Le Chat Touille aka Le New Chattouille – Belgium’s pioneering cat café (2023 update)
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Le Chat Touille is Belgium’s first-ever cat café. Nestled in the neighborhood of Saint-Gilles, in the southern part of Brussels, this unique café offers a heartwarming experience for feline enthusiasts and café-goers alike. With its five adorable resident cats, all adopted from the local shelter WAHF, Le Chat Touille has quickly become a haven of relaxation and joy for visitors seeking furry companionship amidst a cozy setting. I visited Le Chat Touille on Tuesday and spent the entire afternoon with their cats Fripouille, Noël, Coca, Simba, and Chiquita. They were all very relaxed and were definitely enjoying their new life in this tiny green cat café.

le chat touille

What is a cat café?

A “cat café” – or “bar à chats” in French – is a unique type of café that combines the pleasure of enjoying coffee or tea with the opportunity to interact with friendly cats.

The concept originated in Taiwan in the late 1990s as a way to address the growing urban population and limited space for pet ownership. It quickly gained popularity and spread to other parts of the world, becoming a global phenomenon.

In a cat café, the cats are usually rescues or strays that have been carefully chosen for their friendly and sociable nature. The café staff ensures the cats’ well-being, health, and happiness, making sure they have enough space, proper care, and opportunities to rest or play. The cats are not confined but are free to roam around the café, interacting with guests as they please.

Guests are typically required to adhere to certain rules to ensure the cats’ comfort and safety. For instance, guests may be asked not to disturb sleeping cats or to refrain from picking them up without their consent. The café environment is generally calm and relaxed to create a stress-free space for both the cats and visitors.

Overall, cat cafés provide a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the company of cats, indulge in delicious treats, and appreciate the positive impact these furry companions can have on our well-being. It’s a purrfect blend of coffee and feline companionship that continues to charm people all over the world.


bar a chats bruxelles

Welcome to Le Chat Touille, Belgium’s first “bar à chats”

Monika Jurczykowska founded Le Chat Touille in 2014 with the aim to provide a safe and loving environment for rescued felines.

After adopting five cats from the local shelter WAHF, the café’s doors opened wide to welcome customers who can relish the company of these adorable feline companions: Fripouille, Noël, Coca, Simba, and Chiquita.

The café’s initiative to offer a forever home to these cats not only brings them joy but also raises awareness about adopting pets from shelters. This commitment to promoting responsible pet adoption is definitely one of the most commendable aspects of Le Chat Touille. By adopting cats from the local shelter, the café sets an inspiring example for its visitors. This initiative raises awareness about the countless animals awaiting loving homes in shelters, encouraging more people to consider adoption rather than purchasing pets from breeders or pet stores.

2023 update:

In 2019, Le Chat Touille underwent a change in ownership and is now known as Le New Chattouille. The café’s familiar location and decor remain unchanged. However, under the stewardship of the new owner, Nathalie, who is also one of the founding members of the animal welfare organization, Ever’y Cat, an exciting transformation has taken place. Now, every cat within the café is available for adoption.

With Nathalie’s passion for animal welfare and dedication to finding loving homes for rescued cats, Le New Chattouille has become a unique adoption haven. Visitors to the café have the opportunity to not only indulge in delightful coffee and companionship but also to potentially give a forever home to one of the affectionate feline residents.

Fun fact:

One of the other founding members of Ever’y Cat, Stéphanie Challe, used to be the foster family for my cat Romero, during her time working at Cat Rescue in Woluwe.

cat cafe brussels le chat touille

The menu

Le Chat Touille / Le New Chattouille is primarily a café with a diverse selection of teas, coffees, and beers (including a beer called “De Poes,” which means ‘The Cat” in Dutch). For those with a sweet tooth, the café offers an enticing assortment of sugary treats like pancakes, waffles, and pain perdu.

However, they also have some food options, mainly croque monsieurs. From the classic Croque Madame and Croque Hawaï to the more savory Croque Raclette, Croque Saumon, and Croque Bolo.

bar a chats

Practical information

Opening hours (2023 update)

  • Monday: closed
  • Tuesday: closed
  • Wednesday: 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm
  • Thursday: 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm
  • Friday: 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm
  • Saturday: 01:00 pm to 08:00 pm
  • Sunday: 01:00 pm to 08:00 pm

Reservations

Regrettably, the cat café does not currently provide an option to make advance reservations on its website. Consequently, you will probably have to wait in line before gaining entry. During my visit, I had to wait for approximately 45 minutes before finally stepping inside. However, the cats were absolutely worthwhile.

For those eager to visit the cat café without enduring an extensive wait, I highly recommend arriving right before the café opens its doors. This strategic timing will increase your chances of getting in promptly and enjoying more time with the adorable feline residents.

cat cafe belgium

How to get to Le Chat Touille / Le New Chattouille?

Address: Rue Tasson-Snel 11, 1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium.

By car

Starting point – Brussels City Center

Assuming you’re starting your drive from Brussels city center, follow these simple directions to reach Le Chat Touille aka Le New Chattouille:

  1. Head southwest on Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat toward Rue du Commerce/Handelsstraat.
  2. Continue straight to stay on Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat.
  3. Use the right lane to merge onto E40 toward Liège/Namur, and stay on E40 for approximately 3.2 kilometers.
  4. Take exit 17-Ruisbroek toward Vorst/Forest.
  5. Merge onto R22, and continue for about 2.7 kilometers. Turn right onto Rue Jules Ruhl, and drive for 600 meters.
  6. Turn right onto Avenue Albert.
  7. After approximately 300 meters, turn left onto Rue Théodore Verhaegen.
  8. Continue for another 350 meters, and then turn right onto Rue Tasson-Snel.
  9. Le Chat Touille / Le New Chattouille will be on your left.

Where to park

Parking spaces around the café may be limited, so it’s advisable to plan ahead. Your best bet is to use Q-Park Porte de Hal, a parking garage situated within walking distance of Le Chat Touille / Le New Chattouille. Address: Boulevard de Waterloo 103, 1000 Brussels.

By public transport

Tram lines 81 and 97 stop close to the café’s location. Disembark at the Albert tram stop, and you’ll find yourself within walking distance of Le Chat Touille / Le New Chattouille.

cat cafe saint-gilles

5 other must-see attractions in the Saint-Gilles neighborhood

Beyond the enchanting experience of cuddling adorable cats at Le Chat Touille / Le New Chattouille, the neighborhood of Saint-Gilles in Brussels offers many other attractions. After spending a some time at the cat café, venture out to discover these must-see attractions in the neighborhood.

  1. Place du Châtelain: Located just a short distance from Le Chat Touille / Le New Chattouille, Place du Châtelain is a bustling square that comes alive during the weekly Châtelain Market. Every Wednesday evening, the square transforms into a lively market with stalls offering a diverse range of food, drinks, and crafts. Join the locals in this vibrant social gathering and savor the lively atmosphere, accompanied by mouthwatering treats.
  2. Horta Museum: Art lovers and architecture enthusiasts will be captivated by the Horta Museum, dedicated to the works of the renowned Belgian architect Victor Horta. This museum, once Horta’s private residence and studio, showcases his exceptional Art Nouveau creations. Wander through the beautifully designed interiors and admire the intricate details and elegant curves that characterize this unique architectural style.
  3. Parvis de Saint-Gilles: The Parvis de Saint-Gilles is the beating heart of the neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere, diverse community, and impressive architecture. The majestic Saint-Gilles Town Hall dominates the square, offering an impressive sight with its neo-Renaissance facade. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the square, visit local boutiques, and indulge in the diverse culinary offerings at the surrounding restaurants and cafés.
  4. Maison Cauchie: Art Nouveau aficionados shouldn’t miss Maison Cauchie, a striking townhouse designed by Paul Cauchie. The façade of the house is adorned with beautiful sgraffito decorations, depicting scenes of nature and art. Step inside to explore the intricate interiors, adorned with remarkable Art Nouveau features, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and art.
  5. Parc de Forest: Escape the city’s hustle and bustle with a visit to Parc de Forest, a serene green oasis perfect for leisurely walks or picnics. The park’s lush landscapes, picturesque ponds, and charming walking paths offer a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and those seeking a moment of tranquility amidst the city’s vibrant energy.

cat cafe

Conclusion

While waiting in line to get in can be a bit challenging, the joy of interacting with the cats at Le Chat Touille / Le New Chattouille makes the entire experience unforgettable, especially when you know that these are all rescue cats. My only regret is that the café is way too small (I don’t think it’s more than three meters wide), which makes it nearly impossible to walk around and play with the feline residents. Nevertheless, I will certainly come back here to have lunch with a friend or to write.

Have you ever been to the cat café Le Chat Touille / Le New Chattouille?

Share this article with your cat-loving friends on social media to help raise awareness about this cat café and their dedication to finding forever homes for these rescue cats. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these precious feline companions.

PS. Have you seen our pictures of the Black Cat Café in Japan?

cat café brussels

Text and photos by Vanessa Morgan

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