On April 4, MaltaPost will unveil a new series of postage stamps dedicated to the love of cats in the Maltese Islands. This set of four stamps, painted by local artist Andrew Micallef, highlights the beauty and charm of cats through his realistic and characterful artwork. Micallef has been a regular contributor to Malta’s stamp designs for over twenty-five years.
“While I have previously depicted cats in other stamp designs, this marks my first collection entirely dedicated to these fascinating feline creatures,” Micallef shares. “For this series, I’ve illustrated four stamps, each featuring a different cat with a well-known Maltese landmark in the background. Two of these cats hold personal significance, as they are beloved pets of my family. We, as a family, have a Persian cat named Milly Jeyne, who is a 7-year-old female.”
Andrew Micallef, a lifelong cat lover, reflects on his deep connection with these independent creatures. “I’ve always been a cat person, ever since I was a child. Whenever I come across a cat on the street, it’s almost impossible for me not to stop and give attention to any stray I see. I’ve always admired their independent and graceful nature, and I find myself deeply connected to their personalities. There’s something about their freedom and mystery that resonates with me,” he explains. “As an artist, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing cats in various poses and environments through my paintings. These paintings reflect my deep affection for these incredible creatures and my appreciation for their presence in our lives.”
The new stamp collection, titled Cat Series II, features the Felis catus, or domestic cat, a small carnivorous mammal from the family Felidae. Domesticated nearly 10,000 years ago, cats have become popular pets, valued for companionship and their skill in hunting rodents. Independent and self-sufficient, cats are generally quiet, well-behaved, and possess sharp reflexes, excellent night vision, and a strong sense of smell. Basic communication methods include meowing, purring, hissing, and growling.
The 20c stamp shows a close-up of an orange cat relaxing in the countryside, with the old city of Mdina in the background. The cat, a calico long-haired type, has a tri-coloured coat of white, orange, and black fur. Calico cats are believed to bring good luck and are almost always female.
A white tabby cat is featured on the 0.45 stamp, lying peacefully in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, with the parish church of Our Lady of Pompei towering above the houses. Tabby cats come in various colours and patterns, including the classic “mackerel” tabby pattern with narrow stripes. The “tabby and white” variety is also common, with white paws and chest.
The €1 stamp depicts an orange tabby cat perched on an outdoor wrought iron bench, with the chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes overlooking Mgarr Harbour. Orange tabbies, often called “ginger” cats, are popular for their striped coats. Garfield, the famous lasagna-loving cartoon character, is one of the best-known orange tabbies.
The €1.91 stamp features a long-haired Tuxedo cat, with the village of Siggiewi and its parish church of St Nicholas in the background. Tuxedo cats have a striking black-and-white pattern reminiscent of formal wear. Famous Tuxedo cat characters like Felix and Sylvester have captured hearts in animation.
Now, these iconic local cats are set to travel worldwide on airmail envelopes, spreading their charm globally. The timing is perfect to recall the cats featured in the film Cats of Malta, which is currently being showcased in Japan. Directed by Sarah Jayne Portelli, Cats of Malta is a heartwarming, hour-long feature that celebrates the stray cats of Malta, their histories, and the deep connection they share with the locals. The film is available to stream on Tubi, Plex, Hoopla, Vimeo, Amazon, Kanopy (in the US, UK, AU), and iTunes.
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