De Poezenboot (The Cat Boat)
Singel 38 /G, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1015
Billed as the world’s only floating cat sanctuary, Amsterdam’s De Poezenboot (The Cat Boat) is unlike any of the other houseboats that frequent the city’s picturesque canals. Established nearly 60 years ago, the charity takes in and rehomes hundreds of cats each year. It’s also open several times a week to visitors who want to greet and play with the resident felines.
The basics
Located right in the heart of the city, De Poezenboot is one of Amsterdam’s most unusual family-friendly attractions. In operation for decades, the floating cat sanctuary is both an active, volunteer-run charity that cares for cats and a quirky tourist destination found right along the city’s UNESCO-listed canal ring.
The sanctuary is open to visitors several times weekly; it’s worth making an advance reservation online to guarantee your place at this popular (but compact) attraction. Once inside, you can meet and greet the several dozen resident cats, and play with (and pet) those who come forward. For visiting animal lovers, it’s a unique, only-in-Amsterdam cat experience.
Things to know before you go
Although entry is free, donations to support the charity are strongly recommended, as they are De Poezenboot’s main source of funding.
Remember to treat the resident cats with care—some may be frightened of people and not comfortable with direct contact.
You may need to wait in line to board the vessel if you don’t make a reservation, as only limited numbers of visitors can be accommodated.
How to get there
De Poezenboot is located at Singel 38 G, 1015 AB Amsterdam. It’s just 15 minutes on foot from Amsterdam Centraal, the city’s primary transit hub, and can also be reached via the 2, 12, 13, and 17 trams.
When to get there
De Poezenboot is open to visitors on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, typically for just a couple hours during the afternoon. Anyone looking to adopt a cat can reach out directly for an appointment outside of visiting hours. Due to the limited opening times, it’s worth reserving online in advance if possible; note that weekends are likely to be busiest.
The Amsterdam Canal District
Once you’ve visited De Poezenboot, you can continue your sightseeing in the UNESCO-listed Amsterdam Canal District. Comprising a series of ring-shaped canals in the heart of the city, the construction dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and is home to some of the city’s most picturesque vistas and historic homes.
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