Amsterdam is building $115,000 worth of mini stairs to protect cats and animals from drowning in canals

Amsterdam is leading a one-of-a-kind initiative to protect its massive population of stray cats in the city. When you think of the Dutch capital, it’s hard not to imagine the profuse network of canals encompassing the cityscape. A bliss to watch for humans, the canals, however, have posed a significant threat to the cats roaming around the streets. More often than not, the strays plunge into the water and struggle to get out until rescued. Therefore, in an effort to protect the kitties that add to Amsterdam’s character, the city authorities are building cat-appropriate staircases along its canals, as reported by VICE. 

In 2010, the Amsterdam Canal Ring, or the Grachtengordel, was awarded a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ever since, the waterways embedded within the city have attracted countless visitors from around the world. But for the stray cats of Amsterdam, the canals are not so much of an iconic spot. The report stated that 19 cats had drowned in the network of canals over the past six months, and the authorities are finally taking active measures to prevent such incidents. The Dutch capital has decided to utilize 100,000 euros ($115,803) out of a forgotten biodiversity budget fund to build tiny wooden stairs as a way out of the canals. 

Judith Krom of the Party of the Animals (PvdD), a political organization that represents the political interests, rights, and welfare of wildlife, devised the plan to rescue the threatened cats of Amsterdam. The staircases have been nicknamed as–not catwalks–but cat traps that will help them escape the waterways. After all, curiosity killed the cat (not). Not just cats, though, the staircases along the canals shall become an escape route for any critters caught up in the waterways. Dierenambulance Amsterdam, an animal welfare group, is collaborating with the authorities to rule out the locations of most accidents. Then, the wood staircases will be installed at the high-risk sites later this year. 

Krom believes it is a “simple measure” with the potential to “prevent enormous animal suffering.” “The adopted motion demonstrates that as a city, we take responsibility for protecting the lives of animals,” she said. Zita Pels, councillor for animal welfare, had shown support for the plan but had qualms about the lack of funding, per the Independent. Amsterdam bows down to its cats. However, the capital city is not the only one. In June 2024, Amersfoort city installed about 300 cat stairs to protect cats and prevent accidental cat water plunges by identifying the trouble spots, typically areas with high quays or quay walls. 

“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,” Amersfoort councillor Johnas van Lammeren told Gemeente Amersfoort, a local news outlet. The municipality plans to install stairs every year as part of implementing the 2024 plan for saving cats.