Cats from Woluwe-St-Lambert {Belgium}

I spent Saturday afternoon at the Halloween open doors event of Cat Rescue in Woluwe-St-Lambert (a borough of Brussels).

The first time I heard about this cat shelter was two years ago. I wanted to help a homeless pet but couldn't find a good match as I was still grieving Avalon. A friend sent me a link to the Cat Rescue website, Romero's picture stayed open on my computer for several days (he was still called Herbert back then), and I adopted him on December 22nd, 2014. He's now happily purring by my side.

But today, I'd like you to meet the other cats of the shelter.

Come on in, there are lots of Halloween treats inside...

Get yourself some quiche and a vegan Halloween muffin.

Now let's focus on the cats...

My favorite was Balou (second picture) who looks rough but is 8.2 kg of pure love.

Ophélia (first picture) was a real sweetheart, too.

While I was there, a visitor optioned Hector.

The cat shelter provides enough wet food, kibble, and kitty milk to keep the cats healthy and happy... 

And a large outdoor area to get those kitty legs moving.

By the way, how lovely are those autumn colors.

Don't leave just yet. Get some presents for your cats and fellow cat lovers first. 

Address: Avenue de Mai 216, 1200 Woluwe-St-Lambert, Belgium (close to the metro station Gribaumont)

Cats from Ghent {Belgium}

After Mangakat and Le Chatouille, a third cat café has opened in Belgium. Welcome to DreamCATchers.

This time, the location is the center of Ghent, close to the Korenmarkt and the Saint Jacob's Church.

Yesterday morning I visited DreamCATchers in the company of travel writers Ingrid and Lars. As we came in early, it was still quiet at the cat café, so we could stay longer than the dictated one hour and a half. At noon, though, the place was crowded. Everyone wanted to spend their lunch break there.

Making feline dreams come true

What I like about DreamCATchers is that all their cats come from shelters and are up for adoption. The idea is to give “unwanted” shelter cats a second chance. And it's working. In the 14 weeks that DreamCATchers exists, there have been 14 adoptions. Visitors often go there just for a drink, but end up falling in love with one of the kitties.

One of the cats currently looking for a permanent home is Jelske. She's only one year old but already gave birth to eight kittens. She always wants to play and enjoys posing for pictures.

Then there's Mr. Darcy whom Ingrid was infatuated with.

Jodie was the shy one, so I didn't bother her too much with my camera. She soon retreated to the cat room for some quiet time.

Speaking of which... If you download the Petcube App on your smartphone, you can watch the kitties rest and play in this room. Other cats were hiding there, too. Can you find them?

Capurrr-ccino or Latte Meowcchiato?

Even if you don't adopt or volunteer at DreamCATchers, you can still help the cats by having a drink there. How cute are the names of the coffees: Capurrr-ccino, Latte meowcchiato, Ameowricano, or Catspresso. I'm sure you can't resist either. Or what about a cat-themed beer?

All the treats and drinks in the cat café are vegan. I tried the soy latte meowcchiato, the apple pie, and the Purrr-onade (homemade lemonade with lemon juice, lavender tea, ginger, and agave), and they're delicious.

The income from these treats and drinks goes to the cats. They dine on organic cat food, so I'm guessing they are well treated.

Adopt and shop

I ended my morning at the cat café with a visit to their shop. They sell many funny items, such as cat-themed lip balm, Cat Butt Gum, Talk with your Cat gum, liquid kitty hand soap, etc. But they also offer a large selection of healthy cat food, cat litter, food bowls, kitty purses, and more.

They also have cat books: Metal Cats, You Need More Sleep: Advice from Cats, etc.

I went home with lots of presents for my cat, Romero. The next few weeks he'll be filling his stomach with Meowing Heads salmon & chicken kibble, Meowing Heads chicken & turkey wet food, Schesir Tuna & Whitebait, and Schesir Tuna & Beef.

Address: Cat Café DreamCATchers, Schepenhuisstraat 17, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

DreamCATchers often organizes events like "Halloween for Kids" and "How to Make Dreamcatchers."

Enjoy the cat café!

P.S. When you're in Ghent, you should also visit De Poezenboot, a cat shelter on a boat.

Cats from Brussels {Belgium}

The Beenhouwersstraat (Rue des Bouchers) and Kleine Beenhouwersstraat (Petite Rue des Bouchers) are the most crowded streets of Brussels. These streets are lined with colorful restaurants that attract mainly tourists... and cats. You won't see the kitties each time you pass, but they are definitely there, waiting patiently for the next pot of mussels to arrive. This mom and her kitten were hiding from the rain under the tables of the restaurant Le jardin de l'ilot sacré. 

When in Brussels, make sure to also visit the cat of the restaurant Le Vieux Bruxelles and the cat of Mokafé in the streets surrounding the restaurant Le Jardin de l'îlot Sacré.

Cat from Druid Hills {USA}

A pet store owner saved an orange tabby from a certain death. Now, the kitty guards her store for life.

Meet Andy the cat.

Kiki adopted Andy the cat the day before he was to be euthanized. After an hour drive, they arrived in his new home: Kiki's Pet Supply in the Atlanta neighborhood Druid Hills.

As soon has he arrived at the pet supply store, Andy bonded with Mac de dog. They became best friends and they are often seen alongside each other.

The ginger boy is also laid back and affectionate with humans. All he wanted was someone to love him. When customers need cuddles, Andy welcomes them with open paws.

Most of all, though, Andy acts as the pet supply store's guard. When Kiki needs a break, Andy hops on the counter and takes over the shift. He never misses a day at work.

Andy even has his own sign: "Beware! Guard Cat on Duty."

After a long workday, Andy loves to nap, preferably in the vicinity of his favorite toys, Eco-Pouncer and Neko Flies, or his favorite dog.

Follow Andy and Mac on Facebook.

Related story: He was old, ill, and miserable at the shelter. Now he's the proud feline manager of a library in Davie, Florida. Meet Catsby, the library cat.