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For Cat Lovers Only--Amsterdam

© Roxanne Nelson

Sooner or later, Amsterdam winds up on nearly everyone's travel itineray. And no wonder, for it's one of those places that appeals to an enormous range of travelers. It's cute, quaint, bursting at the seams with charm and history, and populated with friendly and courteous people. Amsterdam is the city where the great artist Rembrandt lived and painted, it was the hideaway of Anne Frank and her family,and the greatest attraction of all...the Poezenboot.

If you are a cat lover, that will be your first stop in Amsterdam. Museums and old buildings you can see anytime, but it's not everyday that you can get to meet sailor kitties face to face.

On the Singel canal in Amsterdam are moored two permanent barges. One is a home for elderly and sick cats and the other houses strays while waiting to be adopted. Known as the Poezenboot, the barges were purchased and put in operation by a lovely woman named Henriette Van Weelde, and now, 25 years later, it is a major tourist attraction in Amsterdam.

If one must be a stray, this is the place to be. The cats are not confined to cages but instead, move about freely. Visitors are welcome, even if not planning to adopt. All cats are spayed and neutered, and the foundation Poezenboot also finances spay and neuter projects around the city.

The boat is open daily from 1-3pm. Even if your not a cat lover, how often can you say that you stepped aboard a ship staffed with a feline crew?

Poezenboot website with address, phone number and other essential information

Some Great Links

Amsterdam does have a few other things to see besides its famous cats, so check out these websites:

Museum Het Rembrandthuis This is the house where Rembrandt lived and worked and is now a museum.

the Rijksmuseum houses the largest collection of art and history in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam general website with good information for tourists.

Anne Frank House is the actual house where the Frank family hid for nearly two years during WWII.