The Cat Boat
De Poezenboot

Cats and canals? An ideal combination for cat lovers who still want to see the canals, but with a few furry feline friends!

Cats and water? Not typically a mix you’d think work well together. But, with the safety of a boat, this sanctuary floats on--quite literally! The Cat Boat is an animal sanctuary that hosts up to 50 cats at a time.

This may sound overwhelming, but it’s for a good cause! Since it was founded in 1966, the canal-boat safe-haven of De Poezenboot has both collected and found homes for a big chunk of Amsterdam’s stray cats. There are 14 of them who have a forever home here --preferring the boat house life, we assume!

• When boarding the Cat Boat, you get the chance to pet and play with the vessel’s furry skippers--only if they want you to pet them, that is. Cats are known to have their own standards of stubbornness! Part of the charm, we guess.
• The best part? In an effort to try and find furr-ever homes for these canal kitties, the organization gives the opportunity for guests to adopt! What better souvenir than a new best friend?
• The organization running the Cat Boat has managed to keep afloat since they first opened in 1968. They’ve managed to create a tender and loving environment for all of these misplaced felines, even if it is just inches above water. While visiting you can learn more about the history of the organization (and, most importantly, the cats themselves!)
• Entry to De Poezenboot is free, but donations are welcomed. This is a great activity for any traveller on a budget!