Egyptian Mau

In Ancient Egyptian, "Mau" meant cat or sun ^[1]. Papyri and frescoes from as early as 1550 BC show spotted cats resembling today's Maus ^[1]. For years, cats believed to descend from ancient Egypt's felines were kept by the country's nobility and diplomats ^[1]. Nathalie Troubetskoy, a Russian princess living in Rome, acquired one and began a breeding programme ^[1]. When she emigrated to the US in 1956, three Maus came with her ^[1]. CFA accepted the breed for registration in 1970 and for championship in 1977 ^[1].

• Spots: randomly scattered with no set pattern, varying in size and shape ^[1].
• Colours: silver, bronze and smoke, all with a lustrous sheen. Black and dilutes can occur and may be registered but not shown ^[1].
• Body: sleek and muscular, with a loose skin flap from flank to hind leg for twisting and jumping ^[1].
• Gait: high shoulder blades and longer hind legs give a cheetah-like stride ^[1].
• Face: green eyes framed by mascara lines and facial markings, giving a characteristic "worried" look ^[1].

Maus are exceptionally intelligent and devoted, and expect to be full members of the household ^[1]. Their senses of smell, hearing and sight are extremely sharp ^[1]. They're sensitive to moods and tend to turn up with a soft purr when you're down ^[1]. Expect a shoulder rider, refrigerator vulture and furry alarm clock ^[1]. Strong-willed, they may be reserved with strangers, but with their people they're affectionate, loyal, outgoing and fearless ^[1]. Their voices are low and melodious, and they may chirp in greeting ^[1].

• Coat: sheds minimally; comb weekly to limit shedding and hairballs ^[1].
• Bathing: rarely needed; ask your breeder about products, as human shampoos may not be safe for cats ^[1].
• Activity: interactive games, fetch and harness walks ^[1].

• Pyruvate kinase deficiency: can cause anaemia; breeders test for it ^[1].
• Urolithiasis: stones in the kidneys and urinary tract may occur ^[1].
• Testing: genetic tests don't exist for every heritable condition yet; ask about health history in the kitten's lines ^[1].
• Lifespan: GCCF estimates 12–15 years ^[3]. We found no breed-specific longevity study.

This is general information; talk to your vet about any specific concern.

Don't confuse with…

• Sphynx: nearly hairless and from Canada ^[4].
• Bengal: spotted, descended from the Asian leopard cat, with rosettes ^[5].
• Ocicat: spotted but man-made ^[6].

• "Mau" meant cat or sun in Ancient Egyptian ^[1].
• A flank skin flap helps Maus twist and leap ^[1].
• CFA calls it the only natural spotted breed ^[1].