
22/07/2025
Love this!!❤️
In Amsterdam, cats don’t just roam the streets they float on canals in their very own rescue boat
Nestled along Amsterdam’s charming waterways is De Poezenboot a floating cat sanctuary and the only one of its kind in the world. This cozy houseboat-turned-haven has been rescuing and rehoming stray and abandoned cats since the 1960s. It’s not just a shelter; it’s a floating paradise where cats lounge by the windows, nap in flower boxes, and enjoy a peaceful life on the canal while awaiting their forever homes.
Founded by a compassionate local named Henriette van Weelde, De Poezenboot was born out of necessity when her land-based cat shelter reached capacity. So, in true Amsterdam fashion, she took to the water. Today, the boat houses dozens of cats at a time and even welcomes visitors tourists and locals alike who want to cuddle, volunteer, or adopt. It’s become a beloved symbol of the city’s warmth and its unique blend of practicality and heart.
Whether you're a traveler looking for something adorably different or an animal lover curious about canal-side compassion, De Poezenboot shows that in Amsterdam, even rescue cats get their own floating slice of heaven.
Sources: De Poezenboot Official Site, Amsterdam Animal Welfare Society, Lonely Planet Amsterdam Guide