The Egyptian Mau is a fascinating cat, not only because of its past history, but because of its delightful personality and striking appearance. The role of the Mau in the religion, mythology, and everyday life of the Egyptian conveys the degree of affection and respect in which these cats were held. They were worshipped as deities, cherished as pets, protected by laws, and mummified and mourned upon their death. Egyptian Maus are a medium-sized short-haired cat breed.

They The Egyptian Mau cats are the only naturally spotted breed of domesticated cat. The spots on an Egyptian Mau are not only just on the coat; a shaved Mau does, in fact, have spots on its skin. Egyptian Maus are the fastest breed of domestic cat. These cats have been clocked running over 30 mph (48 kph).

Purebred Egyptian Maus are a relatively rare breed to encounter. As of 2007, fewer than 200 kittens are registered with the GCCF each year.

EMRO (Egyptian Mau Rescue Organization) is an adoption agency both locally and internationally for tame Maus. Supported solely by private and corporate donors, EMRO aims to increase education, in Egypt and around the world, about cats.

Egyptian Mau Cat Origin

The name of the breed Mau derived from the Egyptian word for cat. Spotted cats were often depicted in ancient Egyptian wall paintings dating back over 3,000 years and many believe these to be the true ancestors of the Egyptian Mau. The exact origin of the Egyptian Mau is not recorded and therefore cannot be known for certain. The Egyptian Mau is often said to be descended from African wild cats, and a descendant of the cats seen in wall paintings of Ancient Egypt.

The modern Mau is said to have originated in 1953, Italy, when exiled Russian Princess Natalie Troubetskoy met the cat of the Egyptian Ambassador to Italy. She convinced him to obtain several cats from Egypt for her, and she began to breed them. The matriarch of the Egyptian Mau breed was a silver female named Baba. Shortly thereafter, Natalie established her cattery, Fatima, and set off to establish the Egyptian mau as a recognized breed in North America.

The Mau achieved championship status in some organisations in 1968. In 1972 silver Egyptian mau female bred by Princess Troubetskoy became the first Egyptian mau to win a grand championship in CCA. There were attempts by British breeders to create Maus from cross-breeds of Abyssinians, Siamese and tabbies, however these did not resemble the true Maus. This "recipe" later became the basis for the Ocicat.

Egyptian Mau Cat Appearence

The spotted Mau is an ancient breed from natural stock; its look has not changed significantly as is evidenced by artwork over 3000 years old. Unlike other spotted cats such as the Ocicat or Bengal cat, the Egyptian Mau is a natural breed. The correct Egyptian Mau should look evenly balanced with an overall medium size. The cat's body is medium long, with well developed muscles, while retaining a graceful appearance. Its hind legs are slightly longer than the front, giving the cat a somewhat "rakish" appearance.

Its head is described as a slightly rounded wedge with no flat planes, medium in length. The Mau cat has a rather delicate face and this is noted when the CFA say she is not "full-cheeked". The nose, when viewed from the front, is even in width for its whole length, with a slight rise from the bridge of the nose to the forehead. The muzzle should not be pointed and not short. Its ears, which may be tufted, are of a medium size, moderately pointed, with ample width between the ears.

One of the most distinctive features of the Egyptial Mau is its eyes. All Maus must have green eyes ( "gooseberry green" ), but an amber cast is acceptable in kittens and young adults up to eighteen months old. The eyes should be almond shaped large and alert.

Maus have a distinctly soft melodious voice, and chortle to express their happiness.

Egyptian Mau Cat Colors and Coats

The coat length of the Egyptian Mau is technically described as "medium short". The fine texture enhances the characteristic lustrous sheen for which the Mau's coat is famous. Maus come in five colors. From most to least common these colors are: silver, bronze, smoke, black and blue/pewter. Black and pewter Maus cannot be shown, but may be used in breeding. Bronze colour has dark brown to seal spots on a dark to lighter bronze background. Silver colour has black spots on a pure silver white background, with smoke colour having black spots on a smoke background. Coat colour can take up to 15 months to fully develop. Maus are very easy to groom requiring only minimum attention

Egyptian Maus will either have a 'scarab beetle' or 'M' marking on their foreheads, those with the latter tend to be from the United States. The scarab turns into dorsal stripes at the back of the head and flows down to the tip of the tail in a dark, unbroken line.

Egyptian Mau Cat Temperament

The Egyptian Mau is well known for intelligence and close bonding with responsible and loving owners. While most people are drawn to the Maus for their exotic looks it is often their extraordinary personalities that endure.

A Mau will follow you around the house, ride on your shoulders and sit on your lap. Owners typically report their Maus eagerly greet them at the door at the end of a long day at work. Maus are extremely intelligent and will learn to open cupboards and draws, especially the ones where food and toys are kept. Many Maus will play fetch without any special training.

The Maus are very athletic and will perform stunning leaps. They are moderately active but not as hyperactive as the Abyssinian; they are often referred to as the "gentle cousin" of the Aby. The Egyptian Mau loves an outdoor life. Their speed, coupled with their innate intelligence, allows them to avoid almost all dangers if carefully introduced to an outdoor world very early in life. It is also said the Mau likes to be walked on a leash.