Amsterdam for cat lovers

Kattencafe Kopjes (Amsterdam Cat Café)

Cat contact is practically guaranteed as you sip a ‘cattucino’ in the company of lots of lovely mogs at Amsterdam’s first ever cat café Thanks to a successful crowdfunding scheme by cat-loving entrepreneur Lenny Popelier, Kattencafe Kopjes now provides a tranquil home for beautiful rescue cats as well as a relaxing environment for a coffee, spot of lunch or cake. Combining chic scandi-design with lots of stimulating apparatus for the cats to climb, perch on and explore, Kopjes is a lovely space for humans and felines alike, and leads us to wonder why we’d ever go anywhere else for coffee. There’s a cover charge of euros per person, which goes towards the cats’ care and you can pop into the Wild Whiskers gift shop next door for must-have books, pins, socks and stationery.

Kopjes Cat Café | Marco Polostraat 211, Oud-West

Kattenkabinet (Cat Cabinet)

A mieuw-seum that’s wholly devoted to cats, you say? That would be the Kattenkabinet - founded in 1990 by a wealthy Dutchman in honour of his beloved ginger tom cat (RIP, JP Morgan). This unique and unusual museum celebrates the role of cats in art and literature through the ages, with an astonishing collection of paintings, sculptures, books and posters all dedicated to our four-legged friends. Even those who feel less enthusiasm towards cats can’t fail to be impressed by the Kattenkabinet’s stunning premises; the collection is housed in a 17th-century canal residence. Oh, and you’re fully likely to meet some real-life cats during your visit, as the collection is frequented by five beautiful resident felines. If cats go there themselves, then it must be good.

Kattenkabinet | Herengracht 497, Centrum

De Poezenboot (Cat Boat)

It’s fair to say that most cats dislike water. But not the mariner moggies at the Cat Boat; a refuge for stray and abandoned felines floating on the picturesque Singel canal. Founded in 1966, the shelter has since been expanded and refurbished to provide high-quality accommodation for stray and abandoned kitties in Amsterdam, meeting all the requirements for a modern animal sanctuary. The Cat Boat welcomes visitors in the afternoon from 13:00 – 15:00, except on certain days when the cats enjoy some downtime - so do check the website for opening hours. Donations are gladly received, as are unwanted cat toys, old newspapers and accessories. The only downside is that you’ll want to take all the cats home.

De Poezenboot | Singel 38, Centrum

Pub cats of Amsterdam

Don’t be alarmed when drinking in one of Amsterdam’s cafes or pubs if you feel a furry little body rubbing up against your leg. It’s (hopefully) just one of the city’s many pub cats. These four-legged drinking buddies help keep the pubs’ canalside yards and cellars free from unwanted wildlife, as well as providing a warm welcome to visitors. Some of the most famous pub cats in Amsterdam include Claus at Café Bax (Ten Katestraat) and Wolf; the famously surly moggy at Café de Prins. You'll find these and more in Robert van Willigenburg’s photo book Amsterdam Pub Cats, available in the American Book Center in Amsterdam.