Scott No: -
Serial number: 2013-17
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: August 18, 2013
Denomination: 480 fen
Designer: Martin Morck
Size of stamps:
40 * 33 mm for Value 1, 2;
33 * 40 mm for Value 3, 4
Perforation:
13 for Value 1, 2;
13.5 for Value 3, 4
Sheet composition: 16 ( Value 1, 2 in Sheet I; Value 3, 4 in Sheet II)
Sheet size:
190 * 162 mm for Sheet I;
162 * 190 mm for Sheet II
Printing process: Offset and Engraving
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On August 18, 2013, China Post officially issued the special stamp set "Cats" with catalog number 2013-17. The set consists of four stamps, making it one of the few special stamp sets in China with domestic pet cats as its theme. Since its release, it has been highly appreciated by stamp collectors and cat lovers alike for its detailed and lifelike engraving craftsmanship.

Each of the four stamps has a face value of 1.20 yuan, with a total face value of 4.80 yuan. The stamps were designed by the renowned Danish stamp engraver Martin Mørck and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using a combination of offset and engraving (intaglio) printing. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including anti-counterfeiting paper, anti-counterfeiting ink, shaped perforations, and fluorescent spray codes.

The stamp sizes are differentiated: the first two stamps, "Chinese Li Hua Cat" and "Maine Coon," measure 40×33 mm, while the latter two, "Abyssinian Cat" and "Exotic Shorthair," measure 33×40 mm. The perforation gauges are 13 and 13.5 degrees, respectively. Each sheet contains 16 stamps, with the first two stamps on one sheet and the latter two on another. The sheet sizes are 190×162 mm and 162×190 mm, respectively.

The stamp set features one native Chinese cat breed and three world-renowned classic cat breeds, accurately capturing the distinctive appearance and temperament of each:

"Chinese Li Hua Cat": The stamp depicts a native Li Hua cat in a standing posture. The iconic M-shaped tabby pattern on its forehead is clearly visible, and its almond-shaped eyes are alert and expressive. The engraving technique precisely renders the sheen of its short, smooth coat and the contours of its muscles, showcasing the robust and handsome beauty of this indigenous breed. The Li Hua cat is a native Chinese breed, known for its high intelligence, strong independence, excellent mousing ability, and loyalty to its owner without being overly clingy. It is widely distributed across most regions of China.

"Maine Coon": The stamp portrays a large, fluffy Maine Coon with a thick undercoat and long, dense back and tail fur, all rendered with remarkable precision by the offset-engraving process. Its large, tall ears and prominent ruff give it a gentle yet majestic appearance, both formidable and docile. The Maine Coon is one of the oldest large cat breeds in the United States, with males weighing up to 7 kilograms. They are known for their gentle and affectionate nature and are often affectionately called "gentle giants."

"Abyssinian Cat": The stamp depicts an elegant seated Abyssinian cat. Its body is slender and supple, with fine limbs and short, fine, reddish-brown ticked fur. The eyes are distinctly outlined in black. It resembles a ballet dancer poised on her toes, fully capturing the breed's agile and lively "ballerina of the cat world" character. It is one of the oldest domestic cat breeds in the world, known for its active, outgoing personality and love of interaction with people. Many cat enthusiasts call it the "Border Collie of the cat world."

"Exotic Shorthair": The stamp shows an Exotic Shorthair seated and resting. Its head is broad and round, with a short, flat nose and full cheeks, giving it a perpetually adorable, wide-eyed expression. Its short, thick plush coat and full, rounded silhouette perfectly capture the breed's lazy, sweet, and friendly temperament. Its appearance resembles that of the Persian cat, but with a quieter, more independent personality and strong adaptability, making it a highly popular pet breed today.

The most prominent technical feature of this stamp set is the offset-engraving process, which renders the cats' fur, whiskers, and even the expressions in their eyes with such precision and lifelike detail that the cats appear to be gazing back at the viewer. As one of the few domestic pet-themed special stamp sets, it successfully balances native cultural representation with globally recognized classic cat breeds. Since its release, it has remained a popular collectible within the animal-themed stamp category.