The Egyptian Mau is a breed of domestic cat. It is believed to be one of the oldest cat breeds, originating in ancient Egypt. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a sleek, short-haired coat that can come in a variety of colors, including silver, bronze, and smoke.
Egyptian Maus are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate nature. They are often described as highly active and playful, with a strong prey drive. They are also known for their distinctive vocalizations and can be quite talkative.
In terms of physical characteristics, Egyptian Maus are medium-sized cats with a muscular build. They have long, slender legs and a short, sleek tail. Their eyes are large and round, and can come in a variety of colors, including green, blue, and gold.
In terms of care, Egyptian Maus are relatively low-maintenance cats that do well in indoor environments. They are generally healthy and hardy, with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, like all cats, they do require regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition.
Overall, the Egyptian Mau is a unique and affectionate breed that can make a wonderful companion for the right person.
Egyptian Maus are a relatively rare breed in the UK. Fewer than 200 kittens are registered with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy each year. Not all Mau kittens are registered.
Historical evidence points to the Mau being an Egyptian breed. The feline genome data published in the Pentascope document shows the Egyptian Mau to be very closely related to the Maine Coon, Korat, and American Turkish Angoras (not distinguishable from native Turkish Angoras).
The phylogenetic tree published in PlosOne demonstrates that the Egyptian Mau belongs to the group of Western-derived breeds. The East Mediterranean/Anatolian group is omitted because breeds that supposedly originate in that geographic area do not do so. This Mau has the “M” marking on its forehead.
This Mau has the “Mark of the Scarab Beetle” on their forehead. The Mau achieved championship status in some organizations in 1968. There were attempts by British breeders to create Maus from cross-breeds of Abyssinians, Siamese and tabbies, however, these did not resemble the true Maus.
This mix became the basis for the Ocicat. Egyptian Maus will have either a “scarab beetle” or “M” marking on their foreheads. Those with the latter tend to be from the United States. A Bengal breeder named Jean Mill also made some contributions to the breed
