The Egyptian Mau is an elegant, exotic breed of cat that has a regal bearing and an unmistakable presence. Its distinct features, such as the brow line and characteristic eye set, give it a worried look.
Along with its gooseberry green eyes and unique flap of skin from the posterior end of its ribcage to the hind leg, it is one of the most interesting breeds around. This already lovely creature has grace and elegance thanks to the tiptoe stance its proportionally longer hind legs provide.
When considering adding an Egyptian Mau to your family, there are several things you should keep in mind when caring for them. As they are naturally athletic cats with high energy levels, they require plenty of exercise daily.
If you’re looking to provide the best care for your Egyptian Mau, this article will equip you with all the information and tips needed to ensure your feline friend lives a long and healthy life.
Breed Overview
The Egyptian Mau is a striking and unique breed of cat that has been present in Egypt for thousands of years. One of the oldest domestic cats to have survived into the modern era is this spotted feline, according to historical records.
It is believed that this breed is descended from ancient African wildcats, and today, it remains one of only a few naturally spotted domesticated cats in existence.
This breed was almost lost during World War II, but thankfully, the Russian princess Natalie Troubetskoy saved it when she moved to Rome in 1956 with her beloved silver female kitten known as Baba and two other Mau offspring.
She worked hard to ensure its survival as a breed, writing a standard for them and creating her own cattery named Fatima. This led to the recognition of the Egyptian Mau by different cat associations, such as the Cat Fanciers Federation (CFF) in 1968 and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) nine years later.
In order to expand its gene pool, additional Maus were brought over from Egypt to America in the 1980s. Another importation occurred a decade later, further bolstering the population for breeding and ultimately leading to their global popularity.
The Egyptian Mau possesses a multitude of distinctive features that set it apart from other breeds. Its short fur comes in a range of captivating colors, such as silver tabby or smokey grey, depending on the specific type you choose.
With their captivatingly large green eyes and impressive musculature, these feline companions are ideal for those seeking an active pet! The Egyptian Mau has gained an international fan base due to its fascinating history and distinctive appearance, which make it truly exceptional.
Identifying Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a loving, devoted, and loyal companion. They form strong bonds with their owners and are known to be quite vocal. Maus can often show dog-like behavior in that they may follow you around the house or come when called.
They also have an affinity for water and like to play in it if they can find it! Maus are very active cats who love to explore and jump onto high perches, so they need plenty of room to run around in. As such, they do well in larger homes with plenty of space for them to exercise.
In addition, the Mau is a highly intelligent breed that thrives on engaging activities like puzzle toys and games that challenge their problem-solving skills. When it comes to interacting with humans, this breed is renowned for its gentle and amiable nature.
The Egyptian Mau is an absolutely stunning breed of cat, with its captivating colors. Its distinctive appearance is thanks to the three color variations: silver, bronze, and smoke. The silver variation boasts a sleek coat that has a mesmerizing grayish-silver hue, which beautifully catches the light.
The bronze variation has an unmistakable warm golden hue that radiates from its luxurious fur. Last but not least, the smoke variation has a smoky gray appearance that is both dark and mysterious.
The magnificent light green eyes that are a hallmark of all varieties contribute to the regal air that these cats exude. The combination of these hues is a magical blend of refinement and grace that is unique to this magnificent cat.
Personality Traits
The Egyptian Mau is a fast, loyal, and gentle breed of cat. They are very affectionate and love to be around their people, forming strong bonds with them. They can be shy around strangers, but once they get to know someone, they will be very loving towards them.
The Mau have an extraordinary sense of smell, hearing, and sight, which makes them excellent hunters. They tend to be easily upset by sudden loud noises, so if you plan on showing your Egyptian Mau, it is important to start working with them when they are kittens.
Although Egyptian Maus usually get along with other cats and cat-friendly dogs, it is still important to exercise caution when introducing new pets into the home. They are highly trainable and can even learn tricks quickly, making them a fun companion for children of all ages.
Never leave small animals, such as birds or hamsters, alone around them because of their natural hunting abilities. When introducing new animals to each other, it is best to do it carefully and in a controlled environment to prevent any misunderstandings or disputes.
Activity Level
The Egyptian Mau is a high-energy breed of cat that loves to explore and play. This active breed loves to climb, jump, and run around the house in search of fun things to do. A perch or cat tree is essential for Egyptian Mau, as they love to have something high up from which they can observe their surroundings.
They are also intelligent enough to teach themselves how to open doors and drawers, so owners of this breed need to be aware of what kinds of hazards can be accessed by their cats.
In addition to being highly active, the Egyptian Mau also loves cuddles and snuggles with their family members. They are known for enjoying spending time on laps while being petted or getting belly rubs!
Despite their energetic nature, these cats will take breaks throughout the day just like other breeds, but when they’re ready for some more fun, they’ll let you know!
One thing that makes them unique is that many enjoy playing with water; some even learn how to turn on faucets as part of their playtime activities!
Egyptian Mau Cat Loyalty
The Egyptian Mau is a beautiful and exotic creature that will bring joy to any home. Not only are they stunningly gorgeous cats, but they have an incredibly loyal personality as well.
They create great relationships with their owners and prefer to demonstrate it by being close by at all times. These cats are famous for their commitment and affection towards their owners, becoming treasured family members.
Even if you don’t live in the same house as your Egyptian Mau, you can expect them to always be near you whenever possible, whether it’s following you around the house or curling up next to you on the couch for some cuddles.
Due to their loyalty and intelligence, ancient Egyptians also worshiped Egyptian Maus. It’s no surprise that this breed is still highly sought-after today because of its remarkable qualities!
Love Of Water
The Egyptian Mau is an athletic breed that loves playing in the water. This active and playful breed can be found taking a dip in the pool or playing with their favorite water toys.
Maus are vocal felines who will express their joy at the sight of water by chirping, meowing, and purring. They are also very adventurous cats who enjoy exploring beyond the boundaries of home to seek out new sources of water for fun.
Whether it’s a backyard kiddie pool or a lake beachfront, these cats love to splash around in any body of water they find!
Trainability
The Egyptian Mau cat is an intelligent breed that has the potential to excel in training. This breed is known for its independent spirit, yet it is also loyal and obedient when given proper instruction.
The Egyptian Mau can be taught basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and even fetch with relative ease. With patience and consistency, they are capable of mastering more complex activities like walking on a leash or jumping through hoops.
Not only is this breed highly trainable, but it also has a behavioral trait that makes it ideal for learning tasks: cats of this type are inherently inquisitive, loving to explore their surroundings and form bonds with humans and other animals.
If given the chance to learn anything new, they will jump at the chance. They also have good problem-solving abilities, which can help when training with more difficult activities.
All things considered, the Egyptian Mau’s intelligence and innate curiosity make it a great choice for basic obedience training and even more advanced activities like agility courses or trick performances, provided the owner is patient and dedicated. The sky’s the limit when it comes to what our feline friends can learn!
Adult Size
This cat typically weighs between 8 and 12 pounds and stands around 8–14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown. Due to Mau’s long hind legs, they can appear longer than their height would suggest.
The Egyptian Mau Cat is a stunning breed of cat that has an interesting growth rate. During the first year of life, this breed of cat grows rapidly and can double in size. They reach about 75% of their adult size at one year old and then slow down to gain another quarter in the next two years.
Life Expectancy
The Egyptian Mau cat is a majestic feline that has been cherished throughout history. With proper care, these cats can reach up to 10–15 years of age and beyond! To ensure they live their longest and healthiest life possible, there are several steps one should take.
First, it’s important to feed your Egyptian Mau the right diet—one that is high in protein and low in carbohydrate content. This will help them maintain a healthy weight while also providing essential vitamins and minerals for their overall well-being.
In addition, frequent veterinary exams will help spot any possible difficulties before they develop serious illnesses or diseases, and providing appropriate mental stimulation through games or interactive toys will keep them cognitively engaged and minimize stress levels.
Also, making sure that your home environment is comfortable for them with plenty of space for exercise will go a long way toward promoting a healthy lifestyle for your beloved pet.
By following these simple tips, you have the opportunity to give your Egyptian Mau cat the best chance at living out its full lifespan potential!
Egyptian Mau Cat Care
Caring for an Egyptian Mau is not too difficult, as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort required. One of the most important things you can do is brush your coat weekly to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils.
This will help keep their fur looking smooth and healthy. Bathing them should only be done when necessary, as frequent baths can strip away natural oils from their coat that protects them from cold weather or parasites.
Taking care of your Egyptian Mau’s dental health is crucial. It’s crucial to brush their teeth every day with cat toothpaste that a veterinarian has recommended. This simple routine can prevent periodontal disease and avoid potential health complications.
You should also trim their nails every couple of weeks so they don’t get too sharp or long enough to snag on furniture or clothing.
Do not forget to gently clean the corners of your eyes every day with a damp cloth. This helps to remove any discharge that may have built up overnight. Remember to use a separate area of the cloth for each eye to prevent the spread of any potential infection.
Keeping your Egyptian Mau’s litter box clean is crucial to ensuring their bathroom hygiene. Cats can be quite particular about cleanliness, and neglecting their litter box may lead them to find alternative spots in your home.
Keeping them indoors is the best option to ensure their safety and well-being. It helps protect them from diseases transmitted by other cats, potential attacks from dogs and coyotes, and the risk of being stolen.
Ultimately if you take care of all these needs regularly then your Egyptian Mau Cat will be happy and healthy! Make sure to give lots of love too; snuggles during cuddle time never go amiss after a long day spent playing together.
With proper care and attention, this beautiful breed will remain part of your family for years to come
Diet
The Egyptian Mau is a unique breed of cat that has a beautiful, exotic appearance. It is important to provide proper nutrition for this breed to ensure their overall health and well-being.
A high-quality diet should include both wet and dry food that is specially formulated for cats. The veterinarian can help determine the best diet for an individual cat based on their lifestyle and activity level, as well as any underlying medical conditions they may have.
Wet food should be the primary source of nutrition for Egyptian Mau cats since it contains high levels of moisture, which helps keep them hydrated.
Canned or pouch foods are good options since they are highly palatable and contain essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids. Wet foods also help prevent urinary tract disease, which is common in this breed due to its susceptibility to dehydration.
Dry food should also be part of your Egyptian Mau’s diet, but it should not exceed 20% of their total dietary intake because it does not contain enough moisture to keep them adequately hydrated.
Look for diets that are specifically designed with the nutritional needs of cats in mind and made with high-quality ingredients like real meat or fish instead of byproducts or fillers. Dry kibble can also serve as a dental aid since chewing helps remove plaque from tooth surfaces.
Nutritional supplements may be needed if your Egyptian Mau has special dietary requirements due to certain medical conditions. Make sure you consult with your vet before giving any type of supplement to your cat so you know exactly what they need and how much they need each day.
When it comes to the Egyptian Mau’s water requirements, they are no different than any other cat. The Egyptian Mau should have access to plenty of fresh, clean drinking water at all times.
To encourage them to drink more, the water bowl must be placed at least three feet away from any food sources to prevent overwhelming smells and a lack of interest in the water itself.
In addition, using filtered drinking fountains can be a great solution for cat owners concerned about their pet’s hydration. Making sure your furry friend always has access to clean drinking water is essential for their overall well-being and longevity!
Exercise Requirement
Egyptian Mau cats require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to lead a healthy and happy life. Exercise is an important part of any cat’s routine, but it is especially vital for the active Egyptian Mau Cat.
Regular playtime helps keep them from becoming bored or overweight, as well as providing an outlet for their natural hunting instincts. It is important to provide your Egyptian Mau Cat with both toys to chase and interactive activities such as laser pointers or feather wand toys that they can catch.
To keep your cat from getting bored or unhappy from lack of stimulation, it is a good idea to schedule regular playtimes and to mix up the toys you provide them on a regular basis so they do not get stuck in a rut.
Additionally, puzzle feeders can provide extra mental exercise by forcing cats to figure out how to get food out of a toy before eating it! Keeping your Mau active, both physically and mentally,.
Shedding Levels
Egyptian Maus shed moderately; however, excess hair can be easily removed by brushing the cat once a week. However, shedding levels in Maus vary depending on the life stage.
Kittens generally shed more than adult cats due to rapid growth during their first year of life, but some may still shed quite heavily after this period is over.
Adult Maus typically keep shedding at a moderate level throughout the year, with occasional seasonal changes in intensity. Senior cats may also experience increased shedding due to age-related factors such as hormonal changes or health issues.
In any case, regular brushing can help minimize excess shedding by removing dead hair from the coat before it has a chance to spread around your home.
Health Issues
The Egyptian Mau is a healthy and hardy breed of cat, however, they can be susceptible to certain diseases. The most common diseases seen in this breed are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hip dysplasia, urinary tract infections, and feline infectious peritonitis.
HCM is the most serious disease among Egyptian Maus as it leads to abnormal thickening of the heart walls and can cause congestive heart failure.
Hip dysplasia occurs when there is an abnormality in the structure of the hip joint which may lead to pain or lameness in cats. Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that infect a cat’s bladder or urethra, which can result in difficulty urinating or bloody urine.
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a virus that attacks cats’ immune systems, resulting in fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Poor diet and living conditions can have a serious impact on the health of an Egyptian Mau cat.
Poor nutrition, such as feeding solely dry food or one that is not balanced in terms of protein, vitamins, and minerals, can cause deficiencies that lead to weight loss, reduced muscle mass, and a weakened immune system.
Similarly, inadequate exercise or a lack of environmental stimulation can lead to obesity and other medical issues.
To prevent diseases and maintain healthy cats, it is important to provide them with a balanced diet consisting of both wet and dry food supplemented with essential fatty acids. Additionally, ensure they have adequate access to toys for physical activity as well as mental stimulation through playtime with their owners.
Buying Tips
- Look for a reputable breeder: Before purchasing an Egyptian Mau Cat, make sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about the breed and has experience raising healthy cats.
- Ask questions: When speaking with a potential breeder, ask as many questions as possible to ensure that they are knowledgeable about the breed and can provide you with all the necessary information related to caring for your new cat. Be sure to inquire about any health issues or conditions common in this particular breed so that you can be prepared when bringing home your kitten.
- Evaluate temperament: It’s important to carefully evaluate each kitten’s personality before making a final decision on which one to bring home. The best way to do this is by spending some time interacting with each of them, observing how they interact with you and other people in their environment, and looking out for any signs of aggression or shyness that could indicate potential behavioral problems down the road.
- Consider spaying or neutering: If you decide not to have your cat spayed/neutered before bringing it home, you must discuss this topic thoroughly with your veterinarian beforehand so that they can advise on the best course of action depending on the age and gender of your new pet.
Related: 250+ Amazing Egyptian Mau Cat Names & How To Select One!
Conclusion
The Egyptian Mau cat is an amazing companion that is sure to bring joy and companionship into your home. With their distinct physical characteristics, intelligence, and laid-back personalities, they are a great choice for any pet owner.
They require minimal grooming and care, making them relatively easy to maintain. When it comes to personality, the Egyptian Mau cat is known for being gentle yet playful. Their unique markings make them quite striking as well.
All in all, if you’re looking for a loyal and loving companion who will bring some fun into your life without taking up too much of your time or energy, then the Egyptian Mau cat might just be the perfect fit!