Last time, I gathered stamps where cats take the starring role. This time, it’s all about the petit cat stamps — stamps where a cat plays a charming supporting role rather than the lead!
Some cats are tiny — you might have to look closely to find them. Enjoy the search!
Czech Republic, 1997 — Congratulations
Illustrated by Jindřich Kovářík.
France, 1974 — Red Cross
Saint Pierre and Miquelon, 2022 — Sash Window
The theme is windows, but the cat makes the red frame really come alive.
Saint Pierre and Miquelon, 2026 — Lattice Window
If this becomes an ongoing windows series from Saint Pierre and Miquelon, that would be wonderful!
Germany, 2000 — Promotion of Letter Writing
East Germany, 1981 — TV Animation Characters
Russia, 2022 — Europa Stamp
The 2022 Europa stamp theme was Stories and Myths.
Japan, 1980 — Modern Art Series, Vol. 8: Kurofunaya
Kurofunaya (Black Ship Cottage) is a 1919 work painted in watercolor on silk, depicting a female figure. It was created by Yumeji Takehisa (1884–1934), one of Japan’s most beloved Taishō-era artists. The model is believed to be Hirano Kashii, with whom Yumeji shared his life in Kyoto.
Japan, 1985 — Letter Writing Day
Illustrated by Tsutomu Murakami (born 1943). He also designed a cat stamp for the 2003 Letter Writing Day series.
Czech Republic, 2000 — Easter
Netherlands, 1999 — Child Welfare — Jip and Janneke
Jip and Janneke are next-door neighbors and best friends who play together by squeezing through a gap in the hedge. The distinctive illustration is by Fiep Westendorp (1916–2004).
Jip and Janneke is a classic of Dutch children’s literature, written by Annie M.G. Schmidt (Anna Maria Geertruida Schmidt, 1911–1995), winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
Hungary, 2023 — 100 Years of Szerencsi Chocolate
Szerencsi is one of Hungary’s most iconic chocolate brands.
Austria, 1997 — Europa Stamp
The 1997 Europa theme was Stories and Legends. Austria chose the beloved tale of The Town Musicians of Bremen.
Germany, 2012 — 200 Years of Grimm’s Fairy Tales
Germany, 1972 — Child Welfare & Animal Protection
Netherlands, 1964 — Summer Charity — Animals
Netherlands, 1982 — Child Welfare
Luxembourg, 2011 — Christmas
The quintessential petit cat stamp!
Sweden, 1991 — Christmas
This stamp was issued to commemorate 400 years of children’s books in Sweden, combined with Christmas. Illustrated by Kaj Beckman, Elsa Beskow, Sven Nordqvist, and Lasse Sandberg.
Can you spot the cat?
Bulgaria, 2020 — Carnival
Petit Cat Stamps: Spot the Hidden Felines — Summary
From the world of cat stamps, I selected ones where the cat plays a supporting — but still scene-stealing — role rather than the star.
It’s also a fun collecting theme: hunting for petit cat stamps!
These are just a small selection — there are countless cat stamps in the world. Postio Marche has a dedicated Cat Stamps group, so please come and visit!
(Some of the stamps featured are from a private collection.)
