Cats on Faroe Islands' stamps

The Faroes Post has issued two stamps dedicated to domestic cats. Cats have lived around people for many thousands of years, and are the world's most popular pets. They're also the most popular pets on the Faroes. One reason that cats are so popular is that they fit in readily with a modern lifestyle. Cats don't need much care, can be left on their own, and pretty much look after themselves. A cat sat on the window sill watching something or other with its large almond-shaped eyes for hours at a time is a familiar image.

The Faroese domestic cat is a small animal that is little different to wild cats. It's happiest when eating, sleeping and playing. It can stand high temperatures, loves the sun and the night and is clean and agile, which it is why it is said that it always lands on its feet. The domestic cat is a mixed race. Its hair is short and often features several patterns and colors - normally including white. The most common coloration is black and white, although tabby cats and brown cats are also common. Plus, they can be anything from one color to many or be striped. The majority of pure-bred cats on the Faroes are long-haired, such as the Norwegian Forest Cat, Birman, Maine Coon and Persian.