Cats from Kortrijk {Belgium}

Kortrijk may not be on your list of top cities to visit in Belgium, but this is about to change.

The city is home to a cute café where 11 cats rule (and several kittens will soon be joining the crew): Kuro Neko Cat Café. It's situated in the middle of the historic center of Kortrijk, at walking distance from the main market square.

The café was founded in 2018 by brother and sister Arne and Birgit Verbeke.

The name, Kuro Neko, is Japanese and means black cat.

It's not the only reference to Japanese culture. The cats' names, too, have Asian roots: Hime, Toshiro, Sano, Sakura, Natsu, Ichigo, Nee-Chan, etc.

It'll probably come as no surprise that the concept is based on the very first cat cafés in Japan and Taiwan.

The creamy interior of Kuro Neko is completely catified, with plenty of climbing and scratching options. Cat toys are everywhere. The cats particularly liked the giant exercise wheel.

The fish-shaped catnip toys were also approved by the feline community.

The space is divided into two main areas: the entrance/shop (where you can buy organic cat food, toys and cat wine) and the main seating area.

The cats' litter boxes are located in a separate retreat room where the animals have access via cutouts.

There are also a large number of cat books at your disposition in the seating area: Avalon, Catfulness, Cat vs. Human, and many more.

Visitors can choose from a large variety of tea, coffee and homemade lemonade. Pastries are also available, though these sell out quickly during weekends.

By the way, how cute are those mugs?

Kuro Neko is quite popular, and you'll often have to wait a little while before securing a spot. A reservation, however, is not necessary.

Just like in other cat cafés, there's a number of rules to follow to make sure the cats remain happy. One of these rules is that children under the age of eight are not allowed inside the café (anymore). While most young children are respectful towards the animals, there were too many occasions where they pulled the cats' tails or even hit them. At least, the cats are happy and at peace now.

Practical information:

Address: Kuro Neko Cat Café, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwenstraat 20, Kortrijk, Belgium

Opening hours: Kuro Neko is open every day, except Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to to 6 p.m.

After hours, Kuro Neko sometimes organizes a series of workshops and events, such as movie nights or yoga classes in the company of purring kitties.

If you're ever in Belgium, make sure you stop by to see the cats of Kuro Neko.

Read next => Meet the cat that runs café De Dingen in Kortrijk

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