You’ve probably heard of cat cafes and maybe even cat yoga. Have you also heard of cat boats? De Poezenboot, “The Catboat,” is a floating cat sanctuary in central Amsterdam that connects people with rescued cats. Judith, the current manager of The Catboat, spoke to us about this special place. On the boat, visitors can hang out with these cats, enjoy their company, and pay attention to them. However, since these are rescued cats and not typical house cats, some may not want to be touched. The cats’ wishes are respected. Several tours are scheduled each week when visitors can explore the boat and meet the cats. After meeting some of the cats, visitors who live nearby may even bring one home as a new feline companion.
The Catboat NL Logo
The Catboat started back in 1966. Mrs. Henriette van Weelde, its founder, had a big heart and took in a family of stray cats that she found in a tree on Amsterdam's Herengracht canal. She soon developed a reputation for rescuing cats who were ill, abandoned, or otherwise without a home. People started bringing her cats they could no longer care for, and her house was quickly filled with cats. She set out on a mission to figure out how she could go on rescuing cats without having a house overrun with them. Once she observed how people lived on the houseboats on the canal by her home, she thought cats could live comfortably on one, too.
The Catboat, De Poezenboot, floating on the Amsterdam canal.
Weelde’s idea to host rescued cats on a boat was an inspired one, and The Catboat has been going strong now for over five decades. It can accommodate up to 50 cats at any point in time, and it has over a dozen permanent residents.
Judith, the manager of The Catboat, with some of the rescued cats.
Manager Judith’s favorite thing about The Catboat is how they work to help both cats and people. The connections made on the boat often bring pure joy to visitors, and the cats enjoy the attention. It’s a win-win situation.
A feline resident of The Catboat enjoys the view.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, The Catboat only allows four visitors on the boat at one time. During their visit, tourists gets one-on-one time with the cats. Approximately 18 cats will be out walking around. These cats have typically been rescued while living outside, so they are not the normal, tamed house cats. Visitors need to be sensitive to the cats’ reactions and respect their preferences. If they don’t want to be picked up, leave them alone. You’re likely to find plenty of cats who relish the attention on board the boat.
Donations are welcome from all visitors. That’s easiest and most effective. If guests want to bring something for the feline residents of the boat, wet food, cat treats, and toys are always welcomed, too.
This cat resident seems to have enjoyed her meal.
Judith’s favorite compliment from guests is one she gets often. Visitors frequently remark on how healthy and loved the cats look, and how the felines on the boat are so nice to visitors.
A cat looks at what seems to be a very accurate drawing of herself.
The boat welcomes cat-loving travelers with open arms, but Judith warns that those who don’t like cats shouldn’t visit just for the novelty of it. Since cats are everywhere, you really need to be excited to meet them to enjoy your time on the boat. You don’t have to visit with the intention of adopting a cat. In fact, unless you live in Holland, it’s best to adopt closer to home. The Catboat Foundation runs on donations from visitors and the volunteers who help take care of the cats.
One of the residents of The Catboat gets comfortable.
“We try to help as many cats as possible,” explained Judith. The organization also helps cat owners who have problems with money and housing. They help people neuter their cats if they don’t have the money to do so. They socialize feral cats with a goal of finding a home for them. They also give hopeful cat owners information about cats and what it’s like to have cats in your house.
“Since we are just the one boat, we cannot change the world, but we do our best trying.”
One of the beautiful feline residents of The Catboat.
When you’re able to travel safely, you can reserve a tour on The Catboat whenever you are in central Amsterdam. Meanwhile, if you’d like to support this charity before your visit, you can donate to The Catboat directly on their website. You can also support them on social media by following the organization on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
Merchandise with The Catboat logo is also available.
