24-05-2023
THE CAT-BOAT MUST STAY AFLOAT
Stichting de Poezenboot
Since 1968, in the heart of Amsterdam, stray and injured cats have been sheltered in a unique location: a boat on the Singel canal.
The idea arose at the time because, as is so often the case, the house where the shelter was initially (and almost by accident) set up needed more space. Looking out at the houseboats in the canals around the apartment, the idea took shape. A specially equipped cat-boat! This eventually materialised in the form of a barge on the Singel.
However, soon the barge also became too small, and in 1971 a second boat was bought and moored nearby on the Singel. In 1979 the current boat "The Ark" was eventually purchased, which was built in the boatyard exactly according to the requirements and wishes of the shelter.
Naturally, over the course of time, repairs were needed, as was a replacement to meet the latest requirements. Unfortunately, the second boat had to be towed away in 2006 by order of the municipality.
Now, it’s again time to search for a new boat to replace The Ark. Abri voor Dieren has wholeheartedly supported this initiative with a donation.
There is so much more to tell you about the cat-boat, not least that it is a tourist attraction. If you want to know more, visit https://depoezenboot.nl.