The Cats of Malta: The Island’s Most Beloved Residents

Last Updated on 17th June 2026 by Sophie Nadeau

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When you picture Malta you’re probably imagining centuries old fortifications, blue crystal-clear lagoons and centuries of fascinating history… But there is another side to the island that quickly captures visitors’ hearts: its cats.

From ancient fortified cities to sleepy fishing villages, cats are quite literally everywhere you turn in Malta. They enjoy lounging on warm limestone walls, napping below colourful balconies, and often greet visitors at both harbours and historic sites. For many travellers, spotting Malta’s feline residents soon becomes an unexpected highlight of their trip.

Why are there so many cats in Malta?

Cats aren’t just cute to play with but have historically played an important role in an island nestled at the crossroads of civilisation. With an uncanny ability to control mice, rats, and other rodents from farms to ports in ports, as Malta developed into a major maritime hub, cats became a familiar presence around the island’s harbours and trading centres.

Today, the majority of Malta’s cats live as community cats and it’s estimated that there’s up to half a million of them. Local residents, businesses, and volunteers help care for them by providing food, water, shelter, and veterinary care.

Where to see cats in Malta

Every single place that we visited in Malta (and we covered most of the main island, Malta, as well as its smaller neighbour of Gozo) was home to cats. With this being said, some cat colonies on the island are larger than others and so here are some spots where you can meet feline friends:

Valletta – Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital. Cats can often be found lounging on limestone steps, resting beneath traditional wooden balconies, and wandering through the city’s historic gardens and quiet backstreets. If you are planning to visit Malta, check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in Valletta.

Upper Barrakka Gardens (Valletta) – One of the most beautiful viewpoints in Malta, overlooking the Grand Harbour. Cats occasionally seek out the shady corners and peaceful terraces of these formal gardens.

Lower Barrakka Gardens (Valletta) – A quieter alternative to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, with sea views and fewer crowds. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a favourite resting place for local cats.

Sliema Promenade – A scenic waterfront walkway stretching along the coast. Several well-known cat colonies live near the promenade, cared for by local volunteers.

St. Julian’s – A lively seaside district known for restaurants and nightlife. Despite the bustle, cats can often be found relaxing near the waterfront and tucked away in quieter corners.

Independence Garden (Sliema) – Perhaps Malta’s most famous cat location. This seafront park is home to a large colony of community cats, complete with shelters and feeding stations maintained by volunteers.

Mdina – Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina’s medieval streets provide a picturesque setting for cats, which are often spotted sleeping in ancient doorways or perched on stone walls. You can also find them in the deep dry moats surrounding the fortifications.

Rabat – Located just outside Mdina, Rabat’s residential streets, gardens, and historic sites are home to many free-roaming cats.

Marsaxlokk – Malta’s colourful fishing village, famous for its traditional luzzu boats. Cats are frequently seen around the harbour, where fishing activity has attracted feline residents for generations.

Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua) – These historic harbour towns offer a maze of narrow streets, waterfront promenades, and quiet squares where cats are a common sight.

Gozo – Malta’s smaller sister island has a particularly relaxed atmosphere. Villages such as Victoria (Rabat), Xlendi, and Marsalforn are excellent places to encounter cats enjoying island life.

Comino – Although famous for the Blue Lagoon, the island is also home to a small population of cats that have adapted to its remote environment.

Ta’ Qali National Park – One of Malta’s largest open green spaces, visitors sometimes encounter cats near the park’s gardens, craft village, and picnic areas.

University of Malta (Msida) – The campus has a long-standing population of community cats that are cared for by students and staff.

Almost Any Quiet Village Square – One of the joys of Malta is that cats aren’t confined to specific locations. From sleepy village squares to hidden courtyards, you’ll often find them wherever there’s a warm patch of sunshine and a peaceful place to nap.

How to Malta’s Cats Responsibly

If you encounter cats during your travels, a few simple guidelines can help ensure their wellbeing and safety (these are tips that apply to pretty much anywhere you travel to):

• Allow cats to approach you rather than chasing or cornering them.
• Avoid feeding cats unless you are certain it is permitted in that location. Many cats already have volunteers feeding them and may well have specific dietary requirements that aren’t evident by looking at them.
• Respect designated feeding stations maintained by volunteers.
• Do not disturb sleeping cats, particularly during hot weather. If cats are in their homes, don’t try and pet them or take them outside of their shelters.
• Support local animal welfare organisations if you would like to contribute to their care.

These small actions can help preserve the positive relationship between the cats, local communities, and visitors and ensure that the cats continue feeling comfortable in the places which they live in!

Cats of Malta: A Documentary About the Island’s Feline Culture

In 2023, filmmaker Sarah Jayne Portelli released Cats of Malta, a feature-length documentary film that explores the unique relationship between Malta and its free-roaming cats.

Rather than focusing solely on the cats, the documentary also shines a light on the people who care for them (largely volunteers) and the communities that have grown around Malta’s cat colonies. I particularly enjoyed watching the film while we were in Malta and found some of the stories really touching.

For anyone planning a trip to Malta, Cats of Malta offers a fascinating introduction to a side of the islands that many visitors don’t even know about. And after watching the documentary, you’ll likely start noticing the cats quite literally everywhere…