- Highly active and inquisitive cat
- Friendly but independent cat
- Somehow talkative cat
- Lean and elegant cat breed
- Requires grooming once a week
- Needs some out-door space
- May require familiarisation before living with children
Pet Card
- Living Considerations: Prefers being the only pet, not hypoallergenic
- Size: Medium to large, with males weighing 4.5 to 7 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 5.5 kilograms
- Coat: Short to medium
- Temperament: Loyal, playful, moderately active
- Grooming: Monthly
- Shedding: Yes
- Vocalisation: Not overly talkative
Personality
The Egyptian Mau cat is a loving and playful cat breed. It is said to be are extremely clever and enjoys learning tricks and walking on a lead. Enjoying fuss and attention the breed makes them an ideal family cat. As they are active, Mau cats need some stimulus such as toys or companions to play with, especially if they are going to be left on their own for long.
History and Origins
Country of Origin: Egypt/Italy
Mau is the Egyptian word for cat and bears a striking resemblance to the statuesque spotted cats depicted in Ancient Egyptian art. The breed originates from a spotted cat found in Cairo that it said to have be taken to Rome in 1953 by a Russian princess. She bred a number of spotted cats in Italy and later moved to North America where breeders developed the modern Mau. The characteristic markings on its head are said to resemble the scarab beetle held sacred by Ancient Egyptians. Mau cats were only imported into the UK in 1998.
The Egyptian Mau cat is not a common breed and at present there is no information on significant health problems.
Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.
The Egyptian Mau cat breed requires no special grooming as its short fine coat is self-maintaining but they will enjoy being brushed with a soft brush as part of the attention it gets from its owner. As with all cats, regular vaccination and parasite control is recommended.
While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.
