The Catboat in Amsterdam, A Unique Floating Cat Sanctuary

Set on the picturesque Singel canal along a leafy central street lies the world’s only floating cat sanctuary. The Catboat, or De Poezenboot in Dutch, is a traditional canal boat that's been transformed into a waterborne home accommodating up to 50 of the capital’s stray felines. The Catboat is staffed by big-hearted volunteers who look after the furry residents as they play, nap and frolic throughout their unusual surroundings. Three days a week, the sanctuary is open to cat-loving visitors looking for a unique Amsterdam experience. If you’re staying in Amsterdam a bit longer, consider volunteering or even adopting one of the many cats looking for a loving new home.

This unique floating cat rescue boat in Amsterdam was founded in 1966 by Henriette van Weelde. The story goes that one day Ms. van Weelde found a mother cat and kittens beneath a tree outside her home. She brought the family home to care for them, and soon developed a reputation as the neighbourhood “cat lady”, with people bringing her more and more strays and abandoned cats to care for. Eventually, as her home filled with cats, Ms. van Weelde realised that she needed a more permanent solution. “If people could live on the houseboats that lined the canals, why not cats?” she thought. Thus the idea for the Catboat was born. 

Ms. van Weelde purchased an old Dutch sailing barge in 1968. The interior was converted into cat-friendly accommodations, and volunteers were brought in to care for them. Then in 1979, a houseboat known as an “ark” replaced the old barge, and has been a loving home for thousands of cats through the years. Henriette van Weelde passed away in 2005, but the Catboat Foundation, established in 1987, has carried on her pioneering work and is today one of the world’s most beloved cat charities. 

Not only does this cat rescue boat take in stray, abandoned and owner-surrendered cats from throughout the city, the organisation works with local vets to organise spaying and neutering events, and assists people in financial need with microchipping and vaccinating cats that would otherwise be uncared for.

The Catboat in Amsterdam is open to curious, cat-loving visitors interested in saying hello to the furry residents. While the Catboat price is free, donations are gladly accepted as the Catboat is a non-governmental organisation and is completely financed by generous donations from the public. The Catboat is open to visitors during very limited hours – Tuesday, Friday and Saturday between 1 and 3pm. The time for visits is limited to 15 minutes during peak periods, although you're welcome to stay longer when it's quiet. Slots are best booked online in advance of your visit. Last-minute slots are occasionally available, but be sure to arrive early to line up as numbers are limited to ensure the cats' well being.

Upon entering the Catboat, the friendly volunteers will show you around and answer questions about the feline residents. From friendly to grumpy, each member of the floating cat community has a distinct personality, backstory and medical history, and thus they have different tolerance levels for interaction with visitors – be sure to respect the cats' personal space. Unlike cat cafes which are often for-profit businesses, the Catboat is not for profit, and all the money received from donations goes directly back into the cat upkeep to purchase litter trays, food, toys, vaccines, health care and all the other necessities for the cats' care. While the Catboat is a popular tourist activity, be advised that the cats living onboard are former street cats or owner-surrendered cats, and some have behavioural issues that make them skittish or even fearful around people. 

A visit to the one and only cat sanctuary boat is bound to be a highlight of your trip to Amsterdam. The Catboat has hundreds of five-star reviews from visitors on Google, and most people say that it was one of their favourite memories of the city. The interactions with cats, while brief, can be very personal, with cats coming up and playfully swiping or posing for pictures. The generous volunteers are passionate about what they do, and ensure that every visitor has a warm and welcoming experience with the cats. The volunteers take their work seriously and adhere to the charity's long-held vision of cat care. As they say, "Our goal is simple: To help as many cats in need as possible. This includes cats that have been found, or cats that people can't or will not take care of anymore." 

Before you leave, don't forget to check out the Catboat souvenir shop, which sells whimsical magnets, T-shirts, stickers, pins and tote bags. For a more meaningful takeaway from the Catboat, consider adopting one of the sanctuary's temporary residents. 

The Catboat is open to visitors and makes for a memorable activity on a trip to Amsterdam. Keep these helpful hints in mind to make sure both you and the cats enjoy your visit to the Catboat.

• The boat has very limited visiting hours, so it's best to book online in advance.
• If you didn't make a reservation, consider that Friday is the least busy day of the week to visit and try lining up then. 
• Line up early if you didn't make a reservation. Once the spots are filled, there are no more entries allowed on that day to ensure the cats don't become overly stressed.
• Bring cash if you would like to make a donation or purchase souvenirs.
• Follow the directions on the signs and from the volunteers about interacting with the cats. 
• Don't bring large bags or suitcases, as the Catboat is a small space and becomes crowded during visiting hours.

The Catboat is located in the city centre, only a 9-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal train station. After your visit, it's a short walk to many of the city's other famed attractions, including the Anne Frank House and the stylish cafes, galleries and boutiques in the buzzing Jordaan district. Looking for other animal-themed spots in Amsterdam? Check out the nineteenth-century ARTIS Zoo filled with over 900 species of animals, or pop into the quirky Katten Kabinet – a museum dedicated solely to feline-themed art.

The Catboat is set in one of the city's most central and popular areas, along the lovely Singel canal. Why not stay at a hotel nearby in order to line up early? ibis Amsterdam Centre is a trendy and centrally located option and is only 5 minutes away on foot. For a more luxurious stay, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is set in an elegant fifteenth-century former convent.

A visit to the Catboat is a fun memory to cherish from your trip to Amsterdam, and your support of the organisation allows it to continue providing care and shelter in the peaceful floating sanctuary.