De Poezenboot Singel Amsterdam
Amsterdam's unique floating cat sanctuary, offering a haven for rescued felines and a heartwarming experience for visitors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Official opening hours
De Poezenboot Singel Amsterdam
Best Time
Official opening hours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Amsterdam's unique floating cat sanctuary, offering a haven for rescued felines and a heartwarming experience for visitors.
"This was one of our favourite things we did while in Amsterdam! It was so much fun to go and visit with the cats."
🎯 Book Ahead for Entry
Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long queues or disappointment.
💖 Donate to Support Cats
Entry is free, but donations are crucial for the sanctuary's operation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Floating Cat Sanctuary
Singel canal
Experience the world's only floating cat sanctuary, a heartwarming haven for rescued felines.
Meet Adorable Felines
Onboard the houseboat
Spend time petting and playing with a variety of friendly, adoptable cats in a unique setting.
Support a Noble Cause
Gift shop/donation area
Learn about the sanctuary's mission and contribute to the welfare of homeless cats in Amsterdam.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Cat Cuddle Time
Support the Sanctuary
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Entry
Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long queues or disappointment.
💖 Donate to Support Cats
Entry is free, but donations are crucial for the sanctuary's operation. +1
🗣️ Multilingual Staff
The staff are friendly and speak many languages, making communication easy.
🐾 Respect the Cats
Be gentle and mindful of the cats' space and comfort.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Entry
Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long queues or disappointment.
💖 Donate to Support Cats
Entry is free, but donations are crucial for the sanctuary's operation. +1
🗣️ Multilingual Staff
The staff are friendly and speak many languages, making communication easy.
🐾 Respect the Cats
Be gentle and mindful of the cats' space and comfort.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise De Poezenboot as a highlight of their Amsterdam trip, cherishing the heartwarming experience of interacting with rescued cats. The dedication of the staff and the unique floating sanctuary concept are frequently lauded. While booking in advance is highly recommended due to popularity, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many emphasizing the importance of donations to support this noble cause.
"Perfect place to visit if your a cat person. Great place to escape the hustle & bustle of Amsterdam. Non profit shelter boat moored on the Singel canal minutes from Central Station. Staff are friendly and petting & playing are encouraged. It is a rather small but busy venue. It's free but highly recommend making a donation. Also, make a reservation online beforehand as the walk in line can get fairly large and you may not get in. Hours are limited. Gift shop has some nice cat orientated items."
D Mann
"SO WONDERFUL. These sweet kitties have had a rough time but now they have a safe space to heal and be adopted. The cat boat is a beautiful organization and one of the highlights of our trip. There was a short line to get in. They allow 6pp at a time in the boat as it is small. Each group gets 15 min: the volunteers were very kind and efficient. Thank you!"
A R
"I loved seeing the cats! Some cats were roaming (presumably those more comfortable with being stroked) and others were in their pens. I was a little concerned that the pens were on the small side.
We joined the queue at 12.45 and were the 11th and 12th people in line. They let 6 people in at once, so we were on the boat at 1.15 until 1.30. It’s great to see the cats and worth queuing if you’re a cat lover and you’re there early, but I personally wouldn’t have queued longer. I’m sure some of the people I saw waiting wouldn’t have made it in."
Lauren Norman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
De Poezenboot is conveniently located on the Singel canal in Amsterdam. You can easily reach it by public transport, with Amsterdam Centraal station being a short walk away. Many visitors also find it accessible by tram.
Yes, De Poezenboot is within walking distance from Amsterdam Centraal station, making it easily accessible for travelers arriving by train.
Absolutely! The Cat Boat is situated on the picturesque Singel canal, making it a pleasant walk from many central Amsterdam locations.
The address is Singel 38G, 1015 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The Cat Boat is a distinctive houseboat on the Singel canal. Look for signs or ask locals if you have trouble locating it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to De Poezenboot is free. However, it's a nonprofit organization, and donations are highly encouraged to support their work. +1
The Cat Boat is typically open in the afternoons, usually from 1 PM to 3 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most current hours.
It's strongly recommended to book your visit in advance, sometimes even months ahead, to secure a spot. While walk-ins are possible, booking guarantees your entry.
Yes, you can walk in without a reservation, but be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours or seasons. Booking ahead is the best way to ensure entry.
There is no admission fee to visit De Poezenboot. The sanctuary relies on donations from visitors to fund its operations and care for the cats. +1
🎫 🐈 Onsite Experience
At De Poezenboot, you can interact with and pet the resident cats, learn about their rescue stories, and support the sanctuary through donations. It's a heartwarming experience for cat lovers.
The cats at De Poezenboot are generally very friendly and accustomed to human interaction, as they are socialized by staff and volunteers.
Yes, De Poezenboot is a shelter, and adoption is a core part of their mission. If you're interested in adopting, you can inquire about the process during your visit.
Absolutely! De Poezenboot is often cited as a favorite spot for cat lovers visiting Amsterdam, offering a unique and heartwarming experience.
The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and peaceful, filled with the gentle presence of cats and the dedication of the staff. +1
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Donations
Yes, De Poezenboot typically has a small gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and items to support the sanctuary.
Donations can be made in person at the sanctuary, or you can often find information on their website for online contributions. +1
Information regarding the tax-deductibility of donations would need to be confirmed directly with De Poezenboot or through their official channels. As a nonprofit, it's likely possible.
Donations are used to cover the costs of food, veterinary care, shelter maintenance, and overall well-being of the cats at the sanctuary.
Yes, purchasing items from their gift shop is a great way to support the cats and take home a memento of your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Book your visit well in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if traveling with children during school holidays. Ensure children understand the importance of being gentle with the cats. The experience is relatively short, making it perfect for younger attention spans, and the donation aspect can be a good way to teach children about giving back.
❤️ Cat Lovers & Animal Enthusiasts
Recommendations for cat lovers: Prioritize booking your visit to ensure you get a slot. Be prepared to make a generous donation, as this sanctuary runs on the goodwill of visitors. Take the time to chat with the staff and learn about the individual stories of the cats. It's a place where your love for cats can directly contribute to their well-being.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Budget tips: Focus your visit on the free entry aspect. However, strongly consider making a donation, as it's the primary way the sanctuary sustains itself. Even a small contribution makes a difference. This activity is a great way to enjoy Amsterdam without spending a lot of money, while still having a memorable and meaningful experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Mission of De Poezenboot
+1 It began as a personal initiative to care for stray and abandoned cats in Amsterdam's canals. Over the decades, it has evolved into the world's only floating cat sanctuary, providing a safe haven for felines in need. The mission is simple yet profound: to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome cats that have nowhere else to go. The sanctuary operates from a specially adapted houseboat on the Singel canal, offering a tranquil environment for the cats. Visitors are welcome to come aboard, interact with the cats, and learn about the vital work the organization does. This unique approach not only provides a home for the cats but also raises awareness about animal welfare and the importance of adoption.
De Poezenboot relies heavily on public support, including donations and volunteer efforts, to continue its operations. They are also actively fundraising for a new, improved cat boat to better serve their feline residents.
Visiting De Poezenboot: What to Expect
Once aboard, you'll be greeted by friendly staff who are passionate about their work and often speak multiple languages.
Beyond the joy of interacting with the cats, visitors are encouraged to make a donation. This financial support is essential for the sanctuary's continued operation, covering food, medical care, and the upkeep of the houseboat.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit