Cat lovers and tourists exploring Cape Town’s feline art trail and cat tourist attractions should add 218 Long Street to their inner city cat walk itinerary.
In a street where shops and bars come and go, the Bud Lounge mural offers a steady feline gaze over the city. It has become a landmark for street art enthusiasts exploring the deep-rooted connection between urban life and the city’s cat citizens. The artwork could easily be missed when standing in front of the weed shop. The scale of the street art really makes an impact.
Artist behind the artwork
If the mural at the Bud Lounge made you stop in your tracks, you’ve officially been “Nard-struck. The bold, colorful mural currently wrapping the facade of the Bud Lounge is the work of Nardstar*, one of South Africa’s most influential street artists. Known for her vibrant palettes and geometric animal portraits, she has turned the Bud Lounge building and that stretch of Long street into a celebration of local life and feline charm.
If you think the Bud Lounge cat has attitude, wait until you see the fierce feminine energy of her wild cat trio. For dedicated cat tourists and fans of felines, this piece forms part of a larger story. Nardstar* is also the creator of the captivating wild cat mural titled “Auntie, Tietie, Mummy,” which has become an iconic landmark for those exploring the city’s creative hubs.
The Vibe Check: Mural vs. Metal
While the Bud Lounge mural offers a modern, playful take on urban feline life, the “metal moggies” of Long Street remain a separate hunt. To find those famous black silhouettes, you must continue your walk further down the street toward the historic Victorian buildings, closer to the intersections of Shortmarket or Hout Street. There, perched on the intricate rooftop railings, the metal guardians keep their silent watch over the city, representing a more classical era of Long Street’s feline history.
Together, these works create a perfect intersection of Cape Town’s evolving street culture and its enduring appreciation for all things cat. Whether you’re here for the “purr-fect” photo op or just to soak up the urban energy, this block is officially the cat’s pajamas.
