Sleek, elegant, and playful best describe the Egyptian Mau. Hailing from the land of the pyramids, Egyptian Maus have a distinct spotted coat and are thought to resemble a small snow leopard. While they are not a popular breed because of their rarity, they are certainly worthy of mention when considering the beautiful cat breeds of the world. Despite their active nature, the Egyptian Mau must be trained and socialized without being overstimulated. To decide if this is the breed for you, learn the six facts about the Egyptian Mau.
1. The Egyptian Mau: An Ancient Cat Breed
Egyptian Maus were first bred in Egypt more than 3,000 years ago, making them one of the oldest cat breeds to date. It is believed that these spotty cats descended from wild cats in Africa; however, the modern Egyptian Mau was refined in the 20th century. Archaeologists who have uncovered Egyptian tombs have found the remains of cats similar in appearance to this breed. The discovery of artwork as old as 1550 B.C., with images of cats like the Egyptian Mau further supports their historic origins. Ancient Egyptians are said to have domesticated the breed, resulting in the intelligent and striking cat that we admire today.
2. Egyptian Maus Are Naturally Spotted
The spots on the coat of the Egyptian Mau are natural; they were not produced or refined through selective breeding. However, there are two coat varieties. Egyptian Maus meant for the show ring are available in bronze, smoke, and silver with dark spots. The original colors consist of cream, blue, and reddish-brown with tabby-like markings.
All color varieties have green eyes and unique M-shaped markings on their foreheads. This forehead pattern is actually known as the “mark of the scarab” because of its Egyptian origins and its uncanny resemblance to the scarab beetle. The breed has a medium-length coat that requires the occasional brush, and they can live 15 years.
3. This Is the World’s Fastest Domestic Cat
If there’s one standout fact about the Egyptian Mau, it’s the breed’s immense athletic ability. They are officially the world’s fastest domestic cats able to reach speeds of more than 48 km/hr. Needless to say, Egyptian Maus are high-energy and extremely active cats that must be given enrichment to prevent boredom. If you leave them to their own devices, they will become destructive and difficult to manage. As kittens, children should be mindful of their delicate bone structure despite the playfulness and rambunctiousness of the breed.
This cat has a slender build, and they’re incredibly agile. Installing cat posts and towers for them to climb and jump on is a good idea. If they are allowed time outdoors, get them accustomed to your yard and neighborhood by walking them around with a cat harness. Of course, if you are going to adopt an Egyptian Mau, you’ll have to stock up on cat toys to keep them entertained.
4. Egyptian Maus Can Suffer From Depression
They’re intelligent and fast, but these social cats thrive on human attention. They are social animals that don’t like to spend long periods alone. Many Egyptian Mau owners have found that their cats become withdrawn and somewhat depressed without enough attention. The Egyptian feline requires a few hours of daily play, which not only gets rid of their energy but also helps you form long-lasting bonds.
When your Egyptian Mau bonds to you, they form a life-long friendship based on loyalty and unconditional love. But you’ll have to put the time and effort into raising a well-balanced, confident cat. For this reason, the Egyptian Mau may not be for everyone.
5. The Egyptian Mau is Easy to Feed
It could be the survival instincts of their ancestors that have led to a cat that is not fussy about food or particularly difficult to feed. This doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be provided a nutritious diet. Egyptian Maus must maintain their slender shape to prevent excessive weight from stressing their joints. A combination of a balanced diet and exercise will prevent obesity in cats and the likelihood of developing painful joint degeneration, such as arthritis.
You should provide your Egyptian Mau with a protein-rich diet that consists of good-quality meat. Despite their ancient origins, Egyptian Maus do not require a raw or unique diet that you wouldn’t provide a house cat. They are domestic felines and do well on low-fat and nutritious foods that support their activity levels.
6. Egyptian Maus Can Experience Certain Health Conditions
Despite their robust physique, Egyptian Maus can suffer from congenital heart disease. They are susceptible to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which requires chronic medication to prevent heart failure. Another common disease in the Egyptian breed is cystitis, which affects the bladder. It is caused by stress, nutritional imbalances, or not drinking enough water, which can cause bladder stones.
The Egyptian Mau is an exotic and rare cat breed that should only be sourced from reputable breeders. If you wish to adopt a kitten, your local pet shelters and adoption centers may have crossbreeds but not always pedigreed cats. Research into trustworthy breeders through references and registration with the International Cat Association can ensure that you bring a healthy cat home.
