Gabi Kirellos takes us to a little known spot in Amsterdam, not known to most tourists. If you love cats you will love what he found.

I love cats… while I don’t have pets right now, I raised a very lovely, beautiful grey kitty named Pearl during my teenage years, back when I was 13, in my former mountain hometown.

Unlike domestic cats that are kept at home, she had the freedom to wander into the woods and return whenever she wanted, since the town was small and she was so attached to home, she always came back.

She was my everything, and I got so attached to her, like people do with their pets, that deep, unspoken bond where they become family.

For two years, I raised her and took care of her.

But Pearl’s life was taken away so ruthlessly after she ate something poisoned, rodenticide, the kind of toxic bait people put out to kill rats and mice, which snakes feed on.

Cats can easily mistake it for food as well. The incident left me traumatized for a long time. It made me think about how humans sometimes do things that endanger innocent animals, all for the sake of protecting themselves from fears that aren’t always real.

Since then, almost 20 years ago, I haven’t owned a pet personally. Not because I don’t love animals (I absolutely do…cats, dogs, all of them), but because that pain never really left. The trauma stayed with me.

And because I still absolutely adore animals, especially cats, which have always been my favorite, I decided to explore a new spot in Amsterdam, something a little different but perfectly fitting: the Het KattenKabinet, also known as the Cat Museum, which honestly sounds, and is, a super fun experience.

It’s located on the Herengracht, one of the city’s most iconic canals, right in the famous Golden Bend, considered the most prestigious stretch.

How One Cat Inspired an Entire Museum

The KattenKabinet opened its doors in 1990, founded by art and cat lover Bob Meijer.

In fact, Meijer created this iconic museum in memory of his beloved ginger cat, John Piermont Morgan, who he described as truly one of a kind.

The museum is housed in a grand canal house at Herengracht 497. After purchasing it, Meijer restored the entire building and even discovered an original 17th-century ceiling painting.

This artwork, depicting the Amsterdam city virgin, is believed to come from the school of Gérard de Lairesse and was fully restored in 1998.

A Feline Welcome Like No Other

At the entrance of the museum, I was welcomed by a charming, unbelievably beautiful long-haired ginger, possibly a Maine Coon mix, with that full, fluffy coat and soft, regal presence, who I had the chance to caress and play with.

Walking through the museum, I found it filled with cat paintings by various artists, with well over a hundred works on display across the rooms at any given time, including pieces by Sal Meijer.

Unlike many 19th-century cat painters who made their cats overly cute or decorative, his work feels raw and real. His cats face forward, look directly at you, and are portrayed as individuals rather than ornaments.

Where Art, Mirrors, and Cats Share the Space

The museum itself is spread across four elegant rooms and a hallway, each with its own character, high ceilings, detailed moldings, and several ornate mirrors with inscriptions that reflect the space in layered, almost theatrical ways.

One of the grand main salon rooms, with its deep red walls, intricate ceiling details, and long wooden table, felt less like a traditional museum and more like stepping into a preserved canal house interior.

The mirrors echo the artwork from every angle, alongside display cases and smaller pieces that give the room a quiet sense of depth.

It was also here that I got to meet another little cutie, a sleek black-and-white tuxedo cat, this time curled up by the window overlooking the terrace, peacefully sleeping in the soft light, as if it truly owned the place, completely at ease and effortlessly stealing attention from the art itself.

The Art That Turned Cats Into Icons

One of the most prominent pieces you’ll see is connected to Le Chat Noir poster. In 1895, Théophile Steinlen designed the unforgettable poster La Tournée du Chat Noir for the famous cabaret Le Chat Noir, established in 1881 by Rodolphe Salis. The majestic black cat sitting proudly on red roof tiles became a symbol of the vibrant nightlife of 19th-century Paris.

You’ll also find works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who was closely connected to Le Chat Noir and created many posters for the cabaret scene. There are charming pieces by Adolphe Willette, a friend of Steinlen who also contributed to the cabaret’s artistic legacy. Another highlight is Henriette Ronner-Knip, known for her beautiful 19th-century paintings of cats and dogs, some of which are displayed in the Mechelen Room.

Nicolas Tarkhoff is also featured. He spent much of his life in Paris and was a contemporary of Vincent van Gogh, something that clearly reflects in his expressive use of color. His works, often depicting everyday life, families, and city scenes, carry that vibrant, impressionistic touch.

There’s also a room in the museum that celebrates a more human side of feline admiration, often referred to as the Green Room, where the walls are covered with photographs of famous figures alongside their cats.

Its layout almost feels like a visual archive of how deeply cats have been woven into creative and cultural lives. You’ll spot iconic names like Salvador Dalí with his pet ocelot Babou, alongside figures such as Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso, among many others.

The museum houses an impressive and sometimes unexpected collection, all tied together by a shared admiration for cats.

This includes works like an etching by Picasso and pieces attributed to Rembrandt, along with sculptures, quirky objects, and even a real cat mummy.

A Garden Full of Cat Art and Vintage Posters

There’s also an outdoor garden that’s part of the museum, where you can walk through displays of vintage cat posters.

These designs highlight how cats communicate emotions through body language, arched backs, raised tails, without needing facial expressions.

I really enjoyed the garden, especially since the weather was sunny and everything was on full display.

Cuban Mahogany and Timeless Craftsmanship

The Mechelen Room, dating back to 1886, is made of Cuban mahogany. Its cabinets were crafted by artisans from Mechelen, a Belgian city known for fine craftsmanship, which is where the room gets its name.

Originally used as a formal dining room, the space feels darker and more intimate than the others, almost like stepping into a private collector’s cabinet.

It’s also where some of the museum’s most notable pieces are displayed, including works attributed to Rembrandt and Picasso, surrounded by an eclectic mix of objects that range from fine art to more unexpected, quirky finds.

The Ultimate Cat Lover’s Gift Shop

Of course, the museum also has a very unique and impressive gift shop. It’s honestly a paradise for cat lovers.

You’ll find cat-themed books, prints, and all kinds of quirky souvenirs inspired by feline art and culture. Whether it’s vintage-style posters or unique stationery, you definitely won’t leave empty-handed.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12:00 to 17:00. It’s closed on April 27th for King’s Day, as well as on January 1st and December 25th and 26th.

You can also learn more about the museum and its permanent exhibition by booking a guided tour in advance through their website. Tours are offered every Tuesday starting at 11:00, and reservations in advance are required.