Egyptian Mau Cat Breed

Egyptian Maus (literally, Egyptian "cats") are a very ancient breed. Images of these striking spotted cats can be seen on tomb paintings in the Pyramids and on many other ancient Egyptian scrolls. The breed is so similar in appearance to African wild cats that many experts are convinced that the Maus are their direct descendants. They are even believed to by some to be the earliest domesticated cats in the world, used by the Egyptians to prevent rodents from destroying the stores of grain that formed the basis of the Egyptian civilization.

"Mau" is an Egyptian word meaning "cat". The Egyptian Mau is sometimes confused with a breed developed in Great Britain from Oriental shorthairs and Siamese that was known by this name for many years. This British breed has nothing to do with the "genuine" Egyptian Mau, however, and is now described as the Oriental Spotted Tabby.

Having fallen in love with cats showing spotted markings, the Princess Troubetskoy obtained a specimen in Cairo and mated her with an Italian cat, producing 2 kittens. She took her Egyptian Maus to the United States, where the breed was registered and exhibited for the first time. The breed was recognized for American shows in 1977, but the Egyptian Mau still remains quite rare.

These cats are intermediate between the cobby American Shorthair and the svelte profile or Oriental breeds. The wedge-shaped head is gently rounded. Females tend to be slightly smaller than males. The Bronze variety, a warm copper color with pale sides and dark brown spots, bears the closest resemblance to the cats seen in the anceint Egyptian paintings.

Maus are alert, intelligent, and very affectionate, especially with its family— both feline and human. They are good with children but do not like strangers. Breeders can prevent unfriendly habits from developing by handling kittens frequently from 2-3 weeks old. New owners should ensure that their new kitten meets as many people as possible very early on under relaxed conditions. Although vocal, Maus are quiet-voiced. The Mau prefers company and should be kept in pairs if the family is out for long periods and if they have no safe access to the outside. They are easy to groom but need to be groomed regularly. Breeders and show ebtusiasts tend to keep their Maus indoors.

Fur Colors and Patterns

An Egyptian Mau coat is short and silky. The markings on its body are random spots that vary in size and shape rather than following the more regular pattern typically seen in tabby cats. The spots form a contrast against the lighter background coat, which comes in 4 colors only: Pewter (called Black by the CFA), Bronze (with chocolate spots), Silver (black and silver spotted) and Smoke. The contrast in the coloration of these cats takes up to 2 years to develop fully. There is no ticking apparent; the hairs have whitish roots and black tips, creating a contrast as the cat moves. The eyes are very large, oval in shape, and slanting. The distinctive green color can be very slow to develop and, in later life, the eyes tend to become paler green.

In newly born kittens the spots tend to be less clearly defined. While shedding, the spotting becomes less distinct.

The Egyptian Mau is very similar in conformation to the Abyssinian. The body is Oriental and graceful, but well-muscled and slightly stockier than an Oriental Shorthair's.

The Egyptian Mau's coat can be kept in good condition with the minimum of grooming. It is enough to brush the coat once a week with a bristle brush and comb it through with a fine comb. You can follow up by polishing with a damp chamois to bring out the shine. Trim the sharp tips of the claws regularly, using good clippers, and keep the ears clean with a special ear cleaner.

The Mau is said to be the fastest of all domesticated cats, achieving speed of up to 36 mph. It is capable of leaping into the air to heights of 6 feet. With this kind of athletic prowess, this cat is unsurpassed as a hunter and is understandably happiest when it leads an active life.

Egyptian Mau Breeders KittyAntics.com (Canada) www.kittyantics.com Kirydashi (USA) www.kirydashi.com Emau (USA) www.emaucats.com Thomkatz (USA) www.thomkatz.com Ramah (USA) www.ramahmaus.com Aar-gee Em (USA) aargeeem.com

If you would like to be listed here as an Egyptian Mau Breeder or a member of an Egyptian Mau rescue organization, please send us and email