Amsterdam Invests in Tiny Canal Staircases to Help Prevent Cat Drownings
The city of Amsterdam is taking an unusual but compassionate step to protect its feline residents. Officials have announced a significant investment — reportedly around $100,000 — to install small staircases along canal walls to help cats climb out if they fall into the water.
Known locally as “cat staircases,” the structures are being placed at intervals along the city’s iconic canals, where steep stone walls can make escape difficult for animals that accidentally slip in.
Why Is the City Doing This?
Amsterdam’s historic canal system, while picturesque, presents a hidden hazard for animals. Cats that fall into the water may struggle to find a place to grip the smooth vertical walls.
Animal welfare advocates have long raised concerns about pets and stray cats drowning after becoming trapped. The new stair installations aim to reduce that risk by providing accessible exit points.
City officials say the initiative reflects Amsterdam’s broader commitment to urban animal welfare.
A Small Design With Big Impact
The staircases are compact, durable, and designed to blend into the canal infrastructure. While primarily intended for cats, they may also assist small wildlife such as hedgehogs or waterfowl that find themselves unable to climb out.
Urban planners note that simple structural adjustments can significantly reduce preventable animal deaths without disrupting the city’s heritage aesthetics.
A Growing Trend in Animal-Friendly Cities
Amsterdam joins a number of European cities incorporating wildlife-conscious design into urban planning. From bee hotels to wildlife corridors and bird-safe architecture, municipalities are increasingly recognizing the importance of coexistence.
While the investment may seem modest compared to large infrastructure projects, advocates argue that small-scale interventions can send a powerful message about shared urban responsibility.
For residents, the tiny staircases represent something more than metal steps.
They represent a city choosing to care — even in the smallest details.
