Are there family activities at De Kattenkabinet?

If you’ve ever wandered through a museum, trying to figure out where the kid-friendly spots are, only to get stuck listening to an adult-only guided tour, you’ll know how disappointing that can feel. So when I started working as a supplier for De Kattenkabinet – a unique cat-focused space that blends whimsy, function, and feline joy – one of the first questions I got from potential clients was “Are there family activities here?” The short answer is yes, but the long answer is even better than you might imagine. For anyone who’s ever wanted to combine a love for cats, quality home goods, and meaningful family time, De Kattenkabinet isn’t just a museum or a shop – it’s a place where every member of the family, from toddlers to grandparents, can find something to connect over.

Let me start with a little context, because not everyone is familiar with De Kattenkabinet (that’s Dutch for “The Cat Cabinet,” for those who don’t speak the language). From my side of the supplier table, what makes this space special is that it doesn’t just celebrate cats as pets – it weaves them into every part of daily life, including home design. As a supplier, I work closely with their team to source products that align with their mission, so when it comes to family activities, I’ve seen firsthand how they balance play, learning, and practicality. It’s not just about keeping kids busy while parents browse; it’s about creating shared experiences that teach empathy, creativity, and appreciation for animals.

One of the most popular family activities at De Kattenkabinet is their monthly “Cat Craft Days,” which are designed for kids aged 4 to 12, with a parent or guardian always present. I’ve had the chance to help supply materials for these events, and each one has a theme that ties into the space’s decor or the cats who call De Kattenkabinet home. For example, last spring’s theme was “Cat Cabinet Miniatures,” where kids got to build tiny, custom cat houses using safe, kid-friendly wood, fabric, and non-toxic paint. The finished miniatures aren’t just take-home crafts – they’re also inspired by the larger cat storage and housing solutions we supply, like the Single Cabinet Storage that keeps the museum’s cat supplies organized. Seeing a 7-year-old proudly place their tiny wooden cat house next to the life-sized versions in the museum’s exhibit space? That’s the kind of moment that makes the work worth it. What’s great about these craft days is that they’re inclusive – even kids with limited motor skills can participate with adaptive tools, and parents often join in, turning the craft into a fun family project instead of just a kids’ activity.

Beyond craft days, De Kattenkabinet hosts weekly “Cat Observation Walks” that are tailored for families. Unlike typical museum tours that rush you through exhibits, these walks are slow-paced, with stops at each of the space’s resident cats’ favorite spots. Each cat has its own personality – some love napping on high perches, others play with puzzle feeders, and a few enjoy being pet (on their terms, which the guides are careful to emphasize). For little ones, this is a lesson in reading animal body language – how to tell when a cat is happy vs. when it needs space. I’ve seen kids lean in gently, pointing out a cat’s twitching tail or flattened ears, and their guides take the time to explain what those behaviors mean, instead of just shushing them. Parents tell me this is one of the most valuable parts of the experience, because it’s not just fun – it’s a real-life lesson in compassion for animals. And of course, when the walk is over, the whole family can browse the shop, where products like Cat Cabinet House solutions are on display, so you can bring a little bit of De Kattenkabinet’s magic home with you.

What I appreciate most about De Kattenkabinet’s family activities is that they don’t treat kids as an afterthought. A lot of family-friendly spaces just add a play corner as an oversight, but here, the activities are integrated into every part of the space. Even the museum’s seating areas are designed with families in mind – there are low tables for kids to draw on, and many of the chairs are wide enough to fit an adult and a small child. The team also hosts special “Storytime with Cats” sessions, where local children’s authors read cat-themed books aloud, and one of the resident cats often sits in on the story. Last month, we supplied soft, washable floor cushions for these sessions, which is part of our line of furniture that balances comfort and function – just like our Bedside Tables Minimalist collection, which would work just as well in a bedroom as in a family’s living room, even if there’s a cat nearby.

Another underrated family activity at De Kattenkabinet is their “Cat Care 101” workshops, designed for families who are thinking about adopting a cat, or who already have one at home. These workshops are led by certified cat behaviorists, and they cover everything from how to choose the right litter box to how to play with a cat safely. For kids, this is a hands-on experience – they get to practice using puzzle feeders, making sure to follow the instructions the behaviorists give. As a supplier, I’ve contributed items like our Multifunctional Cabinet, which is perfect for storing cat toys, food, and grooming supplies. Its closed compartments keep things tidy, while open shelves let cats climb and play, so it’s a win for both the family and their feline friend. What makes these workshops great is that they give families practical skills that they can use at home, not just a fun day out. Parents tell me that after attending, their kids feel more confident helping care for their own cats, which builds responsibility and empathy at the same time.

Of course, no family trip to De Kattenkabinet would be complete without exploring the exhibits, and there are plenty of spots where kids can interact with the space in a meaningful way. The museum has a “Cat History” exhibit that uses interactive displays, including a section where kids can dress up as cats from different historical periods (with soft, comfortable costumes, of course). There’s also a “Cat in Art” exhibit, where guides point out how cats have been depicted in paintings, sculptures, and even furniture design over the centuries. My team has supplied many of the display cases for these exhibits, including the sleek, modern designs that highlight both the art and the cats they feature. For older kids and teens, there’s a “Cat Design Challenge” station, where they can sketch their own cat house or furniture design, using the same principles as the products we supply. It’s a great way to spark an interest in design and engineering, all while being surrounded by cats.

I’ve been working as a supplier for De Kattenkabinet for three years now, and I’ve seen hundreds of families come through the space. What always stands out is how these activities bring everyone together. I’ve watched grandparents teach their grandkids how to read cat body language, parents and kids build cat houses side by side, and teens who thought they were “too cool” for family activities get completely drawn into the cat observation walks. De Kattenkabinet doesn’t just offer activities – it creates shared memories that stick with families long after they leave. And because all the products they use are designed with cats in mind, the line between the museum and home is seamless. Whether you’re looking for a place to take your kids on a rainy day, or you want to learn more about cats while spending quality time together, De Kattenkabinet delivers.

For families who want to make the most of their visit, I’d recommend checking the De Kattenkabinet website ahead of time, because the activity schedule changes monthly. You can sign up for craft days, storytime, and workshops in advance, which helps the space keep groups small and personal. If you’re in the market for home goods that work for both your family and your pets, the shop at De Kattenkabinet has a range of products, from the Single Cabinet Storage that’s perfect for keeping pet supplies organized, to the Cat Cabinet House that’s a stylish addition to any living room. Our team is proud to be part of the De Kattenkabinet mission, and we’re always looking to partner with more spaces that prioritize family, pets, and quality design.

If you’re interested in learning more about our products or exploring potential partnerships, we’d love to connect. Our team works closely with spaces like De Kattenkabinet to source high-quality, functional furniture that meets the needs of both humans and animals. Whether you’re a museum, a pet store, or a home goods retailer, we can work with you to create custom solutions that align with your mission. Don’t hesitate to reach out to start a conversation about how we can collaborate.

References:

1. De Kattenkabinet Official Visitor Guide, 2024.
2. National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, Family-Friendly Pet Activities, 2023.
3. Modern Cat Magazine, Integrated Design for Pet-Friendly Homes, 2024.
4. Supplier Product Line Overview, AB Home Goods, 2024.