Guide Note

The Egyptian Mau is a short haired cat, originally from Egypt. It is the only domesticated naturally spotted cat, and is thought to have descended from wild African spotted cats. The Mau was worshipped as a deity in Egyptian mythology and didn't appear in North America until 1956, when it was introduced by the Russian princess Nathalie Troubetskoy.¹

Fast Facts

1. "Mau" means "cat" in Egyptian
2. Medium sized with short hair
3. Fond of warm temperatures
4. Capable of running 36 mph
5. Agile and athletic
6. Females weigh 6 - 10 pounds
7. Males weigh 10 - 14 pounds
8. Traits: intelligent, master tricks with ease, loyal²

Mau's Features

The shorthaired cat has green eyes and a coat of silver and bronze. Sometimes confused with the Ocicat, the Mau has a rounded head and muscular body. Their coat is easy to maintain with a simple wipe down.²

Living with an Egyptian Mau

While Maus are loyal and devoted companions, they are not well suited around other animals, particularly cats. Maus like direct attention. They also like to be on all fours rather than picked up. Capable of running fast and leaping up to six feet in the air, they are fiercely independent.²