Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Holly Anne Dustin
The Egyptian Mau is one of the oldest, if not the original, breed of domesticated cat. Its name translates to the word “cat” in the ancient Egyptian language. The Mau has a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt. There are ancient Egyptian depictions of spotted cats in tombs and writings that look an awful lot like our furry friends today..
The breed is known for its distinctive spotted coat and graceful, athletic build. Each cat has a unique pattern of spots of black or brown on a soft, silky texture. In addition to its distinctive appearance, the Egyptian Mau is also known for its intelligence and playfulness. They are also known for their loyalty and devotion to the human they select as “their person.”
The Egyptian Mau is a fascinating breed of cat that is sure to capture the hearts of anyone who meets one.
Contents
- 1 Ancient History
- 2 History of the Modern Egyptian Mau
- 3 Indian Imports
- 4 Egyptian Mau Breed Standard
- 5 Personality, Traits, and Temperament of the Egyptian Mau
- 6 Common Health Problems of Egyptian Mau Cats
- 7 How Long Do Egyptian Mau Cats Live
- 8 Care and Maintenance of the Egyptian Mau
- 9 Do Egyptian Mau Cats Make Good Pets?
- 10 How much do Egyptian Mau cats cost?
- 11 Summary
Ancient History
The Egyptians were known to have cats around, at first to maintain the rodent and snake populations. Eventually, cats transcended mere animal companions to the level of gods and goddesses in the eyes of the ancient Egyptians.
The cats were worshiped by the Egyptians, appearing in frescoes as far back as 1550 B.C.E.
Cats are also pictured in the company of Egyptian hunters, sometimes with birds in their mouths, leading to the suggestion that the Egyptians may have used them either to flush birds out of the marshes or possibly to retrieve carcasses. In most cases, the cats depicted in Egyptian art bear a strong resemblance to the modern Egyptian Mau with elegant build, large ears and eyes and often spotted markings.
Of the mummied cats that have been unwrapped, several have revealed the spotted tabby pattern characteristic of modern Egyptian Maus. There is therefore abundant evidence that elegant, spotted tabby domestic cats were common in ancient Egypt.
There seems likely that the Romans were responsible for taking spotted cats from Egypt to Italy and possibly other parts of Europe, probably in the early centuries AD. Spotted cats closely resembling Maus in both markings and body type are clearly depicted in a number of Roman mosaics, including one found at Pompeii. 1https://www.egyptianmausociety.co.uk/history-and-origins
History of the Modern Egyptian Mau
Like many pedigree breeds, the Egyptian Mau was almost lost to us during World War II. The breed was saved by an exiled Russian princess named Nathalie Troubetskoy. She was given a silver spotted cat while living in Rome. The breed was almost extinct but Troubetskoy became determined to save it and set about acquiring more cats. She used diplomatic contacts to increase the gene pool available to Italian breeders by importing cats from the Middle East. 2https://www.egyptianmausociety.co.uk/history-and-origins
She brought the breed to the United States in 1956, immigrating here with 3 Egyptian Mau cats. The traditional line descends from those cats. Officially, there are no allowable outcrosses for the Egyptian Mau breed. But without some “unofficial” outcrossing back in the early days, it is unlikely the breed would have survived. It is thought that the unaccepted blue color and a recessive classic tabby pattern result from those early days. 3https://breeds.tcainc.org/BreedInfo/FAQEgyptianMau/history_of_egyptian_mau.htm
By the late 1970s, Maus began to suffer again from the effects of their extremely limited gene pool. If the breed was to continue to thrive it became imperative to find some new blood.
Indian Imports
Jean Mill, founder of the Bengal breed, also contributed to the protection and development of the Egyptian Mau. She found two bronze spotted tabby kittens of a pronounced Egyptian type in a zoo in New Delhi and imported them into the US in 1980. The descendants of these cats were accepted after a lot of discussion among the official fanciers’ associations. These cats are considered the Indian line.
Most Egyptian Mau lines today are a mixture of traditional and Indian lines. The Indian line was also used in the development of the Bengal breed. In the 1980 and 90s, Cathie Rowan imported 13 Maus from Egypt and J Len Davidson 4 more. These cats produced the “Egyptian” lines, adding more diversity.
There is concern that the imported lines have improved the health, and color and contrast of the breed, but changed the conformation of the cats’ heads. Breeders are attempting to combine the best of all. 4https://www.egyptianmausociety.co.uk/history-and-origins
The breed was recognized by the Cat Fanciers Federation in 1968, followed by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 1977 and The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979. It has been recognized by all the major registries.
Egyptian Mau Breed Standard
The Egyptian Mau is a breed of cat that is known for its stunning appearance and unique personality. They are supposed to be a muscular, athletic cat with a medium, long, lithe body. The cat gives the impression of strength, substance, grace, and agility.
Body Structure
The breed standard calls for a body that is long and lean, with a slight arch to the back. The legs should be long and slender. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs. The paws should be small and oval-shaped, with tufts of fur between the toes. The cat should be well balanced.
Egyptian Mau’s have a unique skin flap extending from flank to hind leg knee. This feature gives them excessive freedom to jump, twist, and turn.
The Egyptian Mau head is a slightly rounded wedge without flat planes, medium in length. The muzzle should flow into the wedge of the head. It is neither short nor pointed. The ears are medium to large, moderately pointed, and broad at the base. These cats have large eyes, alert, and almond shaped, with a slight slant towards the ears. The eyes are accepted in only one unique color: gooseberry green.
Coat and Color
The Egyptian Mau has a short, silky coat that comes in a variety of colors. The breed standard allows for three naturally occurring colors: silver, bronze, and smoke. The coat should be spotted, with spots that are randomly placed and can be any size or shape.
The spots should be darker than the background color of the coat. The silver Mau has a pale silver background color with black spots. The bronze has a warm, golden background color with black spots. The smoke has a solid black background color with silver-tipped hairs that give it a smoky appearance. I’ve never seen one other than the typical silver but the bronze sounds lovely.
They have a dark dorsal stripe of fur that runs along their spine from head to tail. The markings on the face are acceptable in the traditional tabby “M” or in a pattern that resembles a scarab beetle, also honored in ancient Egypt.5https://cfa.org/egyptian-mau/
Personality, Traits, and Temperament of the Egyptian Mau
Don’t expect this cat to let you pick them up and snuggle whenever you want, cuddles must be on their terms at all times. Most Egyptian Maus have very distinct ideas about who can handle them and when. These cats’ ancestors were treated like gods, and the Egyptian Mau of today wants the same treatment.
They are not typically lap cats, but Egyptian Maus are generally friendly and affectionate towards their human family members. They are known for their loyalty to their selected people. Egyptian Maus can be shy and skittish if they have not been properly handled and raised as kittens. Early socialization of Egyptian Mau kittens with people and other animals is essential for this sensitive cat breed.
The Egyptian Mau is an intelligent, highly active, and playful cat that requires lots of stimulation in their environment. They love to play and will thrive in a home with plenty of toys and opportunities for exercise. The Egyptian Mau is an athletic breed. Your new kitty will need lots of things to climb, jump on, and chase. They benefit from puzzle feeders, pattern games and training.
Maus can get along with other animals at home but may prefer to be a single cat. It is important that introductions are made carefully.
Common Health Problems of Egyptian Mau Cats
Egyptian Maus are generally healthy cats, despite their limited gene pool. However, like any other breed, they can be prone to certain health problems. Here are some common health issues that Egyptian Maus may face: heart disease, urate urolithiasis, pyruvate kinase deficiency, and leukodystrophy.
The Mau is more sensitive to temperature than other breeds and enjoys very warm temperatures. It is more sensitive to medicines and anesthesia than other breeds.6https://www.thehappycatsite.com/egyptian-mau-cat/
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart disease that affects many cats, including Egyptian Maus. It is a genetic condition that causes the walls of the heart to thicken, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. Symptoms of HCM include lethargy, difficulty breathing, and loss of appetite. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help detect HCM early and manage the condition.
Breeders can, and should, test for HCM.
Leukodystrophy
Egyptian Mau kittens are more vulnerable than most cats to an inherited degenerative neurological condition called leukodystrophy. Leukodystrophy is a serious and normally fatal condition with symptoms including body tremors, limb stiffness, and the inability to urinate without assistance. The disease usually progresses into paralysis and eventually death.
There is no test for Leukodystrophy. But there is an understanding of how it is carried so breeders can be careful which cats they breed. 7https://www.thehappycatsite.com/egyptian-mau-cat/
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency in Egyptian Maus
PKD is an inherited disorder which compromises the lifespan of red blood cells, leading to anemia. Like many breeds, Egyptian Mau cats are prone to PKD, but luckily there is a reliable genetic test to identify affected cats and carriers of the condition. Be sure your breeder does test for PKD. 8https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_pyruvate_kinase_deficiency
Egyptian Maus are generally healthy cats, they can be prone to certain health problems. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian and proper care can help prevent and manage these conditions, ensuring a long and healthy life for your feline friend.
How Long Do Egyptian Mau Cats Live
On average, Egyptian Mau cats live for 12-16 years, similar to most cats. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help catch and treat any health issues early on, increasing the chances of a long and healthy life for your Mau.
Care and Maintenance of the Egyptian Mau
Egyptian Maus are generally a low-maintenance breed, but they still require some basic care to ensure their health and happiness.
Grooming
Egyptian Maus have short, shiny coats that require minimal grooming. They shed very little, so brushing once a week is usually sufficient to remove any loose hair and keep their coats looking sleek and shiny. They also tend to be fastidious self-groomers and rarely require baths.
Nutrition
Egyptian Maus are not picky eaters, but it’s important to feed them a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. A diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates is ideal for this breed. It’s also important to provide fresh, clean water at all times.
Exercise
Egyptian Maus are active and playful cats that need regular exercise to stay healthy. They love to play and chase, so providing them with toys and playtime is essential. A cat tree or scratching post is also a great way to provide exercise and entertainment for your cat. They enjoy interactive play with their people, and can be taught to fetch toys and walk with secure leashes and harnesses. Egyptian Maus enjoy water.
Do Egyptian Mau Cats Make Good Pets?
Egyptian Mau cats are a highly intelligent breed that loves to play and interact with their owners. But do they make good pets? The answer is yes, but it’s important to consider a few factors before bringing one home.
Egyptian Maus are highly active cats and require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They love to play and will thrive in a home with plenty of toys and opportunities for exercise. Maus also enjoy climbing and perching, so providing them with a tall cat tree or shelves to climb on will keep them entertained.
Another important factor to consider is their socialization. Egyptian Maus are social cats and crave attention from their owners. They do not do well in homes where they are left alone for long periods of time. They also tend to bond closely with one or two people and may be wary of strangers. Early socialization and training can help them become more comfortable around new people and situations.
Overall, Egyptian Maus can make wonderful pets for the right family. They are friendly, playful, and affectionate cats that thrive in homes with plenty of attention and stimulation. With proper socialization and care, they can be a loving and loyal companion for many years to come.
How much do Egyptian Mau cats cost?
Egyptian Maus are a rare breed of cat that can be quite expensive. The cost of an Egyptian Mau kitten can vary depending on several factors, such as the cat’s age, pedigree, and the breeder’s reputation.
On average, an Egyptian Mau kitten can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,200. However, prices can range from $500 to $2,500 or more, depending on the kitten’s quality and bloodline.
When purchasing an Egyptian Mau kitten, it’s important to buy from a reputable breeder who is registered with a recognized cat breeding association. This ensures that the kitten is healthy and has been bred according to ethical standards.
Related: Want to Learn More About Cat Breeds? Visit Our Breed Page Here.
Summary
Overall, Egyptian Mau cats are a unique breed that bring joy and companionship to their owners. They possess many desirable qualities that have been treasured for thousands of years—and they continue to be an important source of love and happiness in many homes. Their history is incredibly interesting, and we can appreciate their character traits and personalities even more when we understand the long history behind them. Whether you’re considering adopting an Egyptian Mau or wishing to learn more about this ancient cat breed, there’s no question that these felines are special!
