Set of 4: Cats 22c Cat Stamps

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USA 22 Siamese Cat, ExoticShorthair Cat FEB 1988 10199 Belke NY USA 22 Abyssinian Catinaleyan Cat FEB 1988 10199 Balhe NY USA 22 Maine Coon Cat, Burmese Cat YORK FEB 1988 10199 Balke NY USA 22 American Shorthaik OaRDersian Cat FEB 1988 10199 Balke NY

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SIAMESE AND EXOTIC SHORTHAIR First Day of Issue: February 5, 1988 First Issue Location: New York, New York Descended from the “royal cats of Siam," Siamese cats once inhabited the spectacular palaces of Thailand (Siam). Today, they are known for their affectionate na- tures. And, though their voices are mournful and nag- ging, Siamese Cats use them to "talk” to human friends. Surely it is this rare combination of beauty, grace and a gentle disposition which has made the Siamese one of the most desired cats of all. The Exotic Shorthair is a domestic cat related to the Persian. Like all domestic shorthairs, this breed is proud, but sports an easygoing, faithful nature. For show, this cat should display ears well set apart and rounded at the tip, rounded eyes and a broad, full-cheeked face. With a muscular body and broad chest, the Exotic Shorthair is generally an excellent show cat. Many cities sponsor such shows with national associations setting the accepted standards for judging. But show, or not, these two breeds will always have the attention of American pet-owners, because of their ex- ceptional good looks and interesting traits. No. 88-6 ©1988 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Don Balke. HIMALAYAN AND ABYSSINIAN First Day of Issue: February 5, 1988 First Issue Location: New York, New York The breeding of domestic cats has long held the attention of man. Cat shows are held throughout the country, and owners attend with prize pets to compete for “Best of Breed." The Himalayan Cat is the result of breeding the shorthaired Siamese with Persians. The result is an ex- quisitely beautiful cat the color of the Siamese, but with a stockier body, a broader head, and rounder, blue eyes. A perfect pet, this lovely-looking cat also sports a gentle, affectionate personality. The Abyssinian is also the result of careful breeding, but its looks are far more classical than luxurious. The Abyssinian, in fact, looks much like the sacred cats of Egypt. Its thick, soft coat appears a grayish brown, but is actually multi-colored. It has a gentle sound, sometimes compared to the cooing of a dove. The Abyssinian, with its distinctive characteristics, does not breed easily and generally produces small lit- ters. Thus, it is among the most expensive of all cats. The Abyssinian is truly a classic cat in many ways. No. 88-7 ©1988 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Don Balke. MAINE COON AND BURMESE First Day of Issue: February 5, 1988 First Issue Location: New York, New York If one were not watching closely, it might be possible to mistake the Maine Coon Cat for a raccoon, for its patterns and colors are very similar to those of a raccoon. Commonly found in the state of Maine, the Coon Cat may reach a weight of 40 pounds, and looks even bigger because of the bulk of its fur, especially around the neck. It is thought to have been brought to the New World early on aboard a Scandinavian trading or fishing vessel. Because of its size and hardiness, the Coon Cat quickly became a favorite working cat, and was employed as a mouser in many parts of the state. On this Maximum Card, the Maine Coon Cat is accompanied by a gentler breed, the Burmese Cat. A member of the shorthairs, this almond-eyed beauty resembles a Siamese Cat. Its sleek, sable-brown coat gives it an exotic look. The Bur- mese Cat is calmer and more complacent than the Siamese Cat, and thus, its intelligence and affectionate disposition have made it a special favorite among Amer- ican cat-owners. No. 88-8 ©1988 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Don Balke. AMERICAN SHORTHAIR AND PERSIAN First Day of Issue: February 5, 1988 First Issue Location: New York, New York The classic Egyptian tabby is the one from which all breeds of cat are thought to have descended. Sporting an auburn coat, this first shorthair was predecessor to millions. In America, shorthaired cats are most common, and are found in variations of black, white, tabby and tortoiseshell. The Black Cat gets the most attention, as its color and stealth have lent it great mystery. A true White American Shorthair is very rare and takes years of careful breeding to achieve. Tabbies are more com- mon and come in brown, red and silver. Another breed of shorthair, the Tortoiseshell , is distinguished by patches of black, cream, or red. Tortoiseshell Cats are almost always female. Also featured on this Maximum Card is the Persian Cat. A member of the longhaired breeds, the Persian is considered among the elite. Handsome and aloof, Persians are often blue in color, although the White-Haired variety is presumed to be the original long- haired cat. Black Persians are very rare, but exceptionally beautiful and highly prized by their owners. No. 88-9 ©1988 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Don Balke.