Amsterdam's Floating Cat Sanctuary: The Cat Boat Needs Your Help
A Unique Floating Sanctuary
In the heart of Amsterdam, among the 60 miles of winding canals, floats a very special houseboat. The Cat Boat (or Pussse Boat) is not your typical canal home - it's a floating cat sanctuary and adoption center located on the Singel canal.
How the Cat Boat Began
This unique sanctuary has a heartwarming origin story. Back in 1966, a woman named Henriette of Vilde found herself running out of space to take in stray cats. Instead of turning them away, she came up with a creative solution - she bought them a boat! Since then, this floating shelter has become a safe haven for Amsterdam's homeless felines.
More Than Just a Shelter
Every year, the Cat Boat takes in about 200 cats. Each one receives vaccinations and necessary care while waiting for their forever home. At any given time, a few dozen cats call this floating sanctuary home.
But the Cat Boat is more than just a shelter - it's an interactive hub for cat lovers. Visitors can stop by for free (though donations are always welcome) to spend time with the cats. These interactions help the cats develop their social skills and sometimes even lead to adoptions.
A New Boat is Needed
After years of providing shelter to countless cats, the current Cat Boat is showing its age. The cats are in desperate need of a new vessel, and construction has already begun. The new Cat Boat will be an energy-efficient haven featuring:
- Solar panels for sustainable energy
- Climate control for comfortable living
- Enhanced spaces designed specifically for the cats
How You Can Help
While construction is underway, the Cat Boat is still short of the necessary funds to complete the project. They're crowdsourcing for the new boat through June 30th.
You can help build the cats a new home by contributing to specific parts of the boat. Even if you can't donate, sharing about the Cat Boat on social media can make a huge difference. Both options will make the cats very happy!
The Cat Boat shows how creative solutions can help address animal homelessness in urban environments. This floating sanctuary has been providing a second chance to Amsterdam's stray cats for over 50 years - and with your help, it can continue this important work for many more.
