The Adventures of Periwinkle and Stinky

 

Periwinkle couldn't wait to see her handsome fiancé, Stinky.  She paced back and forth in front of the Teleportation Tunnel until she saw it begin to shake and, with a WOOOSH, out popped Stinky.  He tumbled out and did a somersault landing right into her waiting paws.  They giggled, whisker-kissed, and paw-patted, enjoying each other's company.  Periwinkle took Stinky by the paw and led him back into the Teleportation Tunnel to head to their Adventure.

When they arrived at their destination, Stinky was a little unsure.  "Periwinkle, there's water everywhere!" he exclaimed.  Periwinkle assured him that their furs would stay dry during their Adventure. 

 "We're visiting a special Cat Sanctuary called "De Poezenboot." She continued, "This floating cat sanctuary, located on a boat in Amsterdam’s picturesque canal belt, the Singel, is one of the city’s main tourist attractions. The Cat Boat provides a safe haven for stray, abandoned, and neglected cats, offering them shelter, care, and the opportunity to find loving forever homes. It serves as a sanctuary where these feline companions can receive medical attention, nutritious food, and plenty of love and affection from dedicated volunteers."

The door opened, and a kind human greeted them, calling out to the others, "Look, it's the famous Periwinkle and Stinky, welcome to the Cat Boat!” Inside, the boat was warm and cozy. There were beds and blankets, scratching posts and sunny windows, and lots of CATS!  The word quickly spread that the tabbies were visiting...

Unable to help himself, Stinky jumped to the top of a cat tree to say hi to one of the residents. 

"Stinky, please behave.  We don't want to upset any of the sweet kitties here" said Periwinkle.   Stinky agreed knowing that he didn't want to disturb anyone, especially Periwinkle.

There were cats everywhere. Some were napping. Some were playing with toys.  Stinky heard Periwinkle quietly SQUEEE and run off.  He knew where she was probably headed.  She said, "Look Stinky, kittens!  Aren't they adorable?"

“Why do all these cats live on a boat?” Stinky asked. “They were rescued,” explained Periwinkle. “Some didn’t have homes before, but now they live here until they find new families.”Stinky’s eyes sparkled. “That’s wonderful. They’re safe and loved!” Periwinkle nodded. “And people can visit, donate, or adopt. This boat floats, but it’s also a little island of kindness.”

Would you like to know the history of De Pozezenboot? asked Periwinkle.  Of course, Stinky said yes.  

Well,” said Periwinkle, “a long time ago, 1966, a kind human lady named Henriette van Weelde found a mama cat and her babies hiding under a tree by her house. She brought them inside to take care of them. 
Stinky nodded. “It kind of reminds me of when you were a baby and that nice lady rescued you and your fursibs. I'll bet that Mommy cat felt safe.” “She did,” said Periwinkle. “And soon, more and more people started bringing lost and lonely kitties to Ms. van Weelde. Her home filled up with whiskers, paws, and purrs!” Stinky blinked. “Sounds like our Mom's dream house.”

“But,” Periwinkle continued, “it got so full that Ms. van Weelde had an idea. She looked out at the houseboats floating on the canals and said, ‘If people can live on boats… why not cats?’”
Stinky gasped. “That's pawsome!”

Periwinkle continued, “So, in 1968, she bought an old sailing barge—a big boat—and turned it into a floating kitty paradise! Volunteers came to help care for the cats. Then, in 1979, she upgraded to a special houseboat called an ark—just like Noah’s, but for cats!” Stinky’s eyes went wide. “Thousands of cats have lived here since then?” “Yep!” said Periwinkle. “Henriette passed away in 2005, but in 1987, she started the Catboat Foundation, and it still runs this floating rescue today!”

“Paw-some!” said Stinky. “So they help kitties who’ve lost their homes?” “They sure do,” said Periwinkle. “They rescue strays, take in surrendered cats, and help humans in need with vet care, microchips, vaccines, and even fixing so more kittens don’t end up homeless.”

Stinky sat up straight. “We gotta give them extra purrs for all that work.  Did you see this sign?"  They both giggled when they saw it and decided NOT to bring it home to their fursibs!

As they made their way around, they got to meet many of the residents.  Some were eating lunch and asked them to join them.  Not wanting to take away from the rescues, they thanked the kitties and said Periwinkle's Mom had a snack waiting for them at her house.

It was getting late, so they went back to the Teleportation Tunnel and headed to Periwinkle's house.  Her Mom made them a snack. Stinky commented on how nice it was that they were using the Birman placemats and that the angel kitty was on the table.  Periwinkle said her Mom leaves the angel out all the time and since last week was Angels Mau and Allie's anniversary, she thought it would be a nice tribute.  Stinky agreed.

A quick nap in a sun puddle, lots of whisker kissing and paw patting, and then Stinky entered the Tunnel.  Sending one more whisker kiss, he said, "See you next Tuesday at my house for our 300th Adventure.  Don't be late."  Once again, they giggled because, like her Mom, Periwinkle was chronically early!  

Click HERE for the official site (and you can donate if you would like to.)

Here are two YouTube videos you can watch to learn more about this fabulous shelter!