What kind of workshops are held at De Kattenkabinet?

If you’ve ever spent time around Amsterdam, chances are you’ve either heard of or stumbled upon De Kattenkabinet—a one-of-a-kind space that celebrates all things feline, where cats aren’t just pets, but the heart of every interaction. For me, as a supplier of custom and functional cat furniture, I’ve had the privilege of being part of this community for three years, and one of the most exciting parts of our partnership has been the workshops held on-site at De Kattenkabinet. These workshops aren’t just craft sessions; they’re a blend of education, creativity, and community, designed to cater to every kind of cat lover—from new pet parents to seasoned feline enthusiasts. If you’ve ever wondered what actually goes on at these workshops, pull up a chair (maybe with a cat nearby) and let me walk you through the experiences that make De Kattenkabinet’s workshops so special.

First, it’s important to understand the core mission that drives every workshop at De Kattenkabinet. Unlike generic pet events, every session ties back to the unique needs of cats, both behavioral and physical. The team at De Kattenkabinet doesn’t just focus on fun—they prioritize safety, comfort, and enrichment, which is why every workshop is led by a mix of experienced cat behaviorists, skilled craftspeople, and local animal welfare advocates. As someone who provides products like Single Cabinet Storage, Multifunctional Cabinet, and Cat Cabinet House for the space, I’ve seen firsthand how these workshops bridge the gap between everyday cat care and functional, stylish solutions that fit into modern homes.

One of the most popular workshop series at De Kattenkabinet is the “Build Your Own Cat Furniture” weekend workshops. These sessions are designed for hands-on creators who want to craft a personalized space for their feline friends, and they’re limited to just 12 people per class to ensure everyone gets one-on-one guidance. The workshops start with a 45-minute crash course from a De Kattenkabinet behaviorist, covering what cats actually need from their furniture: vertical space (for climbing and perching), hiding spots (for when they need a break), and easy access to essentials like litter boxes or food bowls. This isn’t just about building a wooden box—it’s about designing for your cat’s unique personality. For example, a shy cat might prefer a hidden compartment, while a playful kitten will love tall, sturdy climbing structures.

Last year, I brought in samples of my Single Cabinet Storage to use as a base for one of these workshops. What I love about this product is that it’s sleek enough to fit in a living room, but has a hidden compartment for litter—a game-changer for small apartments, which are common in Amsterdam. In the workshop, attendees learned how to modify this cabinet to add a small window perch or a scratching post on the side, so it not only looks good but meets their cat’s needs. I remember one attendee, a student named Lila, who built a version with a mesh top for her curious cat Mochi, so Mochi could sunbathe safely without escaping. That’s the magic of these workshops—they turn a generic product (or in this case, a pre-made cabinet) into something tailored to a specific cat.

Another workshop that’s been growing in popularity is “Cat Enrichment 101: DIY Toys & Hideaways.” This is perfect for people who might not want to build large furniture, but still want to give their cats more mental stimulation. The session runs on weekday evenings, which makes it accessible for people with 9-to-5 jobs, and focuses on using everyday household items—think cardboard boxes, old t-shirts, and toilet paper rolls—to create enrichment tools. But here’s the catch: the De Kattenkabinet team always ties every craft to behavioral science. For example, we’ll teach you that cats love to “hunt” so toys that mimic prey (like crumpled tassels) are better than plain balls, and that hiding spots should be in quiet corners, not high-traffic areas. I often bring along my Bedside Tables Minimalist for demonstration here—since these small, low-profile tables make perfect cat hideaways when paired with a simple fabric cover. Attendees get to test these ideas on the café’s resident cats, which adds a fun, interactive element. Last month, we had a group of retirees make a giant “cat maze” out of cardboard, and the café’s tabby, Otto, spent an hour exploring every nook. It’s moments like that that make these workshops feel like more than a class—they feel like a community.

For pet parents who are new to cats, De Kattenkabinet also hosts a “First-Time Cat Owner: Setting Up Your Home” workshop once a month. This is a half-day session that covers everything from choosing the right food to litter box placement, and a big part of it is talking about how to set up your home to be cat-friendly. I’ve partnered with De Kattenkabinet here to talk about integrating functional cat furniture into small spaces, and I always reference our De Kattenkabinet line (since it’s designed specifically to match the space’s aesthetic, it fits right in with the café’s warm, cozy vibe). In this workshop, attendees get to tour De Kattenkabinet itself—watching the resident cats interact with the furniture, seeing how storage solutions work, and asking questions directly to the team. I’ve had so many first-time owners tell me that this workshop helped them avoid common mistakes, like placing a litter box in a busy hallway, or choosing a cat bed that’s too small for their growing kitten. It’s not just about shopping for products; it’s about understanding your cat.

One of the most unique workshops I’ve had the pleasure of being part of is the “Cat & Cabinets” design workshop, held every quarter. This is a more advanced session for people who want larger, custom pieces for their homes. We focus on products like Multifunctional Cabinet, which serves as both a storage unit for your belongings and a cat tree, or a feeding station. The workshop is led by a local architect who specializes in pet-friendly design, and we work with attendees to sketch out pieces that fit their home’s layout and their cat’s habits. For example, a family with two active cats might want a multifunctional cabinet that has two separate perches and a built-in food station, while a person living alone might prefer a sleeker design that blends with their modern decor. I bring in samples of our cabinets so attendees can feel the wood, test the stability, and see how the compartments work. Last quarter, a couple built a custom cabinet that had a hidden litter box under the main storage, a window perch, and a scratching post along the side—their cats still use it every day, and they say it’s become the center of their living room.

What I’ve noticed over the years is that every workshop at De Kattenkabinet has one thing in common: they put cats first. No matter if you’re building a simple toy or a large custom cabinet, the goal is to give your cat a space that’s both functional and joyful. And as a supplier, being able to provide products that enhance these workshops makes me proud—because I know that when someone leaves De Kattenkabinet with a new piece of furniture, or a toy they built themselves, they’re not just buying something for their home; they’re investing in their cat’s happiness.

If you’ve ever thought about attending a workshop, I highly recommend it. Even if you’re not crafty, the “Cat Enrichment” and “First-Time Owner” sessions are packed with useful info, and the community is so welcoming. For those who want to dive deeper, the build workshops are a fun way to spend a weekend, and you’ll leave with something tangible that your cat will love. And if you’re a business or individual looking for custom cat furniture that fits into your home or space, I’m here to help—we work closely with De Kattenkabinet to ensure every product meets their high standards for safety and enrichment, and we’re always open to discussing custom projects. Whether you need a small Single Cabinet Storage for a studio apartment, a multifunctional cabinet for a large home, or a custom Cat Cabinet House, we can work with you to create something perfect.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in learning more about our products, or about partnering with De Kattenkabinet for future workshops. Our team is always looking for new ways to support the cat-loving community, and we’d love to hear from you.

References:

• De Kattenkabinet Official Website
• Local Amsterdam Pet-Friendly Design Collective
• Feline Behavior Institute (2022) on Enrichment Needs for Domestic Cats
• AB’s Cat Furniture Product Lines, 2024 Edition