Cat lovers, have you ever wished that you could enjoy a cup of coffee or a pastry while surrounded by furry friends? Look no further than Poescafé in the Belgian city of Leuven!
Cat cafés are a delightful concept where customers can spend time with cats while enjoying food and drink. They were created to provide people who don’t have pets with the opportunity to spend time with them. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, proximity to pets can relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.
The world’s first cat café, Cat Flower Garden, opened in 1998 in Taiwan and is still running today. Taiwan, in general, is a haven for cat lovers, even boasting an island dedicated to cats called Houtong.
Belgium is also home to many cat cafés, with the first one, Le Chat Touille, opening its doors in Brussels in 2014. Since then, several other cities, including Kortrijk, Ghent, Liège, La Louvière, Namur, Tournai, and Leuven, have followed suit and opened cat cafés.
Founder Hanna Buttiens got the idea to open her own cat café while on a beautiful walk in nature. That same night, she worked out her idea for the ideal cat café, complete with snuggly corners, soft lighting, blankets, cat books, air-purifying plants, homemade pastries, and, of course, cuddly little residents!
Buttiens shared her idea with Helena Berben, another animal lover, who was immediately sold on the idea. The two of them worked together to bring their dream to life.
Currently, Poescafé is home to four cats: Lizzie, Lucy, Anna, and Bowie. While they don’t have plans to take in another cat at this time, they are open to considering the possibility if a shelter cat is in need.
Lizzie and Lucy are the most sociable cats at the café. They love to come and cuddle with customers and will even sleep on their coats and bags. The cats were given to the café by a couple who could no longer care for them.
Bowie is also friendly and loves to cuddle. He will even sleep on people’s laps if given the chance. Anna, on the other hand, is more reserved and doesn’t enjoy being cuddled as much. She is a Ragdoll cat who allows customers to pet her but isn’t fond of being held.
The cats at Poescafé are given plenty of hiding and resting places to relax, both in the café and outside in the cat court. The owners make sure that the cats always feel at home and comfortable. If a cat is unhappy at the café, they will find it a new home.
So, the next time you’re in Leuven, consider visiting Poescafé for a cozy and furry experience. The café is designed to feel like a comfortable living room, with cats as its adorable inhabitants. You can enjoy delicious food and beverages while relaxing with the resident cats. Visit their website to book a table and view their menu.
