Sliema, Malta
Malta Cats
A Mediterranean island where community cats are part of daily life — start at Sliema’s Cat Park, then wander Valletta gardens and fishing harbours.
Before you go
- Cat Park and harbour areas are busiest midday — early morning or late afternoon can be calmer for spotting cats.
- Respect feeding stations and carers; do not rearrange shelters or leave trash.
- Buses are frequent on main corridors; check routes for Marsaxlokk and Attard before you go.
About Malta Cats
Malta is famous for sunshine, limestone towns, and harbour views — and for community cats that live across the islands. A clear starting point for cat lovers is Independence Gardens in Sliema (often called Cat Park), with shelters, feeding stations, and a large cat statue by the seafront. Nearby Spinola Bay in St. Julian’s has fishing-harbour cats and the bronze “Fisherman and the Cat” statue (around 2003). In the capital Valletta, Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens are frequently mentioned as places to spot cats while sightseeing. Further afield, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk and the formal San Anton Gardens are also good stops. Observe quietly, respect local carers’ work, and do not disrupt feeding stations. (Gozo may be added later as its own spot.)
Malta Walking Map
Open in Google MapsThis map covers Cat Park in Sliema, Spinola Bay, Valletta’s Barrakka Gardens, Marsaxlokk, and San Anton Gardens on the main island. Gozo may be added later as a separate spot. Feeding areas are maintained by local carers — observe quietly and do not chase cats. Locations are approximate.
Malta Spot Guide
How to get to Malta Cats
Fly into Malta International Airport (MLA). Buses and taxis connect to Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Valletta. Independence Gardens sits on the Sliema / St. Julian’s seafront (Tower Road area) — an easy first stop by bus or on foot along the promenade.
From Sliema you can continue to Spinola Bay, take a ferry or bus toward Valletta for the Barrakka Gardens, or day-trip by bus to Marsaxlokk and San Anton Gardens (Attard). Cats are part of neighbourhood life — keep a respectful distance and follow any local guidance around feeding areas.
- Fly into Malta International Airport (MLA) and continue to Sliema / St. Julian’s by bus or taxi.
- Start at Independence Gardens (Cat Park) on the seafront.
- Walk or short-hop to Spinola Bay, then Valletta’s Barrakka Gardens if you have time.
- Array
More Colony spots
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De Poezenboot (The Catboat)
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A floating cat sanctuary on a canal boat in Amsterdam, Netherlands — rescued cats live aboard De Poezenboot (The Catboat).
Dubrovnik Cats
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A UNESCO-walled Adriatic city where community cats — locals’ “oldest citizens” — nap on warm stone, ATM ledges, and harbour edges throughout the Old Town.
Gotanjoji Cat Temple
Echizen, Japan
A Soto Zen training temple in Echizen, Fukui, where rescued cats live alongside monks — known as “Neko-dera.”
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