Last Updated on 15 September 2025 by Vanessa
Imagine a city break by the Belgian seaside… and coming home with a new cat. That’s exactly what could happen at BaristaCat Oostende.
This cat café is home to a group of rescue cats waiting for adoption. Every drink and snack here doubles as a donation, because the money from your drink goes straight to food, care, and shelter for the cats.
Need another excuse to stop by? Here’s everything you should know before you visit.
BaristaCat Oostende: a cat café by the Belgian seaside
The inspiration behind BaristaCat Oostende
BaristaCat Oostende was founded by local entrepreneur Xavier Troisi.
The idea goes back to 2019, when a stray kitten showed up at De Crayon, Xavier’s other café in Ostend.
At first, Xavier waited to see if someone would claim the cat. No one did, so he took the animal in, had him chipped, and named him Primus.
The cat quickly became part of the café’s daily life… and a bit of a neighborhood mascot.
Guests would sit on the terrace with fish platters from the nearby Visserskaai, always knowing they’d have to share a little with Primus.
In March 2025, Primus sadly disappeared and was later found dead. But the bond between Xavier and Primus sparked something bigger.
Xavier began to wonder: were people coming for the café, or for the cat?
That question planted the seed for the non-profit Fellini and the cat café BaristaCat Oostende, which opened its doors in 2022 and became the very first cat café on the Belgian seaside.
Where do the cats come from?
Unlike many cat cafés that act only as foster homes, BaristaCat Oostende is an actual shelter. The city of Ostend often brings in stray cats, and locals also drop off unwanted litters or cats they’ve found.
That means the number of cats in the café changes all the time.
On my first visit, just after opening, there were only three cats, and none of them were in the mood for photos. The second time I stopped by, at least ten were darting around the place.
To make sure there’s always feline company, BaristaCat now has two permanent residents: Diesel (the black-and-white cat) and Gigi (the light ginger). They’re not up for adoption, but they keep the café lively no matter what.
The adoption process
The shelter cats stay at the cat café until they’re ready for their forever families. Meeting them in a relaxed café setting helps visitors connect, and often adoption feels like the natural next step.
So how does the adoption process work?
It always starts with an intake chat.
The goal is to see if there’s a good match between the cat and the adopter, and to make sure the person understands the responsibility that comes with adopting an animal. Caring for a cat can be costly if health issues come up, so it’s important people are prepared.
Adoptions never happen on impulse either. BaristaCat always gives a few days to think it over. And as Xavier explains, “We believe the cat should choose its owner, too. If a shy cat suddenly climbs onto someone’s lap, that’s usually a good sign.”
The menu is simple: coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, crisps, and chocolate. Nothing fancy. “We want the focus to be on the cats, not the food,” Xavier told Traveling Cats. “We’re not doing the vegan or organic thing here.”
BaristaCat Oostende does have its own beer, made with actual catnip. It’s called Catnipper.
Every euro you spend at the cat café goes straight to the cats’ care. No salaries, no profit—just volunteers keeping the café running.
📍 Since BaristaCat Oostende relies on the support of volunteers and donations from the local community, it’s always a good idea to leave extra tips to support the cats’ care or to help with donations of cat food and litter.
Activities
In addition to enjoying a drink in the company of cats, BaristaCat Oostende also hosts special events, such as brunches, game nights, and discussion evenings. These activities build a sense of community and help raise extra funds for the cats’ care and wellbeing.
Practical information
Address
BaristaCat Oostende, Louisastraat 4, 8400 Ostend, Belgium.
The cat café sits right in the heart of the city, surrounded by restaurants, cafés, hotels, and shops. It’s also just a minute from the beach.
Opening times
BaristaCat Oostende is open daily from 01:00 pm – 06:00 pm.
Reservations
Walk-ins only. No need to book ahead.
Q&A
Is there an entrance fee?
No.
Are children welcome?
Yes.
Where should I stay in Ostend?
Ostend is the busiest seaside resort in Belgium, with plenty of hotels, hostels, and other places to stay. These are my top picks:
Hotel Bero
- Address: Hotel Bero, Hofstraat 1/A, 8400 Ostend, Belgium.
- Book here!
This beautiful hotel has been my go-to in Ostend for years. It ticks all the boxes: a wellness area with an indoor pool and sauna, a generous and varied breakfast buffet, and a cozy bar with over 100 types of whiskey.
On top of that, it’s eco-friendly and proudly carries the Green Key label.
It’s just around the corner from BaristaCat. If you’re in town to visit the café, this is the perfect base.
Hotel Europe
- Address: Hotel Europe, Kapucijnenstraat 52, 8400 Ostend, Belgium.
- Book here!
Hotel Europe sits right across the street from Hotel Bero. It’s a solid second option: comfortable, central, and similar in style. It doesn’t quite have the same polish as Bero, but still makes a great alternative.
Where should I eat in Ostend?
If you’re visiting BaristaCat Oostende, there are some great restaurants just a short walk away. Here are three of my favorites:
El Greco – Greek
Address: El Greco, Langestraat 55b, 8400 Ostend, Belgium.
El Greco is one of the best Greek restaurants in Belgium. The menu has all the classics: moussaka, souvlaki, fresh seafood, etc. I always go for the vegetarian mezze.
What really sets El Greco apart is the live music. Really fun.
El Mariachi – Mexican
Address: El Mariachi, Kapucijnenstraat 44, 8400 Ostend, Belgium.
This is one of the few places in Belgium where you can try huitlacoche, a rare Mexican delicacy made from corn fungus. The menu is full of classic Mexican dishes, all served in a vibrant space with friendly service. If you’re craving real Mexican flavor, this is the place.
Ati – Afghan
Address: Ati, Louisastraat 14, 8400 Ostend, Belgium.
Ati serves rich, flavorful Afghan cuisine. The dishes are full of unique spices and authentic taste. The warm, welcoming vibe makes it one of my favorite restaurants in Ostend.
All three restaurants are within walking distance of BaristaCat Oostende.
Final thoughts
I’m always up for helping cats, and that alone makes BaristaCat worth a stop the next time you’re in Ostend.
In just four years (their birthday is October 4), they’ve already found forever homes for 115 cats. That’s 115 lives changed—and a mission worth supporting.
Even if you don’t plan to adopt, simply dropping in for a drink helps, since every penny goes directly to the cats.
However, remember that BaristaCat is a shelter first. The focus is on the cats, not on fancy décor or specialty drinks. And yes, it smells like cats inside. I don’t mind at all, but it might surprise anyone expecting a polished coffee bar.
As for me, I’ll always stop by when I’m in Ostend, just to say hi to the cats again and to help support them.
By the way, this October 4, BaristaCat is celebrating its birthday with a special brunch and launching a crowdfunding campaign to buy an air purifier and cooler. They’ll even have pralines with their logo, with proceeds going straight to food, litter, and care for the cats. Will you be visiting and supporting?
Looking for more cat cafés in Belgium?
Check out Chez Miss Miaouw in Namur, which is Xavier’s personal favorite. “It feels just like home, and the owners are so friendly,” he says.
However, it’s only one of the many cat cafés Xavier has visited in Belgium, having also been to Cat Café Antwerp, Le New Chattouille in Brussels, Merlix in Liège, Puss and Books in Bruges, and many others.
In total, there are 22 cat cafés across Belgium, and you can find them all here.
Additionally, I’ve reviewed many other cat cafés from all over the world here on Traveling Cats, so feel free to check them out.
Have you ever been to BaristaCat Oostende? Or do you do something in your own way to help animals in need? Leave a comment and share your thoughts; I’d love to hear from you.
And if you really want to support the cats, spread the word by sharing this article. The more people who know about BaristaCat Oostende, the more cats can find homes, and the more feline lives will be improved.
A chilling read for spooky season
With the weather starting to cool down and the spooky season almost upon us, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a creepy read, especially one that takes place by the Belgian seaside.
The Strangers Outside follows two families who retreat to a holiday cottage in Westende, but what should be a peaceful getaway turns into a terrifying night when mysterious figures appear outside their door.
A thriller that will leave you uneasy long after you’ve finished.
The Strangers Outside is available from Amazon.
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6 responses
I would be there everyday to love on the kitties. A hug Awww.
Thank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Awww Monday and week. ♥
This sounds like the most magical place – and by the ocean, as well!!
I love their setup. And the second cat in this article looks so much like my Star.
If I ever get to Belgium, and I want to someday, I will make a visit here a priority.
If I went to a cat cafe, I would probably never leave, LOL. Thanks so much for sharing about this fun spot. Stopping in from PoCoLo and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
What a lovely concept. Thank you for sharing with #pocolo