Egyptian Mau
Small or medium in size, the Egyptian Mau is a naturally spotted domestic cat, deriving its roots in Egypt. Slender and sturdy, these cats with an elegant appearance because of their spotted coat and tip-toed gaits excel as remarkable house pets.
Egyptian Mau Images 
Egyptian Mau Kitten 
Black Egyptian Mau 
Egyptian Mau Kittens
Quick Information
Physical Appearance & Size
| Body Type: | Medium |
| Physical Appearance: | Graceful, elegant and muscular build; round, wedge-shaped head; M-shaped pattern on the forehead; black streaks running across its cheeks, dorsal stripes covering its head to spine; moderately pointed, broad ears that are a little flared; large, almond-shaped eyes slanting to the base of its ears; medium-sized tail tapering a little to its dark tip |
| How Much Does it Weigh: | 7 to 9 pounds |
Colors & Patterns
| Coat Type: | Medium length, fine and silky (smoke-colored coat); resilient and dense (bronze and silver) |
| Color: | Smoke, silver, bronze |
| Eye Color: | Gooseberry green |
| Pattern: | Spotted (oblong or round pattern) |
Other Characteristics
| Average Lifespan/How Long do they Live: | 13 to 16 years |
| Litter size: | Approximately 6 kittens |
| Behavioral Characteristics: | Calm, gentle, intelligent, alert, curious |
| Lap Cat: | Yes |
| Shedding (Do they Shed): | Low |
| Vocalization: | Distinctly unusual, communicating with chirps and chortles |
| Good with Children: | Yes |
| Is it Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Country (Where do they come from): | Egypt |
| Competitive Registration/ Qualification: | TICA, CFA, AACE, FIFe, CCA-AFC, ACFA/CAA |
History
Egyptian Mau had its origin in Egypt, the land of Pharaohs, which can be quite evident from the pictures of heavily spotted felines seen on frescoes and papyri in ancient times which have a close resemblance to the present day cat. Though DNA analysis claim this breed to have a North American and European descent, recent studies conducted by Leslie Lyons, a feline geneticist confirms of its origination in Egypt. It came to the U.S. in the year 1956, when Nathalie Troubetskoy, a Russian princess had imported three cats of this breed from Italy, namely Liza and Baba (silver colored female cats) and JoJo (bronze-shaded male). TICA granted it recognition in 1978.
Egyptian Mau Size 
Egyptian Mau Photos
Some documents even mentioned it to be a relative of the Korat, Main Coon, and Turkish Angoras of American origin. British breeders had attempted in crossing the Siamese, Abyssinian, and some tabby-patterned cats to develop the Mau, though the attempt remained unsuccessful as the resultant cat did not look like the actual Egyptian Mau.
Temperament and Personality
- Gentle and reserved, these cats have a strong bonding towards the members of its family but are quite cautious and wary when it comes to encountering strangers.
- Shy and sensitive, they could be upset or agonized by a loud or unpleasant noise.
- Alert and curious, the Egyptian Mau possesses an innate capability of seeing, hearing and smelling.
- Active and energetic, they are excellent jumpers, skillfully climbing onto a window perch or a cat tree or even enjoying a joyful ride all around its home, seated on your shoulder.
- Playful and mischievous, they have an undying love for water, and would not mind a splash when you decide to take a shower or are working in the kitchen.
- Interactive and sociable, they communicate by wagging their tails or making a trilling sound, excelling as great playmates for kids as well as cat-friendly canines. However, smaller animals and birds could trigger their hunting instinct and thus are not fit to coexist.
- Agile and quick, is said to be one of the fastest housecats, running at a speed of 30 miles per hour.
Who is the Egyptian Mau good for
- Those desiring for an ideal, devoted lap cat who would cling on to them always.
- Families who do not mind having an agile cat indoors that would keep them on the run always.
- Homes on the lookout for an intelligent and alert cat whose eyes, nose and ears would be active all the time.
Care
Its medium length coat needs minimal grooming and would be well-maintained with a weekly brushing, that would facilitate dead hair removal as well as a proper distribution of the skin oils. Bathe it only when needed. Trimming its nails, brushing its teeth as well as cleaning its ears and eyes are the other essential grooming needs that are to be followed to maintain hygiene.
Though healthy and hardy, this breed is known to suffer from leukodystrophy, a neurological condition, mostly affecting kittens when they are just seven weeks old.
Egyptian Mau 
Egyptian Mau Black 
Egyptian Mau Cat
Training
Having a high level of intelligence and gentle nature, the Egyptian Mau would indeed be a delight to train. Channelizing its ability to run skillfully, you can teach it to go up on an exercise wheel. Choose a proper exercise wheel at first and entice your cat to get onto it by offering its favorite treat or toy. When it gets on the wheel, hold the goodie at a considerable distance to help it proceed forward. Once your cat stays up there for a significant period and also begins walking on its own without much prompting from your end, reward it appropriately.
Feeding
Feed your Egyptian Mau, good quality cat food, in combination with a nutritious homemade diet if required, but in measured amounts.
