Happy Friday everyone and Happy May 1st. I am sad to see the a-z challenge end- I wish there were more letters in the alphabet. We are lucky to have a guest post today from Cat Scout Felix.
Greetings! Felix here again to share a wonderful story that combines kitty and maritime history! Did you know that in Amsterdam, rescued stray cats are sheltered and cared for in several barges floating in the Singel Canal, in the center of the City?
The barges are a major tourist attraction, and are open part of each day to potential adopters and tourists who support the cause. The first barge was acquired in 1969 and named De Poezenboot (Pussycat Boat) by its owner and cat lover, Henriette van Weelde. She wanted to provide a home for orphaned and sick kitties in the city. At first, her rescues stayed in her home, but soon she had too many!
In 1971, Henriette purchased a second barge. Soon she acquired another barge and lots of volunteers started to offer their help.
In 1987, the Stichting de Poezenboot (Pussycat Boat Foundation) was established to support the rescue, medical and caregiving activities of this only floating kitty shelter in The Netherlands. The barges are renovated and maintained for seaworthiness and cat comfort and amusement. Veterinarians provide care at cost or on a voluntary basis. Events are held throughout the year to publicize the Foundation and its inhabitants!
If you travel to Amsterdam, be sure to visit and make a donation to this worthy cause. It is estimated that the city has over 50,000 stray cats! Check out their cool website, too!
I’d also like to share with you a story that appeared earlier this week in the Smithsonian Institution’s on-line Magazine. It features more information about maritime pets!
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/adorable-heroic-animals-museum-maritime-pets-180955012/?no-ist
Thank you for another great story Felix.
Please read our interview 
it will be available Friday morning at:
http://jansfunnyfarm.blogspot.com/
Thank you Funny Farmers- it was an honor to be interviewed by you.
Well, when I first saw this in my box I thought it said interview with Cat Stevens! I was excited!
But it wasn’t. Yet, I enjoyed it! Very interesting and well done!
❤
Glad you liked it anyway 🙂
Looking forward to your interview tomorrow.
How interesting about the Pussycat Boats!
xxoo
Thank you 🙂
Ooh, we bet those barges have MOUSIES!
Mousies, oh, I’m sure those kitties keep them under control!!
I don’t think a mouse would last long on there 🙂
My human has heard of this amazing floating rescue! She would love to see it someday.
I would too 🙂
It’s a great project!! Not so far from here as the crow flies MOL Thanks you Felix 🙂
We will pop over to the interview!
Yes, Austin, you are right there!!
🙂 Thank you.
We’ve read about those barges Felix……what a wonderful thing for those otherwise homeless kitties!! Also, congrats on the Smithsonian article AND congrats to 15andmeowing for the Funny Farm interview!!!! SO MANY GOOD THINGS ALL AT ONCE!
Hugs, Sammy
Aw, shucks, Sammy!
Thank you- I like good things 🙂
A shelter on a boat? How cool!
We think it’s an idea which should catch on!
It sure is 🙂
Bravo Felix, that was sure interesting!
Thanks, Brian!
Felix is an excellent writer. 🙂
He did do a great job 🙂
Wow, that’s a lot of stray cats! But then how many are in NY or Chicago or ….??? We wish every one had a home.
Your interview is up on Mousebreath. This is the direct link.
http://mousebreath.com/2015/05/15-meows-make-a-home/
That was a great interview. Wish every nice cat rescuer could take 15 home!
I wish they all could have a home too 🙂 Thanks for the link.
guys…we loved yur interviews over at mousebreath !!!! it bee nice ta get ta see everee one, get ta noe yur names & lurn a wee bit mor bout ewe….course we had ta diz agree with de hole burd thing ya noe… ~~~
🙂
N a total lee awesum guest post two day az well….we enjoyed heerin bout poezenboot …manee thanx two ewe cat scout felix !!
heerz two a manefish madtom kinda week oh end ♥♥♥
Glad you liked it, Tabbies!!
Thank you 🙂 I know Phoebe tends to hog the blog so it was nice to have the other kitties get known.
Felix that is a great story. WE had no idea about. Thank you for sharing. WE must tell you we really enjoyed the interview all of you did with MouseBreath.
Thanks, Annabelle. Felix
Glad you liked Felix’s story and our interview 🙂
This is a place we would love to visit someday. Amazing!
Nice interview over at Mousebreath, gang. We loved learning more about you!
Do plan a visit, Meowmeowmans!! Felix
Thank you- I am glad you liked our interview. 🙂
How awesome is that! If our mom ever gets there, she will definitely visit!
Thanks, Colehaus! Felix
I would love to see it too 🙂
Those barges sound like a great shelter. I enjoyed the guest post Felix.
They do sound nice and Felix did do a great job 🙂
What an amazing story! I sure would love to visit that barge one day.
I would too 🙂
OMCs what a fun story…I think I’d like living on a barge and traveling on smooth water not in a car!
Thank you for the wonderful photo of Sammy and he is wearing my fav color RED,
Hugs
Madi your bfff
Thank you- I am glad you like Sammy’s outfit.
Meowmy has been to Amsterdam a few times…and did not know anything about this barge fur kitties at all…so next time…
It should go on her bucket list.
What a great idea that lady had:))
That lady did have a great idea and I hope your Meowmy gets to see it someday.