Origin
Egypt
Lifespan
13–16 years
Weight
3–5 kg
Group
Shorthair
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Silver · Bronze · Smoke
Egyptian Mau
About This Breed
The Egyptian Mau is a small- to medium-sized short-haired cat breed. They are natural spotted cats – the only domestic cat breed to have naturally occurring spots (not bred for the trait). Their name, 'Mau', is the transliteration of the ancient Egyptian word for cat. The Egyptian Mau is considered one of the fastest domestic cats, capable of running at speeds of up to 48 km/h (30 mph), aided by an unusually long flap of skin extending from the flank to the back knee.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Egyptian Mau
Origin
| Origin | Egypt |
| Group | Shorthair |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 3–5 kg |
| Lifespan | 13–16 years |
| Colors & Patterns | Silver · Bronze · Smoke |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Active · Loyal · Playful · Athletic · Reserved |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
A familiar routine can help it settle in.
Teach children to handle it gently and leave it alone when it rests.
Introduce other pets gradually and watch how each animal responds.
Health and lifespan
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
Offer places to climb, hide, scratch, and rest. Try different toys to see what your cat enjoys.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
About the Breed
Egyptian Maus seem to somehow realize that their ancestors were considered deities in the time of the Pharoahs; they radiate an air of majesty and mystery that demands your respect as well as your affection. No other breed combines a link to ancient history, a strikingly exotic appearance, and a unique personality that is pure magic from day one. They are the only natural breed of spotted cat; while their extraordinary beauty may draw you in, their incredible, irrepressible temperaments will enchant you for life.
Breed History
The word Mau meant cat or sun in Ancient Egypt. Papyri and frescoes dating back as far as 1550 B.C. depict spotted cats that resemble today’s Egyptian Maus, giving them the distinction of being one of the oldest known breeds of cat. For many years, cats believed to be descended from the felines of ancient Egypt were kept as pets by members of the country’s nobility and diplomatic corps. When one of these cats came into the hands of Nathalie Troubetskoy, a Russian princess living in Rome, she was so captivated that she sought out other Maus and started a breeding program. When she emigrated to the United States in 1956, three Maus traveled with her. The breed quickly captured the attention and affection of U.S. cat fanciers; CFA accepted the Egyptian Mau for registration in 1970 and advanced it to championship status in 1977.
Character & Temperament
Exceptionally intelligent and intensely devoted to their owners, Egyptian Maus expect to be considered integral members of the household. Their senses of smell, hearing and sight are extremely powerful, making them acutely aware of everything going on in their environments. They are equally sensitive to the moods of their owners, and have a wonderful knack of turning up with a soft purr just when you may be feeling down. They take great pleasure in interactive games, may train you to play fetch with them, and enjoy going for walks on a harness and leash. Active, alert and agile, Egyptian Maus are shoulder riders, refrigerator vultures, and furry alarm clocks; in other words, they will participate in every aspect of your life. Known to be strong-willed, they have definite ideas about who can handle them and when and may be cautious or reserved with strangers. With “their” people, however, they are affectionate, loyal, outgoing and fearless, and make wonderful family pets. Quiet cats with low, melodious voices, they enjoy engaging you in conversations and may chirp or chatter at you in greeting.
Physical Appearance
Any description of an Egyptian Mau starts with those magnificent spots, which are randomly scattered in no distinguishable pattern and vary significantly in size and shape. They are shown in three colors; the silver and bronze have dense, resilient coats that are long enough to accommodate multiple bands of ticking while the smoke has a finer, silky texture. All three have a lustrous sheen that is glorious to behold. Solid black and dilute colors may also occur and are eligible for registration but not showing. Sleek and muscular, these cats have a loose skin flap, extending from flank to hind leg, that helps give them remarkable freedom and agility in twisting and jumping. High shoulder blades and longer hindlegs give them a Cheetah-like gait. Their gooseberry-green eyes are framed by mascara lines and other facial markings that give them a characteristic “worried” look.
Grooming
Egyptian Maus shed only minimally, but to keep shedding under control and prevent hairballs, weekly combing is recommended. This should not take more than a few minutes and will keep the coat looking healthy and shiny. Regular bathing is not needed unless you plan to show your cat, but there’s no doubt that an occasional bath will add to the breed’s natural beauty. Always consult your breeder for product recommendations if you plan to bathe; human shampoos may not be safe for cats.
Life at home
This is a healthy, natural breed that can live a long life with proper care. Breeders have been diligent about genetic testing for some heritable conditions found in Egyptian Maus, such as pyruvate kinase deficiency, which can cause anemia. Other conditions, such as urolithiasis, which causes the formation of stones in the kidneys and urinary tract, may occur. Breeders often share information about heritable conditions in order to help remove carriers from the gene pool but as the moment, genetic testing is not available for all of them. You may wish to ask your breeder about any history of health issues in the lines.
Breed Overview
Egyptian Maus are medium-sized, short-haired cats descending from felines who prowled the streets of Egypt. With silky spots and gooseberry green eyes, it’s no surprise the breed became a fixation in Egyptian culture, appearing in religion and mythology, and eventually becoming a part of everyday life. The spotted cat was even depicted on papyrus and ancient Egyptian pottery. It’s this long and rich natural history that shaped the Egyptian Mau into the present-day domestic kitty we know and love. Today, Egyptian Maus have made their way into households around the world.
Care Guide
The Egyptian Mau deserves a special spotlight on their spots. While there are other stunning spotted cats (we’re looking at you, Bengal and Savannah breeds!), Maus are the only domestic cat breed to have a naturally occurring spotted coat, rather than one selectively created by a breeder. Egyptian Maus are interactive, agile cats. So for those prepared to provide these athletic kitties with the attention, playtime, and training they thrive with, Egyptian Maus make wonderful family pets. Their grooming requirements are minimal due to their medium-length, average-shedding coat, needing only one or two brushing sessions a week. Bathing isn’t necessary, but it can be a source of entertainment for you and your Mau. This water-loving cat may also enjoy drinking from—and splashing in—a cat water fountain.