DreamCATchers, a new cat café in Ghent {Belgium}
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Belgium has recently welcomed its third cat café to the feline-loving community. Joining the ranks of Mangakat and Le Chatouille, the newest addition goes by the name of DreamCATchers. Located in the heart of Ghent, just a stone’s throw away from the Korenmarkt and the Saint Jacob’s Church, DreamCATchers has quickly become a popular destination for cat enthusiasts and those looking to experience the joy of spending time with adorable rescue cats.

wearedreamcatchers

Welcome to DreamCATchers

I visited the cat café DreamCATchers yesterday morning, accompanied by my fellow travel aficionados, Ingrid and Lars (authors of the book Go East!).

Our early arrival allowed us to savor the tranquility of the cat café, granting us the luxury to extend our stay well beyond the standard one and a half hours. The calm and cozy ambiance provided the ideal setting to relish the company of the adorable resident cats.

As the clock struck noon, the atmosphere at DreamCATchers underwent a delightful transformation. The café became a bustling hub of activity, drawing in cat enthusiasts and lunchtime seekers alike. It was evident that everyone wanted to make the most of their lunch break by surrounding themselves with these charming felines and the heartwarming aura of DreamCATchers.

The allure of spending time with the cats was undeniable, and it was heartwarming to see visitors reveling in the joy of their furry companions. Among the playful antics and soft purrs, it was evident that the café had created a truly captivating haven for both humans and cats alike.

cat café dreamcatchers

A haven for shelter cats

What sets DreamCATchers apart from other cat cafés is its unique mission. All the adorable cats that call this café home come from local shelters (Dierenasiel Gent,Kat Zoekt Thuis, CatPower) and are available for adoption. This heartwarming approach gives “unwanted” shelter cats a second chance at finding loving families. In the mere 14 weeks since its opening,

DreamCATchers has already facilitated an impressive 14 successful adoptions, turning visitors into proud cat parents who fell in love with the charming feline residents.

cat café ghent

Among the charming residents, one cat, Jelske, caught my eye. At just one year old, she had already given birth to eight adorable kittens. Jelske’s playful nature and willingness to pose for pictures made her an instant favorite.

ghent cat café dreamcatchers

Ingrid, on the other hand, found herself infatuated with Mr. Darcy, a cat with a captivating charm.

mr darcy catdreamcatchers belgium

Shy little Jodie quickly sought refuge in the cat room, creating a perfect opportunity for us to explore the Petcube App and watch the cats’ restful activities from our smartphones.

ghent belgium dreamcatchers

Petcube App

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?

pet cube app

Capurrr-ccino or Latte Meowcchiato?

One of the most endearing aspects of DreamCATchers is its menu of cat-themed treats and beverages. Can you resist trying a Capurrr-ccino, a Latte Meowcchiato, or a Catspresso? What’s even better is that all the treats and drinks served at the cat café are vegan, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.

By patronizing the café, whether or not you choose to adopt one of the charming felines, you directly support their wellbeing, as the proceeds from the food and drinks are dedicated to providing them with organic cat food, toys, and essential medical checkups.

As my friends and I indulged in the soy Latte Meowcchiato, the delicious apple pie, the homemade Purrr-onade (a lavender tea-infused lemonade with a hint of ginger and agave), and the cat-themed beer Poezewoefke, we found comfort in knowing that our enjoyment was contributing to the well-being of these beloved shelter cats.

poezewoefke

Adopt AND shop

DreamCATchers doesn’t just offer a memorable café experience; it also houses a shop brimming with delightful cat-themed merchandise. From quirky items like cat-themed lip balm and Cat Butt Gummies to practical cat food, litter, and food bowls, the shop has something for every cat lover.

I couldn’t resist picking up a few gifts for my own cat, Romero. With a bag full of Meowing Heads salmon & chicken kibble, Meowing Heads chicken & turkey wet food, Schemer Tuna & Whitebait, and Schesir Tuna & Beef, I couldn’t wait to spoil him with these treats back home.

meowing heads talk with your cat

In addition to their delightful offerings, you’ll find a selection of cat-themed books, including titles like Metal Cats, Avalon, and You Need More Sleep: Advice from Cats, among others.

metal cats book

Getting to the cat café

DreamCATchers, located at Schepenhuisstraat 17, 9000 Ghent, Belgium, is easily accessible by public transportation. Ghent boasts a well-connected bus and tram system, making it a breeze to reach the café. For those who prefer to explore the city on foot or by bike, the picturesque streets of Ghent lead the way to this feline paradise.

 

Opening hours

  • Monday: 01:00 pm to 06:00 pm
  • Tuesday: closed
  • Wednesday: 11:00 am to 06:00 pm
  • Thursday: closed
  • Friday: 01:00 pm to 06:00 pm
  • Saturday: 11:00 am to 06:00 pm
  • Sunday: closed

 

Entrance fee

Your reservation to sit with the cats in their living room is valid for 1 hour. During your visit, there will be an entrance fee of €3 per person for the 1-hour duration. This fee goes entirely towards the cats’ food and care (cat litter, veterinary expenses, medication). Members will only be charged €1.5 as entrance fee. You can purchase a membership card here for €15.

Enjoy the cat café!

mr darcy

Conclusion

Whether you’re a devoted cat lover, a curious traveler, or someone looking to make a difference by adopting a shelter cat, DreamCATchers offers an experience like no other. With its heartwarming adoption mission, delectable vegan treats, and a charming selection of cat-themed merchandise, the café is a must-visit destination in Ghent. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of DreamCATchers, where the love for cats, coffee, and compassion come together to create a truly purr-fect experience.

P.S. While in Ghent, make sure to pay a visit to De Poezenboot, a unique cat shelter housed on a boat, to extend your feline-filled adventures.

cat café gent

Ten must-visit cat cafés in Europe

If you’re a cat lover with a penchant for exploring new destinations, Europe has a treat in store for you. Beyond DreamCATchers in Ghent, there are numerous other enchanting cat cafés scattered across the continent, each offering a unique and heartwarming experience with adorable feline residents. Get ready to embark on a feline-filled adventure as we present the top 10 must-visit cat cafés in Europe:

1. De Spinnerij – Tilburg, Netherlands

Located in Tilburg, De Spinnerij is not just a cat café but also an animal shelter. The café’s heartwarming mission is to provide a loving home for rescued cats, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to make a difference while enjoying a cup of coffee.

2. Kattencafé Familie Snorhaar – Breda, Netherlands

Nestled in the picturesque city of Breda, Kattencafé Familie Snorhaar boasts a cozy atmosphere and a delightful selection of treats. With its warm and welcoming ambiance, this café is a haven for cat lovers seeking solace in the company of charming felines.

3. La Ronronnerie – Nice, France

In the charming city of Nice, La Ronronnerie is a cat lover’s dream come true. This café combines the love for cats with delectable vegan cuisine, creating a haven of compassion and culinary delights for visitors.

4. Café Schnurrke – Cologne, Germany

Café Schnurrke in Cologne exudes a charming and quirky vibe, making it a delightful place to unwind and enjoy the company of resident cats. With its fun-filled atmosphere, it’s an excellent spot for both locals and tourists alike.

5. Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium – London, England

A pioneer of the cat café trend in Europe, Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in London is a must-visit destination for any cat enthusiast. With its Victorian-inspired décor and adorable feline residents, the café offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of England’s capital.

6. Shakespaw Cat Café – Stratford-Upon-Avon, England

Nestled in the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Shakespaw Cat Café adds a touch of literary charm to the cat café scene. As you immerse yourself in the world of literature, the café’s resident cats provide companionship and purrs to make your visit truly memorable.

7. Le Café des Chats – Paris, France

In the romantic city of Paris, Le Café des Chats offers an elegant setting to relax with a cup of coffee and the delightful presence of cats. With its chic ambiance, this café is perfect for feline-loving travelers seeking a taste of Parisian charm.

8. Le Chat Mallows – Paris, France

Another gem in Paris, Le Chat Mallows offers a cozy retreat for both locals and tourists seeking a break from the bustling city streets. With its plush seating and adorable cats, this café provides the purr-fect escape.

9. Espai de Gats – Barcelona, Spain

In the vibrant city of Barcelona, Espai de Gats welcomes visitors with its warm and inviting atmosphere. This café’s commitment to providing a loving home for rescued cats makes it an ideal spot for those looking to support a noble cause while savoring delectable treats.

10. Chapristea – Toulouse, France

Last but not least, Chapristea in Toulouse seamlessly combines the charm of a tea room with the joy of spending time with adorable cats. With a wide selection of teas and friendly feline companions, this café promises a serene and heartwarming experience.

In these ten delightful cat cafés across Europe, you’ll find more than just good coffee and delicious treats. Each venue provides a unique opportunity to connect with adorable shelter cats, making your travels even more memorable and meaningful. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a paw-some journey of feline bliss across the enchanting cities of Europe.

cats café dreamcatchers ghent belgium

Text and photos by Vanessa Morgan

A Streetcat Named Bob book

English version / version française

 

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