Amsterdam, famous for its iconic canals, is now offering a helping paw to some of its smallest residents: cats. Local authorities, in collaboration with animal welfare groups, plan to install tiny staircases along canal walls to allow cats and other small animals to climb out of the water safely.
The very thoughtful project, known as Kattenklimtreden, which means Cat Climbing Steps, is part of a broader effort to make Amsterdam’s waterways more wildlife-friendly. While the canals are undeniably beautiful, they can be hazardous for animals that accidentally fall in and can’t get back out due to the steep, slippery embankments.
Judith Krom, a member of the Party for the Animals (PvdD), proposed that Amsterdam finance the wildlife escape points using an unused €100,000 fund from the city’s biodiversity plan. “A simple measure can prevent enormous animal suffering,” said Krom. On 10 July, the Amsterdam City Council approved the suggestion to install small escape steps along canals to prevent animals, especially cats, from drowning.
The city will work with Dierenambulance to identify high-risk areas, with installations planned later this year. According to the organisation, 19 cats have drowned in the city’s canals in the last six months – six of them in the city centre.
Hundreds of small wooden staircases are planned to be installed across the Dutch capital later this year, and they can also benefit other small creatures, including ducks and hedgehogs, which occasionally find themselves trapped in the water. “The adopted motion demonstrates that as a city, we take responsibility for protecting the lives of animals,” Krom added.
In June this year, the municipality of Amersfoort, in the province of Utrecht, had already announced its plans to build 300 ladders along its canals to keep wildlife from drowning. Johnas van Lammeren, Amersfoort councillor, said: “Unfortunately, animals that end up in water in areas with high quays or quay walls can’t get out and drown. He also highlighted that: “Together with the animal ambulance, a research agency, and residents from Vathorst and other areas, we’ve mapped out where cat traps are needed. We’ll be installing hundreds of them in the coming period, preventing a great deal of animal suffering.”
As the Netherlands continues to lead the way in animal welfare and sustainable urban living, Amsterdam’s tiny staircases serve as a big step forward for the safety of its furry residents.
