Amsterdam is a paradise for cat lovers. Who hasn’t seen at least one cute little feline wandering along the canals, sleeping comfortably in a shop, or on a houseboat? Cats have traditionally been a familiar sight in pubs, where they helped keep pests at bay and ensured a clean and hygienic environment for the guests! If you love cat spotting as much as we do, this is your ultimate guide to finding your favorite furry friends around the city. Go cat spotting!
Our favorite spots for cat spotting in Amsterdam
Museums & Shops
The Cat Cabinet
This “KattenKabinet,” founded in 1990 by Bob Meijer as a tribute to his late cat JP Morgan, is a museum entirely dedicated to cats and their role in art and literature throughout the centuries. The museum’s collection features paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other works of art by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Corneille, Sal Meijer, Théophile Steinlen, and Jože Ciuha. You’ll also find an assortment of eclectic objects honoring cats, including photos of celebrities with their own cats, or books! And of course, the KattenKabinet has five adorable permanent residents who call the museum home. You can see them wandering around, greeting visitors, or sleeping in one of the many cozy nooks. 📍Location: Herengracht 497, 1017 BT Amsterdam
Bars & Restaurants
Charlie’s Kitchen Burgers & Steaks
Yes, this delicious burger restaurant has a resident cat, and it’s a beautiful black-and-white tabby. At Charlie’s, you can enjoy top-notch American burgers, steaks, and ribs, served in a trendy setting. There’s also a selection of seafood and vegetarian dishes. And you’re welcome to pet the adorable cat! 📍Location: Warmoesstraat 15f, 1012 HT Amsterdam
Gollem’s Proeflokaal
What could be better than a cold Belgian beer on a beautiful spring afternoon? Drinking that beer while petting the bar cat, of course! At Gollem’s Proeflokaal, there’s a selection of over 24 different beers on tap, and every Monday night at 8:30 PM they also host a pub quiz! But the best part is, of course, the wonderful house cat that calls the pub home. 📍Location: Overtoom 160-161, 1054 HP Amsterdam
The Poolbar
Here are your plans for your next night off: a game of pool with your friends at The Poolbar, where you can show off your skills at the pool table while sipping a fresh beer and meeting the resident cat, Mouse. Apparently, he’s very vocal and sociable, so don’t be shy! Who said the perfect happy hour spot didn’t exist? 📍Location: Voetboogstraat 3-B, 1012 XK Amsterdam
Proeflokaal A. van Wees
At Proeflokaal A. van Wees, you can sample more than 17 authentically distilled Amsterdam jenever and 60 traditional Dutch liqueurs, each with a unique flavor and identity. It’s a true Amsterdam institution that’s been open for 44 years. There’s also an extensive menu of food, mainly Dutch snacks and specialties. You’ll love the atmosphere and especially Mango, their red cat who even has his own Instagram account. 📍Location: Herengracht 319, 1016 AV Amsterdam
Hotels
Hostel Cosmos Amsterdam
Hostel Cosmos is a super cozy hostel in the heart of Amsterdam, just a stone’s throw from Museumplein. The hostel’s resident cat, Simba, is more than happy to welcome you and give you some cuddles during your stay. Cosmos offers mixed dorms or a double room with a shared bathroom. There’s also a kitchenette to prepare your meals and a lounge area to relax in good company (hopefully Simba’s!). 📍Location: Frans Van Mierisstraat 69a, 1071 RL Amsterdam
Cat Cafés & Shelters
De Poezenboot
De Poezenboot is a shelter for stray and abandoned cats on an Amsterdam houseboat. Open to anyone who wants to adopt a cat, but also to cat lovers who can’t take one home—this special spot on Amsterdam’s canal belt is for everyone. Once on the boat , visitors can mingle with the cats, and cuddling is actively encouraged with the cats that are comfortable with it. Although De Poezenboot is free to visit, donations are very welcome—both financial and in the form of treats and toys. The shelter is open from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 📍Location: Singel 38 /G, 1015 AB Amsterdam
Cat Café Kopjes
Kopjes was the first cat café in the Netherlands! Eight cats live at Kopjes in Amsterdam-West. They were lovingly selected by two Amsterdam shelters: Stichting Dierenleed in Amsterdam-Noord and Dierenopvangcentrum Amsterdam (DOA). The café is very cute and cozy, fully furnished as a true paradise for the cats that live there. Guests pay a five-euro entrance fee and can spend an hour and a half pampering themselves with their new furry friends, and of course enjoy a drink and a snack in the best company you can imagine. 📍Location: Marco Polostraat 211, 1057 WK Amsterdam
