand Beguinage (Groot Begijnhof): This UNESCO World Heritage site is a tranquil and well-preserved complex of houses, streets, and gardens dating back to the 13th century.
St. Peter’s Church (Sint-Pieterskerk): A Gothic church with stunning architecture and notable artworks, including The Last Supper by Dirk Bouts.
M-Museum Leuven: A museum featuring a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations of both contemporary and classical art.
University Library (Universiteitsbibliotheek): The building of the University Library is quite impressive, especially its iconic tower, a symbol of Leuven’s historic university.
Stella Artois Brewery: Beer enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a tour of the Stella Artois Brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy tastings of this famous Belgian beer.
Old Market Square (Oude Markt): Experience the lively atmosphere of one of the longest bars in Europe. It’s a perfect spot for socializing and people-watching.
Town Hall (Stadhuis): The ornate Town Hall is a masterpiece of Brabantine late-Gothic architecture, adorned with statues and intricate detailing.
Ladeuzeplein: The open square is home to the impressive university library.
Botanical Garden Kruidtuin: Leuven’s botanical garden features a diverse collection of plants, flowers, and green spaces.
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One Response
I will have to visit one day! I visited the Cat Cafe in Liverpool (UK) last week and I always have a wonderful time there.