Last Updated on 15 July 2025 by Vanessa

Do you like cat documentary films such as Kedi and Cat Nation?

I have good news for you. A new feature-length documentary is hitting streaming services. Cats Of Malta the movie is called, and it’s awesome.

Malta’s stray cats take center stage in this heartwarming documentary movie by Sarah Jayne Portelli

How the Cats Of Malta documentary began

You’ll find the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Italy. Malta, Gozo and Comino make up the Maltese islands, Malta being the largest of the trio. Malta has been ruled by many, including the Romans, Turkish, English, French, and the Knights of Saint John.

Tourists are attracted to the endless sunshine, turquoise sea, fortresses, and the megalithic temples.

It is easy to be swept away by rieh beauty of the island.

“As an Australian with Maltese heritage, I went to Malta during the summer of 2017, and having been there for four years, helped me discover my roots,” says Cats Of Malta director Sarah Jayne Portelli. “I’ve always felt a connection to Malta and the locals. But what surprised me was the unavoidable presence of stray cats.”

“The human population in Malta is approximately 450.000. The stray feline population is close to 100.000.”

“Curious as to why there are so many strays, who looks after them, and how cats influence Maltese culture, I decided to chat with locals and the cat community to ask these questions, and many more.”

In the documentary, one of the interviewees says, “Cats and Malta have become intertwined in my mind. Wherever I look now, I see cats, and I think they are part of the landscape, and they enhance the landscape. They enhance our city-scape.”

What to expect from the Cats Of Malta movie?

Just like the movie Kedi, it is clear that Cats Of Malta was born out of a deep love for its local culture and cats.

Cats Of Malta showcases the omnipresence of felines throughout the island. They can be found perched on benches and boats, overlooking the waterfront, prowling the streets, or simply “owning” the multiple cat feeding stations throughout the island.

Interviews with stray cat carers on the island of Malta

Just as heartwarming as the cats themselves are the locals Sarah Jayne Portelli interviews.

The individuals featured in Cats Of Malta aren’t experts or academics. They are everyday citizens who dedicate their time to feed and take care of the stray cats despite the social and financial challenges they face daily. They know these cats so well they recognize the unique personality traits, preferences, and idiosyncrasies of each cat and acknowledge the positive impact these strays have on their own lives.

The cat carer that struck the biggest chord with me was an 11-year-old boy. He uses his own pocket money to buy food for Malta’s stray cats and even goes fishing to share his catch with his feline friends. It’s truly heartwarming to witness the sheer joy and compassion these actions bring to this young boy, as well as to all the other cat carers in Malta.

These interviews, which make up a significant portion of the documentary, reveal the profound affection that many locals have for these strays. They often express how their furry companions bring them serenity, enhance their appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, and perhaps even contribute to their longevity.

Sarah Jayne Portelli does an excellent job of capturing the passion and love these individuals have for Malta’s stray cats, bringing their dedication to life in the documentary.

Challenges

However, not everyone in Malta appreciates these strays.

Many locals still react with misunderstanding and sometimes aggression toward these acts of compassion, often bullying the caregivers and seeking retribution for tending to these feline creatures.

Stray cats are still deemed vermin by a portion of Malta’s population, and some individuals even resort to poisoning them, particularly among the owners of hotels and restaurants.

Another pressing challenge relates to the absence of government support.

The primary issue revolves around the feeding of these cats. Some individuals take on the monumental task of providing sustenance to as many as 200 cats daily, doing so without any assistance from the government or official organizations.

The caregivers are unanimous about the need for support, especially concerning financial responsibilities like providing food and medications. They collectively advocate for the government to create an NGO dedicated to assisting these caregivers.

The documentary also briefly addresses the significance of spaying and neutering, highlighting that without these measures, the stray cat population will continue to proliferate.

Effects of cats on Maltese culture

While the documentary primarily focuses on the stray cats of Malta and the challenges of their carergivers, Sarah Jayne Portelli also offers viewers a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of life in Malta, with its diversity, picturesque cityscapes, bustling storefronts, and serene waterfronts.

The film incorporates stunning drone shots showcasing Malta’s beauty and highlights how stray cats have become an inspiration for local street art.

One initiative that stands out in the documentary is Matthew Pandolfino’s big Cat Statue in Sliema’s Independence Garden (often referred to as “Cat Park”). This statue was inaugurated during the Sliema Art Festival and has since become a magnet for Japanese tourists and cat enthusiasts, adding to Malta’s charm and allure.

Questions that remain after watching the Cats of Malta movie

While the Cats of Malta documentary delves into various facets of the island’s stray cat community, it left me pondering several questions.

That being said, having those questions did not diminish the joy of watching the Cats of Malta movie. It is primarily intended as an enjoyable and heartwarming family-friendly viewing experience, and Sarah Jayne Portelli has unquestionably succeeded in that regard.

In any case, I asked Sarah Jayne Portelli for answers to those remaining questions, and this is what she said.

What offficial initiatives exist for spaying and neutering Malta’s stray cats?

In Cats of Malta, one interviewee briefly mentions locals receiving coupons to aid in the spaying and neutering of cats. However, the documentary doesn’t elaborate on the nature of these coupons or how they function.

“From my understanding, the government will allocate a month here and there where they give out vouchers for the neutering of cats to the feeders in some of the villages,” said Sarah Jayne Portelli. Thanks to these, more than 1,000 stray cats have already been neutered.

In August 2016, I published an article on the stray cat issues of Malta and Gozo and the lack of education regarding spaying an neutering. The article and the Cats of Malta documentary provide similar information, but according to some Twitter users, this information is outdated and things have evolved for the better.

In fact, in 2023, the government’s initial allocation of €50,000 for a stray cat neutering campaign has seen a substantial increase, now totaling €200,000. This is set to remain ongoing, until the problem is solved.

The 2023 campaign will be managed by the Animal Welfare Directorate and aims to neuter and microchip approximately 4,000 to 5,000 stray cats. Cat feeders and individuals caring for these cats will have the option to schedule free neutering appointments.

The process will involve the trapping of cats by experts, followed by necessary veterinary treatments. Unless the cats’ return poses a danger to them, they will be released back into their familiar territories.

How have the perceptions of local residents towards cats evolved in recent years?

“From what I have noticed, many Maltese individuals still have a negative attitude towards cats, particularly those rooted in traditional beliefs that cats are primarily meant for working on farms and in fields to control mice populations. For instance, I encountered a man in the suburbs who had a cat on a leash in his garage,” said Sarah Jayne Portelli.

“However, it’s crucial to note that not everyone shares this viewpoint. During my time making the documentary, I encountered more people who genuinely love and care for cats than those who wish to see them eradicated. But I did learn that there is a lack of education around the need and urgency to neuter, as well as a limited ability to view cats as cherished family members.”

“Cat sanctuaries try and do their part, running checks on people who adopt their cats.  However, Malta is not at the level of Istanbul where from 2021, a law was passed where it’s illegal to harm an animal as jail time will follow.”

How can we, as viewers, contribute?

Watching the Cats of Malta documentary will surely inspire you to assist the island’s stray cats and their caregivers.

But how can we contribute, especially from behind our computer screens? And what can we do when visiting Malta?

“Malta runs all its business online through Facebook, so it’s easy to find the cat sanctuaries and feeders on Facebook, and many cat related groups. The feeders are continuously posting about cats that need adoption, with some even facilitating international adoptions,” said Sarah Jayne Portelli. “For instance, Roza from Cat Village, featured in our documentary, successfully arranged for the adoption of Sue Allen, now known as Blossom, by a British visitor to Malta. Blossom now enjoys a comfortable indoor life in England and has become rather chonky!”

“Furthermore, sanctuaries and feeders are always posting on Facebook for financial donations, sometimes for vet bills and also food, which is something you can help with, too, when visiting Malta. When in Malta, you can volunteer at a cat sanctuary, you can visit and ask if you can donate food, what kind the cats eat, and go and buy some and take it down to them. They will tell you where to find it if you are unsure. You can also be respectful of the cats and their environment, by not harassing the cats if they don’t want to be patted or photographed.”

“A tip: The feeders don’t like people tagging their colonies on maps or social media as it makes their cats a target by haters who want to harm cats and also those who want to dump cats in their colony.”

Conclusion – Is Cats of Malta worth watching?

Cats of Malta is similar in both style and intent to the famous documentary movie Kedi, which featured the cats of Istanbul. If you’re a fan of this documentary genre, Cats of Malta is a must-watch.

Heartwarming is the best way to describe this movie that celebrates the cats that call the island of Malta home.

By the way, the dedicated cat carers in Malta are making a significant impact. Stray cats in Malta typically have an average lifespan of about 12 years. This stands in stark contrast to the plight of cats in Greece, where many unfortunate felines do not even reach the age of two.

Director Sarah Jayne Portelli reflects on her experience, stating, “After immersing myself in Malta’s cat community, the biggest takeaway for me was that despite ongoing issues – such as the lack of public education, funding for NGOs, and the need for neutering programs – there are plenty of positives. Cats provide mental health benefits, attract tourists, and give most people around the island endless joy. Malta’s cats bring together the cat community, and this unity is the reason the cat culture in Malta is stronger now than ever.”

However, as long as the island’s issue with spaying and neutering hasn’t been properly addressed, new kittens will continue to join its ranks, making it even more difficult to provide nourishment and care for all.

There is still work to be done, but the Maltese are gradually discovering how to work in harmony with stray cats, creating an environment that benefits both the animals and the human population’s well-being.

About the director, Sarah Jayne Portelli

Sarah Jayne Portelli is a versatile storyteller, filmmaker, writer, and photographer whose journey in filmmaking commenced in 2006 in Australia, initially working in various art department roles for film and TV. In 2013, she joined Nexus Production Group, transitioning into writing, directing, and producing. Her acclaimed short films like Dusk, Anniversary, and Daughter (featuring Katherine Langford) bear testament to her directorial prowess. Additionally, she’s contributed significantly to the Made in Melbourne Film Festival, even as she directs the international short film series Life Improvised and develops outlines and screenplays for NPG’s projects. Her impressive feature film credits as director and producer encompass works like Friends, Foes & Fireworks (2018), In Corpore (2020), Machination (2022), and documentaries Cats of Malta (2023) and No Woman is an Island (2023). Beyond filmmaking, she shares her expertise through online classes and represents NPG in various capacities, exhibiting her multifaceted talents.

Where to watch the Cats Of Malta movie online?

Cats Of Malta has already made its rounds at several film festival, winning the Critics’ Choice Award at the Black Swan International Film Festival 2022, the Gold Award at the Spotlight Documentary Film Awards 2022, and the award for Best Cat Film at the Fauna Tepoztlán Animal Festival 2023.

But now it’s finally arriving on several streaming services, in both European and US territories. In Europe, it will be available on Amazon and iTunes, and in the US on Plex, Tubi, and Amazon Prime.

In Australia, the film just went live on the Films for Change platform.

Nexus Production Group is also going to make the film available directly from the filmmakers on Vimeo on Demand in Europe. More platforms will follow for both territories. 

Will you be watching Cats of Malta?

Let me know in the comments what you think of the film, and don’t forget to share this movie with your friends and on social media.

Many thanks to Nexus Films for providing me with a private screener link to the movie.

Become a partner

“Cats of Malta has been accepted for distribution for PBS in the USA, so we are currently seeking partners to underwrite the broadcast — which will reach an estimated 1.3 million affluent viewers through an uncluttered advertising space,” Sarah Jayne Portelli adds. “If any businesses, brands or individuals want to invest in our film and get some exposure, they can send me an email at sj@catsofmaltafilm.com to set up a meeting with me. Oh, and we are also working on merchandise, and we have a newsletter — it’s all on the website, so sign up to get news first before social media.”

Pin the Cats of Malta movie poster!

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