Introducing the Egyptian Mau
Find out everything you need to know about the Egyptian Mau: its characteristics, its behaviour, its training, and how much one costs.
The Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau, an ancient enigma
The Egyptian Mau is a breed like no other. Originating from Egypt, as its name suggests, this breed boasts a rich history dating back to the time of the Pharaohs. Unlike other breeds, the Egyptian Mau is not the result of modern crossbreeding but rather has remained remarkably unchanged throughout the centuries. Its most striking feature is its spotted coat, reminiscent of its majestic wild ancestors.
This cat is not just a beauty to behold; it's also known for its high energy levels and playful nature. However, it still retains a gentle demeanor, making it a delightful and enchanting companion.
EGYPTIAN MAU FACT FILE
This selection outlines the unique features of the Egyptian Mau breed of cat.
Size
The Egyptian Mau is a medium-sized cat, typically standing about 8-10 inches tall and weighing between 6 and 14 pounds.
Coat length
This breed has a short to medium coat, which is fine and silky, making it particularly striking.
Allergies
While not hypoallergenic, the Egyptian Mau's short coat may produce less dander than longer-haired breeds.
Coat Colour
The Egyptian Mau's coat is predominantly spotted, with colors ranging from silver, bronze, to smoke, each with varying shades.
Living Environment
They thrive in a loving home environment and can adapt to both indoor and outdoor settings, provided they are safe.
Sociability
They are known for their sociable and friendly nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners and getting along well with children and other pets.
Health
Generally healthy, they can have genetic predispositions to common feline ailments but is not specifically prone to severe health issues.
Training
Intelligent and somewhat independent, the Egyptian Mau responds well to positive reinforcement and requires patience and gentleness in training.
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Egyptian Mau, a spotted elegance
The Egyptian Mau is most recognized for its striking spotted coat, resembling a mini cheetah lounging in the sun.
Size and weight of the Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a gracefully medium-sized cat, typically around 8-10 inches in height, with proportions harmonious to its stature. Males are usually heavier than females, with males weighing between 8 and 14 pounds, while females range from 6 to 10 pounds. The Egyptian Mau is a gradual grower, reaching full maturity in size and weight by 3-4 years, characterized by its lithe frame, muscular build, and notably long, expressive tail.
The Egyptian Mau coat
Coat length
The Egyptian Mau's coat is short but distinctly dense and silky, offering a luxurious feel. The fine texture and sleekness of the coat, along with occasional ripples, give it a unique elegance.
The Egyptian Mau is not considered hypoallergenic. It may produce less dander compared to longer-haired breeds, but it still produces the Fel d 1 protein, which is the primary allergen found in cat saliva and skin.
Coat colour
The Egyptian Mau's coat exhibits a specific and stunning palette, primarily showcasing shades of silver, bronze, and smoke. Each color is accentuated with distinct dark spots, adding to the breed's exotic appearance.
Other characteristics of the Egyptian Mau
Other physical characteristics
The Egyptian Mau is distinguished by its athletic and graceful build, large ears, and elegant gait, which reflect its wild ancestry. It has a moderate muzzle and striking almond-shaped eyes, often green, contributing to its unique and captivating appearance. This breed is a blend of beauty and agility, marked by a well-developed bone structure and lean musculature.
Grooming
Grooming the Egyptian Mau is relatively simple, thanks to its short, dense coat. Regular brushing, about once a week, helps manage shedding and maintain coat health.
During shedding periods, it's beneficial to increase the frequency of brushing. While the Egyptian Mau is proficient in self-grooming, an occasional bath with a gentle shampoo can be beneficial, especially for cats with outdoor access, helping to keep the coat clean and lustrous.
TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIOUR
What is the temperament of the Egyptian Mau ?
The Egyptian Mau is an affectionate, intelligent cat. A blend of grace and playfulness.
Egyptian Mau sociability
A loyal companion
The Egyptian Mau is known for its strong social bonds, displaying a delightful blend of independence and affection. These cats form deep connections with their owners, often following them around the home and seeking companionship.
They are playful yet cherish their moments of relaxation and cuddles. Their need for interaction highlights the importance of an attentive and engaged owner.
Harmonious with families and pets
Characterized by a gentle and easy-going temperament, the Egyptian Mau is an excellent fit for families, including those with children and other pets. They are known for their sociability and patience, creating a harmonious atmosphere in multi-pet households.
While they enjoy socializing, Egyptian Maus also appreciate their quiet time, often seeking a peaceful retreat when they need a break, rather than displaying aggression.
Living environment of the Egyptian Mau
A cat of flexibility and companionship
The Egyptian Mau is highly adaptable to various living environments, thriving in both spacious homes and cozy apartments. Their strong bond with their owners makes their presence an important aspect of the Mau's life. Ideally, they should have access to both indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for their natural curiosity and need for activity.
If you're worried about losing track of him, you can fit him with a GPS collar so you can track his movements and locate him if he escapes.
Balancing play and peace
The Egyptian Mau is a playful and intelligent cat, requiring stimulation through interactive play that caters to its inquisitive and active nature. Regular engagement with the owner enhances the cat's well-being and strengthens the human-animal bond.
However, too much idle time can lead to boredom and potentially destructive behavior. It's essential to create a balanced environment with opportunities for play and quiet spaces for rest and relaxation.
Training the Egyptian Mau
Training should begin at an early age for the Egyptian Mau to ensure well-rounded development. A nurturing approach based on kindness, attentiveness, rewards, and gentle firmness is key.
Consistency is critical in reinforcing positive behaviors from the outset. Engaging the Egyptian Mau in training through play is an effective way to provide mental stimulation and prevent undesirable habits. This approach fosters a trusting and enjoyable relationship between the cat and its owner.
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HEALTH & NUTRITION
How to take care of the Egyptian Mau ?
The Egyptian Mau is a resilient and robust breed, generally known for its good health and lack of specific breed-related health issues.
Health of the Egyptian Mau
Health concerns
The Egyptian Mau is typically a healthy and sturdy breed, known for its overall robustness. While generally healthy, like many cats, they may be predisposed to certain hereditary conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Genetic testing can be beneficial for early detection and prevention of such conditions. Regular veterinary visits are crucial for vaccinations against common diseases like feline distemper and rabies, ensuring the Mau's long-term health and vitality.
Feeding the Egyptian Mau
Tailored nutrition for elegance
The Egyptian Mau requires a diet that maintains its lean and elegant figure. Providing high-quality kibble as the mainstay of their diet is essential for sustaining their health and physique. To complement the kibble, incorporating green vegetables rich in water can support the cat's renal system and provide additional hydration and nutrients.
Consistency for healthy growth
The Egyptian Mau experiences a gradual growth, reaching full maturity around 3-4 years of age. Sticking to the same high-quality kibble brand and feeding at regular times helps maintain a stable digestive system and ensures balanced growth.
Activity level and diet
Despite its calm demeanor, the Egyptian Mau enjoys an active indoor life and requires regular exercise to prevent weight gain. A carefully monitored diet, coupled with adequate playtime, running, and jumping, is key to keeping the Mau healthy and fit. Engaging in interactive play sessions with their owners not only provides physical activity but also mental stimulation and strengthens the bond between pet and owner.
BREEDING OR ADOPTION & COST
How much does an Egyptian Mau cost?
The Egyptian Mau is a revered breed, with a number of breeders specializing in this exotic cat. It is important to consider a few factors before adoption.
Choosing the right Egyptian Mau
Finding the right breeder
Egyptian Maus are often bred by professional breeders or catteries. Prior to adoption, it's vital to visit these places to assess the living conditions and ensure they meet high standards.
From June 10, 2024 you must have your cat microchipped by the age of 20 weeks old and register its details in a relevant database such as Petlog or The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). This is a legal requirement in Britain, and failure to comply could result in a fine of
.
Additionally, verifying that health checks and DNA tests have been performed on both the kittens and their parents is essential for understanding any hereditary health issues.
The price of a Egyptian Mau
The cost of acquiring an Egyptian Mau varies based on factors such as gender, lineage, pedigree, the breeder's reputation, and the cat's age. Typically, the price for a kitten can range from
to
. It's also possible to adopt an adult Egyptian Mau at a lower cost. Beyond the purchase price, remember that cats require ongoing care throughout their lives, including healthcare, grooming, and a nutritious diet.
These annual expenses are an important consideration for potential owners. Remember, adopting an Egyptian Mau is a long-term commitment, given their average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. This decision should be made with careful consideration and a commitment to providing a lifelong home.
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