Looks like the world's only floating cat shelter
Cats are not the biggest fans of water, but those that live in a house boat De Poezenboot, seem absolutely happy with their lives. "De Poezenboot" means "boat cats", and this cat home on the water — one of a kind.
Home "Boat for cats" has been operating since 1968. Its founder, Henrietta van Velde. The houseboat is home to about 50 cats, and 14 of them are permanent residents.
This story began with the fact that animal lover Henriette in 1966 found a family of cats took refuge under a tree near her home. She decided to take them home and take care of them. Soon they were joined by another outdoor cat. And then another one. And yet...
In General, very soon Henrietta was nicknamed "the cat lady". People began to bring her cats with no one to care, and it soon became clear that home the whole gang has not placed at all desire. As the house Henrietta stood beside the canal, she bought a Dutch sailing barge and converted it into a residence for cats.
About the cat shelter, Henrietta found out and people began to offer help to care for the animals. Alas, the barge, bought in 1968, "bursting at the seams" three years later. So in 1971 she bought a second — then, the shelter was known and he had visitors, or those wishing to give, or to take the cat.
Who would back in 1966 would have thought that what started with one cat family to grow into one of Europe's most famous havens for animals?
At first, here found shelter the homeless, abandoned and sick cats.
Very soon, this place has grown into an official charity organization.
3 June 1987, cat boat-De Poezenboot was registered as an official charitable organization, and was established by the Foundation Stichting de Poezenboot.
A large part of cats live here waiting for the new owners, who will come and take them home.
About all animal care 25 volunteers.
Houseboat open to the public, but only for a few hours a day. The main purpose of the shelter remains the same as decades ago: take care of cats and help them find loving owners.