De Poezenboot, Amsterdam

De Poezenboot is a cat shelter afloat on a houseboat along the Singel, where stray cats are taken in and matched with new homes. Some cats roam freely aboard the vessel, and visitors can enter to meet them; at busy times, the boat accommodates about 60 cats. The shelter began in 1968, created by Henriëtte van Weelde after her home could no longer contain the growing number of cats she rescued.

The present vessel arrived at the end of September 2023, following a fundraising campaign prompted by the old hull’s deterioration. The work continues through volunteers led by Judith, a friend of Van Weelde. As you look at the boat itself, its unusual purpose becomes clear: this is both a floating home and a working refuge, with animal care taking place within a vessel built for living.