Egyptian Mau

Breed Description

The cat that appeared over 4500 years ago in ancient times. It is considered one of the oldest breeds, descended from the sacred Nubian cats.

According to legend, humans took notice of them due to their relatively calm temperament, unlike other wild cats in the area. For the benefits they provided, people began to feed them. Gradually familiarizing themselves with each other and gaining mutual advantages, these four-legged helpers moved into human homes. This is confirmed by numerous depictions of cats specifically, rather than other animals. The exact origins of the name “Mau” are unknown, but some experts believe it comes from the ability of spotted cats to clearly vocalize these sounds. It is quite possible that this is true.

They were valued so highly that they were worshipped, with tombs found during the excavation of an ancient Egyptian temple containing not only human mummies but also mummified Mau cats. They were buried alongside their owners, serving as guides to the afterlife. The goddess Bastet even has a cat’s head, symbolizing the home hearth.

Regarding modern times, the Egyptian Mau was introduced by Italian and French breeders in collaboration with specialists from Switzerland about 100 years ago. Marcel Rene mentioned spotted Egyptian cats in his book in 1940, describing them as of Eastern type, with short fur, an elegant body, and slender legs.

However, World War II nearly wiped out the population. It was only through the efforts of a Russian princess that it could be revived. Natalia Troubetskoy first saw them in Syria, where several spotted beauties were gifted to her.

No pedigree was attached, but there was no doubt about their breed. In 1953, a silver female cat and a male with a smoke-colored coat were presented for the first time at an exhibition.In the USA, the Mau arrived in 1958, at which point the first cattery of Egyptian Maus was opened. As always, Americans sought to maximize the physical appearance of the African rodent catchers, so black Maus participated only as working cats, not show cats.Based on ancient Egyptian frescoes, only the most representative kittens from each litter were selected. Naturally, American shorthair blood was added, and then a few common stray cats were brought from India. In 1988, the first Egyptian Maus, with fresh blood added, were imported to Swiss catteries and also to the Netherlands and Italy.The CFF, and later the CFA, recognized the Egyptian Mau in 1977. In 1988, TICA recognized them, and by 1992, FIFe also granted recognition. Today, a purebred Mau must come with a pedigree up to the fourth generation, as the breed ranks among the top 20 most expensive cat breeds in the world. They are very rare, and currently, it is quite challenging to purchase a kitten from a catte

Appearance

The Egyptian Mau is full of grace, medium-sized, and very elegant. At the same time, their muscular strength is enviable. Despite their power, they are significantly lighter than Bengal cats. Their unique skeletal structure allows them to be faster than other domestic cats. According to some sources, their running speed during a chase can reach nearly 60 km/h.

The shoulder height of a spotted cat is about 26 cm, while males are slightly taller at around 30 cm. Owners need to pay close attention to ensure they do not gain excessive weight, maintaining it at 3-4 kg for females and no more than 6 kg for males. In our country, you can choose a kitten from a cattery, but it’s important to understand that until 5 months old, a blurry coat color, meaning indistinct spots, can be quite common-this is called fuzzing. However, this does not mean the kitten has defects. During this period, their fur becomes slightly longer than usual, but once it ends, there are no traces of the “ugly duckling.” At Zoonika, you can find the best catteries in Russia where you can buy a purebred Egyptian Mau kitten without worrying about its health. By around six months, the fuzzing is replaced by clear, contrasting spots, as the coat should be covered with these and not any other pattern.

Thin lines on the face give a special charm, reminiscent of makeup. The sacred Egyptian cat can bring good luck into a home for 13-15 years of its life.

Отличительные черты

Голова

It has the shape of a modified wedge, but with a complete absence of flat surfaces. With soft contours, medium-sized, without flat surfaces and breaks. The cheeks are not filled. The forehead features a distinctive pattern resembling the outline of a crown or a spider.

Морда

Medium-sized, proportional to the head. The bridge of the nose is straight and equally wide along its length. The chin should not protrude, although it is quite developed. In adults, the jaws may be distinctly pronounced. There is a pattern of fine lines on the cheekbones extending toward the eyes.

Уши

Medium or large, slightly pointed at the ends. Broad at the base and spaced at a proper distance from each other. Slightly tilted forward, giving a vigilant expression to the face. They may have tufts at the tips. Too small is not acceptable.

Глаза

Large, but not huge, light yellow, positioned slightly at an angle. The shape is closer to almond-shaped or round. The drawbacks are considered to be an oriental eye type, iris coloration without green after 8 months, and the predominance of yellow after reaching one and a half years.

Зубы

Complete set of teeth, very strong jaw. The canines are powerful. Although there are no specific requirements for the teeth according to the standards. It is only noted that clearly defined jaws are permissible (CFA). There should be no overbite or underbite.

Корпус

Very graceful, with excellent musculature. It represents something intermediate between Abyssinian and Bengal cats, even slightly closer to the Oriental type. The shoulder blades are clearly defined, and a strong neck and shoulders are acceptable. The back is strong and straight.

Конечности

First of all, it is worth noting the strong muscles under which there is a moderately thick skeleton of the limbs. They are of average length. The front limbs are straight, unlike the hind ones. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front ones and are somewhat bent. The paws are small and can be round or slightly oval. On the hind legs, the toes are noticeably longer. A discrepancy in the number of toes is considered a defect. Normally, there are 5 in the front and 4 in the back.

Хвост

Closer to average size and average thickness. Completely covered with fur of the main color and pattern. Clearly tapers to a conical tip. A tail that is too short, long, or thin is generally considered a disadvantage. Bends or thickening on it are also not allowed.

Шерсть

Not too short, more towards medium length, with double ticking on agouti hairs. Not very dense and well-fitting to the body. Depending on the color, it may be slightly softer (smoky) or a bit firmer (bronze and silver).

Окрас

Officially accepted are the bronze, silver, and smoky (the rarest). They are named for the shade of the base color, which should have clear contrasting spots. Black Maos are not involved in breeding but receive all necessary documentation. The drawbacks are considered to be a closed necklace on the throat and the presence of stripes on the back and belly without spots.

Character

No wonder these cats were worshipped in Ancient Egypt. They embody love and loyalty to humans that are unparalleled. Along with this, the Egyptian Mau has an inexhaustible drive and adores movement in all its forms: during walks, playtime, and even while bathing. Yes, they love water and are not afraid of it like other cats. Another integral quality of these spotted semi-deities is their desire to be close to family. Therefore, it is highly discouraged to keep them with busy people. The intelligence of Egyptian Maus is so developed that they can easily engage in conversations with their owner, meowing in different tones. In this way, they ask, refuse, or call their owner to them.

There is an opinion about their excessive clinginess. This is held by those accustomed to cats with an independent character. Egyptian Maus are not like that; they are entirely oriented towards communication with humans and make excellent companions, including for children. They always need to know what is happening around them and be at the center of attention.

They can easily jump onto their owner’s lap simply to be close to them. And their love for water is a story in itself. Unlike other breeds, Egyptian Maus can sit in the bathtub for hours and derive immense pleasure from it. This trait should be considered before deciding to purchase a kitten from a breeder.

Another undeniable virtue of their temperament is the practically complete absence of aggression. This trait allows them to coexist peacefully under one roof even with dogs. Unfortunately, this does not extend to birds, aquarium fish, or rodents.

There are also no conflicts with children; on the contrary, their tendency for new adventures strengthens their bonds.

Quickly adapting to household routines, they easily get used to a harness and love to walk. Unfortunately, the high cost of Egyptian Maus makes them targets for thieves, so it is advisable not to let them roam without supervision.However, it should be noted that the spotted cats from the land of the pharaohs do have some drawbacks. During mating searches, they can be excessively loud, and their character noticeably intensifies. During these times, they pay particular attention to their territory, and guests are better off not attempting to play with them. Neutering or spaying can help mitigate such negative behaviors, but only in animals that are not participating in breeding or have been removed from it.

Care and Maintenance

The Egyptian Mau, a status symbol among cats, doesn’t require special living conditions, making its companionship easy for all family members.

Its beautiful coat needs brushing about once a week with a special glove to remove dead hairs. This procedure is so simple that even a child can help with it. However, during heavy shedding periods, it should be done every other day using a special brush available at pet stores. The importance of this procedure goes beyond just removing fur; it provides a calming massage effect, soothes the pet’s nervous system, and strengthens the bond between the participants. Interestingly, the Mau itself enjoys this process, with owners reporting that their cats actively seek out belly or back rubs, demonstrating their love for it. The result is a clean, shiny coat that glistens as the cat moves.

As we know, all cats fear water, but the Egyptian Mau loves it-this sets it apart from other breeds. It’s essential to consider this when choosing a kitten from a breeder. From a young age, it should be allowed to splash around in the bath, but of course, under supervision. There’s no need for special shampoos; just letting it run around in water is necessary. The spotted Egyptian cat can be bathed with cleaning agents a few times a year after becoming heavily soiled. After bathing, it should be wrapped in a soft towel, excess water removed from its coat, and dried with a hairdryer (if it’s not afraid of it).

Should the ears of the Egyptian Mau be cleaned? Absolutely. Once a week is sufficient, but cotton swabs shouldn’t be used as they can harm the eardrum. A twisted piece of cotton soaked in a special lotion or warm water is best for removing dirt, and excess wax should be addressed afterward. Pay attention to any odor from the ears. If a sour or unpleasant smell appears, it’s best to visit a veterinarian, as this symptom may indicate the onset of inflammation.

Trimming the nails is an essential part of Mau care. Typically, they are cut down by one-third about once every ten days. Regular manicure scissors won’t do, as the nails are too strong. It is better to invest in nail clippers designed for this purpose, ensuring the procedure is safe for the animal. Inside the nail, there are blood vessels and many nerve endings that can be damaged if not using clippers. Inexperienced cat owners should initially visit grooming salons where professional groomers can demonstrate the correct procedure. If you get a kitten from a breeder, it will already be accustomed to having its nails trimmed, so there won’t be any negative reactions.

The Egyptian Mau is an aristocrat in the cat world. However, one cannot maintain a demi-goddess status with unkempt teeth. Owners typically clean their pets’ teeth from an early age for preventative purposes, 1 to 2 times a month, using specialized toothpaste that is safe if swallowed. Gentle movements should be used to remove yellow plaque, leading to the absence of tartar. Pets fed high-quality or holistic dry food do not need teeth cleaning, as the hard pellets act like toothbrushes.Timely vaccinations are required even for pets that stay indoors. The same applies to deworming. Parasites can enter the animal’s body from dirty hands, shoes, or bags. To prevent fleas, drops applied to the nape of the neck are commonly used. Vitamins should only be given on a veterinarian’s recommendation. Moreover, those animals fed high-quality commercial diets do not require additional vitamins as the manufacturer has already incorporated everything necessary into the product.Do Egyptian Maus enjoy playing? Definitely! These exceptional hunters are eager to engage in play. Their activity levels are impressive, and it’s best to prepare your space for the antics of t

Training and Education

In addition to being beautiful, the Egyptian Mau is also very intelligent. Therefore, when choosing a kitten from a breeder, the question arises: can it be trained to perform tricks? To the delight of owners, the answer is yes. Moreover, the Mau is very capable and loves to perform various tricks to please its owner, learning them throughout its life.

Of course, it’s most sensible to start the training process at an early age. For example, once the kitten learns to always come to its name, it can be taught commands like “Come!” and “Stop!”. Then, by observing its behavior, you can use its tendencies to your advantage. Choosing a kitten from a breeder is a serious step, and any mistake in its upbringing can be fatal. Regarding punishment: you should never shout at it, let alone hit it. Only methods of positive reinforcement will yield the desired results. Each completed task should be rewarded with a gentle tone, petting, or treats (but not too often due to the cat’s potential weight gain).

Very agile, athletic, and active, Egyptian Maus love jumping and hunting. Setting up a hoop during a jump can encourage the mastery of a new trick. Believe me, the animal understands what its owner wants. It is crucial to motivate it correctly to perform the command.

Of course, difficulties can arise both in the training process and during education. In such cases, you can attend courses at specialized centers for cat behavior correction. Currently, there are several such centers, each staffed by professional zoopsychologists.

There is one trick that every Egyptian Mau owner can master: calling their cat with a whistle. From the first weeks of life, after calling its name, emit a short, consistent whistle. Over time, the kitten will become accustomed to this and will respond like a hunting dog to entertain guests.

However, you cannot demand that your cat perform a specific command. A confrontation will arise, in which the human will undoubtedly lose.

How to Choose a Kitten

If you’ve decided to get a cat and have chosen the Egyptian Mau, then a bird market is definitely not the place to buy one, nor are online kitten sale ads.

The Egyptian Mau is among the top 20 most expensive cats in the world, and the breed is very rare. It’s best to choose a kitten from a kennel where breeders can document the lineage of this beautiful cat and guarantee it is free of genetic diseases. At Zoonika, you can find the best selection of kennels in Russia with verified breeders.

However, purity of blood and health are not everything to consider. As mentioned, the Mau is a very prestigious, expensive cat, so its upkeep can also be quite costly. This factor should be taken into account even before you start choosing a kitten. Depending on your purpose for acquisition, it could be a pet, breeder, or show class. Regardless, you should follow some basic principles: the kitten should be active but not aggressive, closely match the breed standard, show no signs of illness, have a pedigree or chip, and come with a complete set of accompanying documents. To ensure legal clarity, it’s best to formalize the purchase with a sales contract.

Health and Illnesses

As an indigenous breed, the Egyptian Mau is considered a cat with very robust health. Of course, improper care can undermine this, so the owner of such an elite pet should always adhere to a vaccination and deworming schedule. This is not difficult, especially when the cat undergoes regular preventative check-ups at a high-quality veterinary clinic.

Proper nutrition, timely treatment of the coat against parasites, regular interaction between the owner and the pet, and reasonable physical activity (such as agility training) positively influence the cat’s emotional well-being.

However, it cannot be claimed that she will not get sick at all. Excessive physical activity can lead to a dislocated kneecap. Notably, allergies caused by tobacco smoke or perfumes can result in asthma.

Cardiomyopathy, cystitis, and umbilical hernias are rarely diagnosed in Mau cats.

Issues with the coat can be significantly alleviated by spaying or neutering, but only in those individuals that are not involved in breeding.

The owner should ensure that toxic plants are removed from the spotted cat’s environment to help prevent poisoning.Some individuals exhibit increased sensitivity to anesthesia.