Egyptian Mau

Meoww!!

The Mau’s muzzle is neither short nor pointed, and its ears, which may be tufted, are of a medium size, moderately pointed, with ample width between the ears. One of the most distinctive features of the Egyptial Mau is its eyes: large, slightly slanted, and of a unique light “Gooseberry green” color.

In 5 Words

  • Muscular
  • Serious
  • Intelligent
  • Affectionate
  • Friendly

Snapshot

WEIGHT RANGE:

Male: medium: 8-12 lbs.
Female: medium: 8-12 lbs.

EYE COLOR:

Green

EXPECTATIONS:

Longevity Range: 9-13 yrs.
Social/Attention Needs: High, Moderate
Tendency to Shed: Moderate

COAT:

Length: Short
Characteristics: Silky, Smooth
Colors: Silver, Bronze, Smoke
Pattern: Spots, Smoke
Less Allergenic: No
Overall Grooming Needs: Low

CLUB RECOGNITION:

Cat Association Recognition:
CFA, ACFA , FIFe, TICA
Prevalence: Rare

Characteristics

Activeness
Intelligence
Curiosity
Friendliness
Vocal
Did You Know?

The Egyptian Mau’s body is medium long, with well developed muscles, while retaining a graceful appearance. Its hind legs are slightly longer than the front, giving the cat a somewhat “rakish” appearance.

Learn About the Egyptian Mau

History

There is little doubt that Ancient Egypt was the birthplace of the domestic feline we call the Egyptian Mau. Their ancestors are highly visible in the artworks of the Ancient Egyptians. Many of their pictures were of heavily spotted cats bearing the distinctive mascara marking and barring seen on today’s Mau. Recent findings in research studies lead by feline geneticist Leslie Lyons, PhD has confirmed that cats first originated in Egypt. There is archaeological and genetic evidence to show that cats first originated in the fertile crescent. The Egyptian Mau arrived in the United States in 1956 when Russian Princess Nathalie Troubetskoy, with help from Richard Gebhardt, imported three Maus from Italy: Two silver females, Baba and Liza, and a bronze male called JoJo. The Mau was granted recognition in The International Cat Association in 1979.
The origins and history of the Egyptian Mau are important to understanding the ideal cat to which Mau breeders aspire. Through the years it has been challenging to meet the standard while maintaining the distinctive qualities and characteristics of the breed. This was especially difficult due to our very limited gene pool. Recent imports have broadened this gene pool and helped improve the overall quality and uniformity of our cats. This has all been a challenge to our breeders and judges, but we have met it and now the Egyptian Mau is beautiful, it is healthy, and it is winning in the show ring!!

Description
  • Body: The Egyptian Mau’s body is medium long, with well developed muscles, while retaining a graceful appearance. Its hind legs are slightly longer than the front, giving the cat a somewhat “rakish” appearance.
  • Head: Its head is described as a slightly rounded wedge with no flat planes, medium in length. The nose, when viewed from the front, is even in width for its whole length, with a slight rise from the bridge of the nose to the forehead.

The Mau’s muzzle is neither short nor pointed, and its ears, which may be tufted, are of a medium size, moderately pointed, with ample width between the ears. One of the most distinctive features of the Egyptial Mau is its eyes: large, slightly slanted, and of a unique light “Gooseberry green” color.

  • Coat: Its lustrous, dense coat can be silver, bronze, or smoke, and is distinguished by a marvelous mixture of striping and spotting, which makes this cat really stand out in a show hall.
Temperament

While fanciers might at first be attracted to the Egyptian Mau’s beautiful spotted coat, most become enthusiasts because of the breed’s temperament and personality. Maus, like their ancestors that were invited along on the duck hunts of their Egyptian companions, love to fetch. In fact, they love any play activity that mimics hunting behavior, and if allowed outside will become very competent (some might say savage) hunters.
That’s not to say they are not devoted to the humans who pay them homage. Fanciers describe them as fiercely loyal cats that generally don’t take to strangers. Once they bond with their human companions, they choose to be worshiped by their own family, rather than by the entire human race.
While not overly talkative, Maus will let their family know if something is amiss, particularly if that something concerns their food dishes. Their voices are usually melodious and quiet. When engaged in conversation with their human companions, Maus wag their tails, tread with their feet, and make a variety of sounds that fanciers call ‘chortling’.

Health

All cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit diseases. Any breeder who claims that her breed has no health or genetic problems is either untruthful or unknowledgeable about the breed. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on kittens, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons.

The Egyptian Mau is generally healthy, but one problem that may affect the breed is leuodystrophy, a neurological condition that may appear in kittens as early as 7 weeks of age. It is always wise to buy from a breeder who provides a written health guarantee.

Care

This breed loves to eat and if allowed unlimited food would quickly become overweight. A controlled feeding environment is essential for the well being of the cat. Fresh water must be available at all times, but you will find that for some this is as much a place to play as it is to drink.

The Egyptian Mau kitten requires handling from birth with special attention being paid to exposure to new people and places, as well as acclimating it to new, loud, or strange sounds. Leaving the television or radio on will help accustom them to different noises. They do not like to be “dangled” so using both hands when carrying them is essential. Place one hand gently under the chest and the other just forward of the back legs. This is the ideal way to hold and carry them. They prefer to have all four feet on the floor or on the table.

Grooming should be established as a routine for your cat or kitten as soon as possible. Because they love to be stroked, it is convenient to use the opportunity to remove dead and loose hairs from the coat as you pet them. Check their ears to make sure they are clean. You can use a tissue to clean them. As with all healthy cats, eyes should be bright and shining. Nails should be trimmed at least once every two weeks. When handling your Mau, make sure you touch his feet, so he will get used to the idea of having his nails trimmed.

Bathing a Mau is seldom required, unless of course you plan to show the cat. This is a relatively simple procedure that you can learn from your breeder or mentor. The fine points of grooming come with time and experience. You will find that your fellow exhibitors and breeders are always happy to share their grooming “secrets” with you.