The Egyptian Mau Cat: A Regal History Revealed

The Egyptian Mau Cat is a charming and elegant feline. It is the only naturally spotted domestic cat. This is perhaps the oldest breed of cat in the world, in fact it is mentioned in ancient Egypt already 2000 years B.C. and is probably descended from the African wild cat. The Ancient Egyptians, it is known, not only loved these cats, but worshipped them as Gods. In the Book of the Dead, Ra, the Sun God is depicted with the features of a spotted cat portrayed in killing the serpent Apep.

Another curiosity is the design resembling a scarab that this cat breed has on its forehead, and perhaps this is why the Ancient Egyptians worshipped these cats. This breed was also well known in Europe before the Second World War, which undermined its existence, like so many other cat breeds.

It was a Russian princess living in Rome, Nathalie Troubetskoi, who fell in love with a silver spotted cat and demanded from Egypt, other similar cats. When she moved to New York in the mid-1950s, she brought three Egyptian Mau cats with her, with whom she started a breeding farm called Fatima Egyptian Mau cattery, which is responsible for the production of many of the Mau we know today. Until the 1990s this cat was mainly known in America and Canada, only in 1992 was it also known in Europe. Mau means cat in Egyptian.

Character of the Egyptian Mau Cat

It is said that cat lovers fall in love first with its exotic appearance, but then with its wonderful character. He has a truly unique personality. He is very affectionate especially with his favourite human, but also with all other family members. They are strong and very active cats, but with a very balanced character.

It is reserved especially towards strangers, it takes a while to socialise and even with other pets the acquaintance must be made gradually and under supervision, because if it is harassed it may react even aggressively. After a certain adaptation period, however, there are no problems.

This cat is perfect for those who are not looking for a kitten that sleeps and dozes on the sofa, but an animal that interacts, plays, proposes itself and wants a role in the family.

It is a great jumper and climber, so it is good to have perches or shelves to vent its desire for movement. It has a subdued and discreet meow that it only emits when it wants to achieve something. It is, however, a rather touchy breed and likes to get what it asks for on its own terms.

Appearance of the Egyptian Mau Cat

The Egyptian Mau Cat has a build with a well-developed musculature, but an elegant and long-limbed figure. It is a medium-sized cat, the specimens ranging from 3 to 5 kilograms. The paws are tiny but long and elegant. The hind ones are longer than the front ones, with skin folds under the belly extending from the hip to the hind legs, as in cheetahs. This allows their hind legs to extend backwards, giving the animal incredible freedom and agility. In fact, it is thought to be the fastest of all domestic cats, reaching speeds of almost 50 kilometres per hour.

The head is rounded, cheeks full, ears large and slightly pointed. The eyes are large and almond-shaped and have a slight slant towards the ears. The colour of the eyes is green, lighter as a puppy, but becoming more intense after the year and a half of life. They are very beautiful and almost hypnotic eyes. The tail is average long and slightly tapered.

But the main characteristic of the Egyptian Mau is its coat. Its coat is of medium length and shiny. As for the colours, there are different types, pewter grey, bronze with chocolate spots, silver, with black or dark grey spots and finally the smoke version. All absolutely spotted. Much rarer specimens of red or dark grey Egyptian Mau.

Also characteristic is the M or scarab pattern on the forehead, which continues up to the neck and on the back along the spine.

Care and health of the Egyptian Mau Cat

The hair of the Egyptian Mau does not require much care as it only needs to be brushed once a week to remove excess hair, especially during moulting. Although it has a very thick coat, it sheds very little even during the moulting period. It is sensitive to changes in temperature, so care must be taken during seasonal changes. It is preferable, however, to keep this cat only in a flat.

They are a healthy breed without any specific problems, with a life expectancy of around 13-14 years. As far as food is concerned, this cat is rather voracious, so you must keep a close eye on it.