Amsterdam is a paradise for cat lovers. Who hasn’t seen at least one cute little feline wandering near the canals, comfortably sleeping in a shop or a houseboat, or watching you walk through someone’s window? Cats were actually a traditional sighting in pubs, as they assisted with deterring pests, and ensured a clean and hygienic environment for patrons! If you love catspotting as much as we do, here is your best guide to catch sight of your favourite furry friends around town. Go spot cats!
Our Favourite Places to Spot Cats in Amsterdam
Museums & Shops
The KattenKabinet
This “Cat Cabinet”, which was founded by Bob Meijer in 1990 as an act of remembrance for his own departed cat, JP Morgan, is a museum completely devoted to cats and to their role in art and literature through time. The museum collection includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other works of art by Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Corneille, Sal Meijer, Théophile Steinlen, and Jože Ciuha, among others. You will also find an assortment of eclectic objects honouring cats, including pictures of different celebrities with their own pet cats, or books! And of course, the KattenKabinet has five adorable resident felines that call the museum their home. You can find them walking around, greeting visitors, or sleeping in one of the many cozy corners.
📍Herengracht 497, 1017 BT Amsterdam
Bars & Restaurants
Charlie’s Kitchen Burgers & Steaks
Yes, this delicious burger restaurant has a restaurant cat, and it is a wonderful black and white tabby. At Charlie’s, you can enjoy First Class American Style Burgers, Steaks and Ribs, served in a trendy environment. Note that there is also a selection of fish and vegetarian dishes. And you get to pet the cute cat!
📍Warmoesstraat 15f, 1012 HT Amsterdam
Gollem’s Proeflokaal
What could be better than having a cold Belgian beer on a nice spring afternoon? Having it while petting the bar cat, of course! At Gollem’s Proeflokaal, there is a selection more than 24 different beers on tap and every Monday evening, at 8:30pm, they also have a pub quiz! But the best part is, of course, the incredible house tabby that calls the pub his home.
📍Overtoom 160-161, 1054 HP Amsterdam
The Poolbar
Here are your plans for your next night off: a pool game with your friends at The Poolbar, where you can show them your skills on the pool table while sipping a fresh pint and meet the house cat, Mouse. He is apparently very vocal and sociable, so don’t be shy! Who thought the perfect happy hour plan didn’t exist?
📍Voetboogstraat 3-B, 1012 XK Amsterdam
Proeflokaal A. van Wees
At Proeflokaal A. van Wees you can taste over 17 authentically distilled Amsterdam genevers and 60 old Dutch liqueurs, each with a unique taste and identity. It’s a true Amsterdam institution that has been opened for 44 years. There is also an extensive menu of things to eat, mostly Dutch snacks and specialties. You’ll love the atmosphere and most specially Mango, their ginger cat that even has his own Instagram account.
📍Herengracht 319, 1016 AV Amsterdam
Hotels
Coco Mama Hostel
Coco Mama adopted Mieske, a cute little kitten who has now found his forever home at this lovely hostel. Even if you live in Amsterdam, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind escaping for a few days to stay at Coco Mama and cuddle with Mieske! The rooms are also beautifully decorated and comfortable. There are double and triple rooms as well as dorms. Have a nice stay!
📍Westeinde 18, 1017 ZP Amsterdam
Hostel Cosmos Amsterdam
Hostel Cosmos is a super cozy hostel situated in the heart of Amsterdam , a few steps away from the Museum square. The hostel’s house cat, Simba, will be more than happy to welcome you, and give you some cuddles throughout your stay. Cosmos offers mixed dorms or a twin room with a shared bathroom. There’s also a kitchenette to prepare the meals you need and a lounge area to relax in good company (hopefully Simba’s!).
📍Frans Van Mierisstraat 69a, 1071 RL Amsterdam
Cat cafés & Sanctuaries
De Poezenboot
De Poezenboot is a refuge for stray and abandoned cats situated on a Dutch houseboat. Open to those who wish to adopt a cat, as well as cat lovers who aren’t able to take one home—this special place along Amsterdam’s canal belt is for everyone to enjoy. Once on the boat, visitors are able to mix and mingle with the cats, with cuddles actively encouraged from the more comfortable felines. Although De Poezenboot is free to visit, donations are very welcome; either monetary or in the form of treats and toys. The sanctuary is open between 1-3 pm on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
📍Singel 38 /G, 1015 AB Amsterdam
Katten Cafe Kopjes
Kopjes was the first cat café in the Netherlands! Eight cats live in Kopjes in Amsterdam West. They were lovingly selected by two Amsterdam shelters, Stichting Dierenleed in Amsterdam Noord and the Animal Shelter Center Amsterdam (DOA). The café is very cute and cozy, fully furnished to be a true paradise for the resident cats. Guests pay a five euros entrance fee and can indulge themselves for an hour and a half with their new furry friends, as well as have a drink and a snack in the best company you could imagine.
📍Marco Polostraat 211, 1057 WK Amsterdam