Clever, alert and very attached to its own people, the Mau likes to be part of everything going on at home and often rides on shoulders or acts as a furry alarm clock.
Size
Medium
Weight
2.7 to 6 kg (6 to 13 lb)males 3.6 to 6 kg, females 2.7 to 5.4 kg1234
Clever, alert and very attached to its own people, the Mau likes to be part of everything going on at home and often rides on shoulders or acts as a furry alarm clock. It shows happiness with tail wiggles, chirps and a soft, musical trill rather than loud demands. It tends to be reserved with strangers and sensitive to sudden loud noises, so it thrives in a calm household.4621
Coat and looks how to spot one
short to medium-length, close-lying spotted coat
The Mau is a medium-sized, graceful but muscular cat, built somewhere between a compact Burmese and a slender Siamese. Its hind legs are a little longer than the front ones, which gives it a slightly tiptoe stance, and a loose fold of skin runs from the flank to the back knee, giving extra reach when it runs and leaps. The coat is glossy and close-lying: dense and springy in silver and bronze cats, finer and silkier in smokes. Randomly placed spots cover the body, the forehead carries an 'M' often likened to a scarab, dark 'mascara' lines sweep from the eyes across the cheeks, and the large almond-shaped eyes are a light gooseberry green, amber in kittens and turning fully green by about 18 months.4635
Colourssilver (spotted tabby)bronze (spotted tabby)smoke (black smoke)non-standard colours such as black, blue/pewter and caramel also occur but are not shown4352
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for an Egyptian Mau. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayAbout 40 minutes of play a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Athletic, agile and a strong jumper and climber, the Mau needs daily play and room to run and climb. Cat trees, climbing shelves, fetch games and wand toys suit it well, and some enjoy playing with water.6124
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low. A weekly comb or brush with a pin or firm bristle brush keeps the coat glossy. Trim nails regularly, clean ears gently as needed and brush teeth with a cat toothpaste.462
Home where they are happiest
Does well indoors if given plenty of vertical space, scratching posts and toys. It loves warm resting spots such as sunny windowsills, blankets or a spot by the fire. A home where someone is around a good part of the day suits it best.126
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced commercial cat diet (wet, dry or both) matched to age and activity; cats are carnivores with specific nutrient needs. Active Maus that get enough exercise tend to keep themselves in good shape.21
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and bonds closely with its family, so it does not like being left alone for long stretches. Best with an experienced owner and an older, calm family; it can be shy with visitors.264
The story where it all began
Spotted cats appear in ancient Egyptian papyri and wall paintings from around 1550 BCE, and the Mau is seen as a living link to those cats, although the modern breed is a 20th-century creation. In 1953 the exiled Russian princess Nathalie Troubetskoy, living in Italy, came across spotted Egyptian cats through the Egyptian ambassador and started a breeding programme, showing the cats in Rome in 1955. In 1956 she emigrated to the United States with three Maus, and one of them, Baba, became a champion in 1957. The Cat Fanciers' Federation granted championship recognition in 1968, CFA accepted the breed for registration in 1970 and for championship in 1977, and TICA followed in 1979. The first Maus reached Britain in the late 1990s, and the breed gained recognition there and across Europe from the 1990s onwards. It remains a rare breed with only small numbers of kittens registered each year.45612
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
'Mau' is simply the ancient Egyptian word for cat.6
2
It is considered the fastest domestic cat, having been clocked at over 48 km/h (30 mph).5
3
A loose flap of skin from flank to back knee lets the Mau stretch further when running and twist in mid-jump.4
4
The 'M' on the forehead is traditionally called the mark of the scarab.6
5
Its eyes change from amber in kittens to gooseberry green, with full colour usually reached by about 18 months.3
6
Egyptian Mau pregnancies are reported to last around 73 days, longer than the usual 64-67 days for house cats.5
7
Happy Maus often 'wag' their tails and chirp or trill in a musical voice.6
8
It is the only naturally spotted breed of domestic cat.4
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The word Mau meant cat or sun in Ancient Egypt, giving the breed its name and linking it to the spotted cats depicted in ancient papyri and frescoes.7
I start my day by chirping softly in my human’s ear until they open their eyes. Then I lead them to the kitchen, my tail wiggling with joy. After breakfast, I perch on their shoulder while they sip coffee, watching the world through the window. A quick game of fetch with my favorite toy mouse gets me zooming around the living room. When the mailman comes, I hide behind the sofa until he’s gone. In the afternoon, I curl up on a sunny spot for a long nap, dreaming of chasing butterflies. Evening means more shoulder rides and a gentle trill before bedtime.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Fully recognised breed, Category 3 (code MAU); Hill's gives 1992 for European recognition8
GCCF
Has a GCCF breed standard; Wikipedia gives 1990 for GCCF recognition, while Purina UK says official UK recognition came in 20063
Popularity Rare: FIFe 2024 ranked it 31st of 54 breeds with 113 kittens registered (0.1%); GCCF 2022 ranked it 27th of 40 with 39 kittens; CFA 2018 ranked it 27th of 45 breeds5
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Egyptian Mau tip
Egyptian Maus are very active and athletic, so treats can be a useful training aid, but always account for them in their daily calorie count to avoid weight gain. Because the breed is prone to bladder stones, it's especially important to choose low-purine treats and ensure your cat stays well-hydrated; ask your vet for specific recommendations.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Egyptian Mau, and at what times?
Feed your Egyptian Mau a complete, balanced commercial cat diet (wet, dry or both) matched to its age and activity level. The amount and timing depend on the food label and your cat's needs, so ask your vet for a schedule that keeps it in good shape.21
What should an Egyptian Mau eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Give a complete, balanced commercial cat diet, as cats are carnivores with specific nutrient needs. Dangerous foods include alcohol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chives, xylitol, and raw eggs or meat; always check with your vet for a full list.219
Does an Egyptian Mau need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for an Egyptian Mau; only bathe if it gets very dirty or sticky. Regular brushing and a healthy coat usually keep it clean without water.10
How often does an Egyptian Mau need brushing?
Brush your Egyptian Mau once a week with a pin or firm bristle brush to keep its glossy coat looking great. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing.462Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim an Egyptian Mau's claws, and how often?
Trim your Mau's nails regularly, about every three weeks as a starting point. Use cat nail clippers, cut only the tip, and go slowly; if unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.462Pet Wiki plan
How much play does an Egyptian Mau need?
This athletic cat needs daily play and room to run and climb; Pet Wiki suggests about 40 minutes of play a day. Cat trees, fetch games, and wand toys are great for its high energy.6124Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after an Egyptian Mau's teeth and ears?
Brush your Mau's teeth daily with a cat toothpaste, and clean its ears gently as needed. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every two days, with daily being ideal; ask your vet for the best technique.462Pet Wiki plan
How long does an Egyptian Mau live?
An Egyptian Mau typically lives between 9 and 15 years, with proper care and regular vet check-ups. Senior years usually start around age 11, so keep up with annual vet visits.12Pet Wiki plan
Is an Egyptian Mau good with children and other pets?
This breed bonds closely with its family and does best in a calm household with older, respectful children. It can be shy with strangers and may get along with other pets if introduced slowly, but it prefers a peaceful home.264
Can an Egyptian Mau be left alone?
The Mau is very people-oriented and does not like being left alone for long stretches. It thrives in a home where someone is around most of the day, so if you're away often, consider a pet sitter or another cat for company.2641
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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