The Egyptian Mau owns a distinctive charm that sets it apart from other cat breeds. Richly steeped in regality, the breed is a testament to its ancient Egyptian roots, holding a lineage extending back to the time of Pharaohs. This aristocratic and strikingly beautiful feline charms with a unique mix of athleticism, affection, and intelligence.
Breed Overview
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Egyptian Mau |
| Scientific Name | Felis catus |
| Characteristic | Affectionate, Intelligent, Athletic |
| Life Span | 13-16 years |
| Build | Medium, Muscular |
| Average Weight | 6-14 pounds |
| Average Height | 9-10 inches at the shoulder |
| Coat Length | Short to Medium |
| Coat Colors | Silver, Bronze, Smoke |
| Coat Pattern | Spotted |
| Eye Colors | Green |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Country of Origin | Egypt |
Physical Description
The Egyptian Mau boasts a sleek, medium-built body laden with a muscular physique, a testament to their athletic prowess. They commonly weigh between 6 to 14 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females. As for height, these cats stand proud at around 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their coat is beautifully marked with spots, akin to their ancestral wildcats. The coat length varies from short to medium, with three recognized colors— silver, bronze, and smoke. The Mau’s coat is distinctively designed to reduce the desert heat effect, a characteristic derived from its ancestors.
Egyptian Maus are famous for their large, almond-shaped green eyes, capable of captivating the attention of any onlooker. Their ears are medium to large in size, broad at the base and slightly pointed at the top. The Mau’s face is graced with a signature ‘scarab beetle’ or ‘M’ mark on their forehead. You will also notice a ‘mascara’ line that goes from the corner of the eye along the contour of their cheek.
Behavior and Temperament of the Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a breed overflowing with an engaging mix of playfulness, intelligence, and warmth. They are a fairly active breed, showcasing an impressive prowess for leaping and climbing. This physical agility coupled with their sharp instinctual senses allows them to excel in hunting games and tricks.
Egyptian Maus are also exceedingly loyal and form deep bonds with their human families, enjoying time spent in shared activities or serene cuddles. While social, they tend to be shy around strangers. Maus often choose a favorite person within a household, yet remain affectionate to other members.
Despite their active and playful side, the Egyptian Mau is not a high-maintenance attention seeker. They are quite content with periods of independence as long as they are in their safe, known environment.
History and Origin
The Egyptian Mau is steeped in rich and impressively ancient history. Scholars believe that this breed originated in Egypt around 4,000 years ago, largely due to their striking resemblance to the spotted cats depicted in ancient Egyptian artwork.
Egyptians revered cats as sacred, and the unique spots on the Mau were seen as a symbol of divinity—a mark of the sacred scarab beetle, a deity in ancient Egyptian mythology. The breed name “Mau” translates to “cat” in the Egyptian language, befitting the breed’s origins.
The modern Egyptian Mau was graced by the efforts of Russian princess Nathalie Troubetskoy, who brought a Mau cat from the Middle East to Italy and later the United States in the mid-20th century. Her efforts led this ancient breed to attain recognition and popularization in the West.
Egyptian Mau Cat Care
Egyptian Maus are generally low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, thanks to their short to medium coat. Regular brushing and occasional baths will keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Their playful and athletic nature requires that owners provide sufficient physical and mental stimulation. Engaging toys, climbing posts, puzzle games can be an excellent way to keep them entertained. Their relation to hot climates makes them sensitive to cold, so they are best suited for indoor living or warm outdoor environments.
They are somewhat shy cats, so it’s essential to provide safe spaces where they can retreat and gradually introduce them to new people or animals.
Common Health Problems
As a relatively healthy breed, Egyptian Maus are not overly prone to many severe health conditions. However, they may occasionally face genetic health concerns, including:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (a form of heart disease).
- Urolithiasis – a urinary tract disease.
- Patellar Luxation (slipping of the knee joint).
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (a degenerative eye disorder).
Where to Adopt or Buy Egyptian Mau
Egyptian Maus are relatively rare, so finding a kitten may require patience. They are often available through breed-specific rescue groups or reputable breeders. Ensure any breeder you approach carries out appropriate health screenings and provides a good standard of care and socialization for their kittens. The average cost for an Egyptian Mau ranges from $800 to $1200.
Diet and Nutrition
A high-quality diet that is rich in protein is best suited for Egyptian Maus. Lean meats and commercially produced high-quality cat food, with a balance of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, are recommended.
Monitor treat consumption and overall food intake to prevent obesity. Always provide fresh water, and consult with your vet for any specific nutritional needs, considering age, size, activity level, and health status.
Comparable Breeds
If you find the Egyptian Mau intriguing, similar breeds worth exploring include:
- Abyssinian: known for their agility and playful, affectionate nature.
- Bengal: recognized for their wild appearance and fun-loving character.
- Savannah: admired for their large size and striking spotted coat.
- Ocicat: appreciated for their unique spotted coat and friendly demeanor.
For more cat breed profiles, feel free to explore our extensive collection.
FAQs about Egyptian Mau
What is the personality of an Egyptian Mau?
Egyptian Maus have a charming mix of traits. They are affectionate, intelligent, loyal, and playful. They enjoy engaging with their families but can be shy with strangers.
Is the Egyptian Mau suitable for apartments?
Yes, Egyptian Maus can adapt to apartment living, provided they get enough physical activity and mental stimulation.
What special care do Egyptian Mau cats require?
Ensuring regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and grooming are essential. As they are sensitive to cold, ensure they have a warm environment.
What’s the best food for an Egyptian Mau?
A high-quality, protein-rich diet is ideal, with a mix of wet and dry food. Treats should be given in moderation, and always ensure fresh water is available.
Are there any known medical complications for Egyptian Maus?
While generally healthy, Egyptian Maus can be prone to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Urolithiasis, Patellar Luxation, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Are Egyptian Maus social cats?
Yes, Egyptian Maus are social cats that form deep bonds with their human families. However, they may be shy with strangers.