De Poezenboot: Amsterdam’s Floating Sanctuary for Cats

Tucked along the tranquil canals of Amsterdam’s historic Singel, De Poezenboot — literally The Cat Boat — is one of the city’s most charming and unusual attractions: a floating animal shelter where cats live aboard a houseboat right in the heart of the Dutch capital. 

A Home With a Heartwarming Beginning

The story begins in 1966, when a compassionate woman named Henriette van Weelde took in a stray mother cat and her kittens in her own home. Soon, more and more stray cats gravitated to her doorstep, and her house couldn’t contain them all. Spotting the many houseboats along Amsterdam’s canals, she had an inspired idea: why not give cats a home on the water too?

In 1968, she bought an old Dutch barge, refitted it inside for feline comfort, and thus the first Poezenboot was born. Within a few years the original boat was bursting at the seams, leading to the purchase of a larger vessel, and eventually, in 1987, the charity Stichting de Poezenboot was officially established.

What Makes This Cat Boat Special?

Unlike a typical shelter, De Poezenboot literally floats on Amsterdam’s waterways. Here’s what visitors and cat lovers find so fascinating:

• It’s a working animal sanctuary: The boat provides refuge for stray, abandoned, and surrendered cats, offering them food, medical care (including vaccinations and neutering), microchipping, and love, all focused on finding them safe forever homes.

  
  

• A cozy canal setting: The cats live aboard the houseboat moored on the Singel canal, creating a surreal yet delightful blend of Dutch canal culture and animal welfare.

  
  

• Visitor favorite: Tourists and locals alike flock here to meet the resident felines, from shy seniors to playful kittens, but the focus remains on welfare, not entertainment.

Life on Board

Today, the Catboat houses around 50 cats at a time, some of which are permanent residents who are not suitable for adoption, while others are there temporarily before moving on to new homes. The cats roam freely within their safe space and enjoy human company, but always with respect for their comfort and wellbeing.

The sanctuary depends entirely on donations, as it receives no government subsidies. Visitors are welcome to tour the boat during specific visiting hours (typically Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons).

Whether you’re a cat lover, a curious traveler, or simply seeking a different kind of Amsterdam experience, De Poezenboot is a heartwarming stop. From its humble beginnings to its enduring legacy today, it’s a reminder that compassion and creativity can turn an ordinary canal into a sanctuary full of purring life.