Anyone who has traveled to Amsterdam knows that the city is centered upon its canals and the houseboats that line them. The Catboat, also known as De Poezenboot, is a haven for strays and cats that have been abandoned that floats on the gorgeous Singel canal in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
1. De Poezenboot: The Unique Boat For Abandoned Cat In Amsterdam
This one-of-a-kind houseboat, also known as “De Poezenboot,” has been converted into an animal shelter and goes by the name “The Catboat.” It is managed by a group of compassionate individuals who have a soft spot in their hearts for animals, particularly cats. As you undoubtedly already realized, there is nothing else quite like a floating cat paradise, so we won’t even bother explaining what makes it so special.
The fact that The Catboat is accessible to members of the general public is the nicest part. If you are planning a trip to Amsterdam and you have a soft spot in your heart for feline companions and could use a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you should make it a point to stop by The Catboat.
2. The Beginnings of the Catboat
The founder of “De Poezenboot,” also known as “The Catboat,” Henriette van Weelde, happened upon a family of stray cats seeking refuge under a tree in 1966. She took them in and began caring for them. She concluded that the best thing for the cats would be to take them with her and provide for them in her own home on the Herengracht. Almost immediately after the arrival of the first family of cats, another stray cat arrived. Before Henriette could even begin to comprehend what was happening, a rumor began to circulate, and people began bringing cats to her that they were unable to care for any longer. By 1968, Henriette was also known as “the cat lady,” She required every area of her home to house all of her cats. Consequently, her home was completely taken over by cats.
People kept bringing more cats, filling her house, yard, and roof terrace. Henriette found a solution by peeking out her flat window. She felt her cats could use a houseboat moored in the Herengracht as a sanctuary. An old Dutch sailing barge was purchased and renovated as a floating cat shelter by volunteers. This boat served for over a decade until 1979.
Henriette’s passing came as a terrible shock in the year 2005. Her work, on the other hand, is being carried on by many devoted volunteers, with Henriette’s close friend Judith serving as the group’s leader; bravo to all of them!
3. What can you do in De Poezenboot?
There can be as many as 50 cats on the houseboat at one time, 14 of which are considered to be permanent residents. Additionally, human guests are encouraged to board the vessel. Many people visit the shelter in order to select a cat for adoption, but visitors from other countries are also welcome to stop by and pet the cats.
The boat refuge is a charitable organization, and the donations that are left by tourists are what keep it operating. Every dollar donated will save as many cats in need in Amsterdam as possible. The Cat Boat Foundation helps pay for the spaying and neutering of stray cats as well as cats whose owners are unable to afford necessary veterinary treatment. Volunteers look after the cats, and some of them are adopted by patrons of the shelter. It is thought that the cats will acclimate to life on land very well in their new homes once they get there.
4. The prices of the tickets
The Catboat, also known as “De Poezenboot,” is a fully free attraction to see. However, we are confident that you will donate significantly to ensure the volunteers can continue their hard work.
5. Open hours
The Catboat is open to the public every afternoon between the hours of 13:00 and 15:00, except for Wednesdays and Sundays when the cats are allowed to relax.
6. Getting to De Poezenboot
The Catboat can be found right at the beginning of the Singel in its watery home. It won’t take you more than a few minutes to walk there from Central Station. If you leave Central Station by the front entrance, just continue straight ahead until you reach the first canal. The location of the catboat can also be found on the right side of the water.
Address: De Poezenboot – The Catboat Singel 38.G, 1015 AB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
After reading your article, it reminded me of some things about gate io that I studied before. The content is similar to yours, but your thinking is very special, which gave me a different idea. Thank you. But I still have some questions I want to ask you, I will always pay attention. Thanks.