Today, cat lovers from all across the world are celebrating International Cat Day but here in Malta, we celebrate cats everyday. 

There are many cats in Malta. In homes, in streets, in parks and by the water’s edge, fat cats live happily. In fact, Malta could well be the best place in the world to be a stray.

Locals are so accustomed to their presence, cats play an integral role in the cultural landscape. It’s ordinary to shoo a snoozing cat off the roof off your car and to see cats gathering at the time the cat feeder is due to appear with food. Most people tolerate them happily; others leave food and water on their doorstep; some take it upon themselves to feed a colony for years, while other simply adopt them as their own. 

The cats of Malta live happy lives with full bellies and not a concern. They pass their days snoozing in the sun and collecting titbits. They’ve even made it to the hall of fame with calendars and mugs dedicated to the cats of Malta. 

On an island dubbed ‘Island of Cats', let’s take a look at the cats you are likely to meet while visiting the islands. 

Fun fact: the Maltese cat

Did you know that a "Maltese cat" is any cat whose fur is either completely, or primarily, grey or blue and of an indeterminate breed?

Different types of cats of Malta

Meet the protagonists that earn Malta the nickname ‘Island of Cats’:

The window cat:

Sticks to safety and cosy comfort.

The door cat:

In or out? Who’s to decide.

The car cat:

Mmmm it’s warm, it’s safe, it’s Zzzzz...

The bench cat:

Understands true comfort.

The community cat:

Sharing is caring.

The boat cat:

Boats are just big boxes.

The fisherman’s cat:

Need I say more?

The satisfied fisherman’s cat:

Finally! 

The cafe cat:

Sees no point in risks as long as the belly fills ... and fills his time with snoozing.

Cat Village

Cats are so well established on the islands that they have their very own cat village in one of the prime areas of St Julians. The Cat Village has become a Maltese icon loved and protected by the community and visitors alike.

Cat care

Organisations set up in Malta to look after stray cats include Rescued Paws Malta, CLAWS, Kitty Guardians for Strays, Little Paws Protector Malta and many more. Local clinics and private vets also contribute towards neutering strays.

Famous cats of Malta

The artsy cat in Sliema:

The cat with the Spinola fisherman:

The Marsaxlokk fisherman's cat:

The cat fed by the Mellieha boy on stairs:

Perhaps the nickname 'Island of Cats' does suit Malta after all.