Cats & Boats Mix At The Cat Boat Amsterdam – Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
When you look at this photo, what do you see? Just another house boat along one of Amsterdam’s many canals? Well, this isn’t just any house boat – it’s a actually a floating sanctuary for stray cats! Yes, it’s the cat boat Amsterdam.
As I can’t resist any weird and offbeat attractions like a bookstore in Venice with gondolas full of books or a salt museum in Lüneburg, I couldn’t help but visit this very special place.
Cats & Boats Mix At The Cat Boat Amsterdam
Look closer and you’ll see that this is De Poezeboot, a project started by Henriette van Weelde in 1966 when she took in a family of abandoned cats.
Recommended reading: Read what others have to say the Cat Boat Amsterdam – Meet The Cat Boat: Amsterdam’s Floating Sanctuary For Cats and A Visit to the World’s Only Floating Cat Sanctuary.
Henriette had such a big heart that she continued to take in more cats into her home until she had no more room. Two years later she figured out the purr-fect solution when she bought a house boat, made it animal friendly, and gave her cats a sexy new address on the canal.
Fondly nicknamed the “cat lady” by locals, people from all over Amsterdam started to bring Henriette their cats. She took in all of them – sick ones, strays, and even those no longer wanted. So inspired by her love and compassion, people also visited the sanctuary and best of all, adopted the cats. Even Puss in Boots of Shrek fame visited the boat last at some point.
The cat boat is open to the public from 13:00 – 15:00 daily, except for Wednesdays and Sundays. This gives time for people to check out the set-up, meet the cats, and decide whether or not they want to make one (or more) of them a furr-ever member of their family.
As I was snapping photos, I saw an older woman enthusiastically talking up visitors and telling them about the cats. She then started excitingly wrapping presents and handing them out to the cats. Yes, really, Almost toothless and sporting a wild mane of grey blue hair, could have this been Henriette herself? I’m not sure exactly how the cats would manage to open the packages, but it’s the thought that counts, right?
This next photo is my absolute favourite photo as I captured this cutie “mid-lick.” I also like the cat pictures displayed in the background.
In 1987, the Cat Boat Foundation was formerly registered as a charity and now survives solely on donations. Thanks to the kindness of Henriette and her volunteer staff, hundreds of cats have found loving homes and haven’t suffered a tough life on the streets.
While admission to the boat is entirely free, I strongly encourage you to throw some cash their way.
In case you were wondering, the cats aren’t imprisoned on the boat. Some of them are let outside for fresh air, under careful supervision of staff.
So what do you think about the cat boat in Amsterdam? Would you visit? I definitely recommend doing so, but don’t forget to make a donation, or even better, adopt one!
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Good To Know
1) Wondering where to stay while in Amsterdam? Check out options on booking.com.
Booking.com2) Make your time in Amsterdam memorable and go on a guided tour.
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Awwww, they’re darling!! I wish I could adopt one.
@Andrea – I felt the same. I wanted to take two kittens home with me. 🙂
Aw, I love cats! If I wasn’t travelling so much I’d have one again 🙂
@Nomadic Samuel – maybe when you do settle down, you can adopt one from the cat boat! 😉
Thanks for sharing this quirky – and adorable – attraction. I love cats. And I know my kids will want to see this when we’re in Amsterdam next.
@Sophie – thanks for your kind comment. This is a great place to take your kids for sure! 🙂
Weird but sweet and cute.
@Stephanie – getting to take pics of cats was actually fun!
AWWWW i want to take one home!
@Jade – I know how you feel. 🙂
@Laurel – Glad you enjoyed! Amazing that you have two rescues too.
Awww, I love reading stories like this. I have 2 cats, both from the Humane Society (one in Canada and one in Munich). It warms my heart knowing that people like this are making such a difference. I’m definitely checking this out when I’m in Amsterdam.
What a bizarre but incredible unique animal rescue! great find!
@Jade – I love what they’re doing to help cats! And it was a fun way to spend the afternoon. 🙂
Amazing the positive repercussions with some time effort & money from just one person initially. Loved this story.
@Leigh – I love this story too, she is an amazing woman!
Now, you have just convinced me to go to Amsterdam again. I want to see this boat… and the lovely cats.
Laura – That’s great to hear! I had such a nice time at the cat boat. Love what they’re doing to keep cats off the streets.
I’ve finally found an apartment for my move to Amsterdam, and my new roommate has told me so much about this place as he’s going to adopt one of the cats after I arrive…! I have to admit I giggled a bit when he told me it’s called the pussy boat – but what a great cause started by just one person!
Hey Katie – That’s great! I hope he gives the cat a happy forever home. 🙂