Egyptian Mau: breed description, character and photo

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Egyptian Mau is a graceful cat with spotted hair and a pattern on the forehead. This breed is rarely seen. There are not many nurseries where she is bred, most of them are located abroad. Mau kitten is quite expensive. However, this animal not only has an attractive appearance, but can also become a wonderful companion for a person.

History of the breed

It is assumed that the breed originated in Egypt before our era. The appearance of the Egyptian Mau resembles cats depicted on ancient papyri. There is also a version that the wild spotted African cat was the ancestor of this breed.

By the middle of the 20th century, very few of these animals remained. Practically there was a degeneration of this ancient breed. The revival of these unusual cats was greatly facilitated by the Russian princess Natalia Trubetskaya. She discharged three cats from Egypt and brought them to the USA. On the basis of these animals, the restoration of Mau began. The nursery "Fatima" was created, whereselection work. It was a long work, since the gene pool of animals was limited. Because of this, it was difficult to consolidate the necessary external qualities and character traits.

In 1977 the breed was officially recognized. But even today, these cats are considered a rarity. There are not many nurseries where they are bred. In Russia, these animals appeared only in 2010.

What does a cat look like

What do Egyptian Mau look like? These are small, but graceful and slender cats of spotted color. Males weigh no more than 6 kg, and females less than 5 kg. Spots on the coat are a hallmark of such cats. This is one of the few breeds that has such a pattern on the coat. Only the Bengal cat and the Savannah have a similar pattern. However, these breeds are the result of crossing with wild felines, and this type of pattern was obtained artificially. The Egyptian Mau has a natural leopard coat color. This is the uniqueness of this breed. In addition, stripes can be seen on the forehead, arranged in the form of the letter "M", and behind the ears towards the back of the head there is a pattern in the form of the letter "W". Drawings are formed from hairs painted at the tips. These patterns are called the "sign of the scarab", this feature is unique to this breed.

Felinological organizations give the following description of the Egyptian Mau breed:

1. The head has a triangular shape, with no sharp corners or roundness. You can see a small hump on the nose.
2. Ears are medium or large, usually in a standing position. They may have tassels on their tips, like a lynx.
3. Cats have large, almond-shaped eyes. This breed is distinguished by a special, somewhat astonished look. There is a dark color around the eyes. Only the green color of the cornea is considered correct. This is determined by all breed standards. In small kittens, the eye color may be different, but after a year and a half it turns green.
4. The front paws of cats are shorter than the hind legs. However, despite this, the animal always keeps its back straight.
5. The body is medium in size. The muscles are well developed, but the cat does not look massive. There is a special fold of skin on the abdomen that allows cats to take a wide step and move quickly.
6. The tail is medium in length and uniform in thickness. It has a pointed end.
7. The coat is short, but thick, covered with clear, bright spots.

Photos of the Egyptian Mau can be seen below.

Breed colors

Felinological organizations provide 3 options for wool colors. This does not mean that this breed does not have other colors. However, animals that have a different color and pattern of wool are not allowed to show and do not participate in breeding. The breed standard considers the following types of Egyptian Mau colors to be typical:

1. Silver. Black spots are scattered on the background of the color of silver.
2. Bronze. Chocolate markings are located on the bronze-colored coat.
3. Smoky. gray wool coveredblack spots.

It happens that in one litter some kittens are born with an atypical coat color. There are cats of marble color, they have red spots on their white wool. There are also black Egyptian Mau. Animals of these colors are not allowed to show because of the wrong color, but they can be good companions for humans.

If the cat's spots merge into stripes, then this is also considered a disadvantage. Such a defect is called "mackerel". Breed standards state that spots should be clear and well visible.

Photos of Egyptian Mau in different colors can be seen below.

Possible disadvantages

In addition to the wrong coat color, there are other shortcomings, in the presence of which a cat may not be allowed to show or breed. The animal is disqualified if the eye color is incorrect (blue or amber) in adulthood. The description of the Egyptian Mau allows for an exceptionally green color, reminiscent of the hue of gooseberries. Absence of spots, irregular shape of the tail, white markings on the coat, deviations in the number of fingers are also considered a serious defect.

Character

The character of the Egyptian Mau is energetic. This is a very mobile cat, it needs a lot of space. Animals like to jump, climb to heights. At the same time, these cats do not like noise. In small kittens, mobility and playfulness can turn into aggressiveness, so it is necessary to educate them.

A cat of this breed is distinguished by devotion to the owners, but at the same time they normally tolerate loneliness. Mau take strangers somewhat wary. In unfamiliar surroundings, animals can behave shyly, but in their territory they are usually confident. Strangers should not try to stroke or pick them up, otherwise the cat may show displeasure and even scratch.

Unlike most cats, Mau are not afraid of water and bathe with pleasure. However, it is necessary to accustom them to water procedures from a young age.

Mau are excellent hunters. They are one of the fastest cats. These animals really do not like when strangers encroach on their territory, and are ready to defend it.

This breed is quite silent. Usually such cats do not meow, but seem to pronounce the word "mau". When communicating with their owners, they make sounds similar to trills, wag their tails and stamp their feet.

How Maus get along with children

Egyptian Mau is better to start in a house where there are no very small children. These cats do not like being treated impolitely. It is better to acquire a pet when the child grows up a little and learns the rules for handling pets.

Usually this cat is quite tolerant of children and is ready to play with them with pleasure. But it is important to remember that Mau is very attached not only to people, but also to objects. Animals can actively defend their favorite toys, hissing and growling if someone tries to take them away.

How do Mau get along with other animals

These animals are able to get along well with other cats. They love communication. However, if a Mau already lives in the house, then you need to be very careful in bringing a new pet. Cats of this breed can actively and aggressively defend their territory.

Mau are able to coexist peacefully with dogs. But they can not be kept together with rodents and birds. The Egyptian Mau breed has a highly developed hunting instinct, and cats will perceive small animals as possible prey.

Food

This cat breed is better off eating ready-to-eat food. Many Mau are prone to food allergies, and it is quite difficult to find the right diet for them from natural food. It is useful for them to give premium and super premium dry or wet food. These cats are quite picky eaters and should only be fed high quality food.

It should also be taken into account that the Mau is an active cat breed. They move and play a lot. Therefore, their food must be high enough in calories to make up for all energy costs. At the same time, overeating should not be allowed (representatives of this breed can be voracious). It is better to feed your pet more often, but in small portions. Obesity should not be allowed, as these cats are extremely mobile and active. Extra pounds will interfere with their usual way of life.

If after eating the animal often itches, then this indicates an allergy to food. In this case, you need to consult a veterinarian and change the feed.

Cat care

Egyptian Mau cats need a lot of space. These animals should not be kept insmall apartment. At the same time, it is also impossible to let them out for a walk, since Mau do not have strong immunity and can easily get an infection.

As mentioned, these cats love water. It is recommended to bathe them periodically with a special shampoo. They need to comb their hair once every 14 days, and during the molting period - every week.

All potentially dangerous items should be kept away, as Mau are curious and can accidentally injure themselves. They love opening doors and pulling out drawers.

In general, caring for this breed is easy. The cat will need bowls for food and drink, a bed or house to sleep in, a tray, and toys.

He alth

As already mentioned, Mau have a rather weak immune system, so they must be protected from colds and infections. It is better to vaccinate kittens to protect them from diseases in advance.

In the room where the cat lives, there should always be fresh and clean air. This breed is very sensitive to tobacco smoke and dust. It must be remembered that Mau are prone to asthma.

This breed is thermophilic. Mau do not tolerate cold well, at low temperatures they feel worse. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of additional space heating.

In animals of this breed there is a hereditary disease - cardiomyopathy. A kitten can be born with this pathology even if both of its parents are he althy. Also, at the age of 7 weeks, another genetic disease may appear - leukodystrophy, which is expressed in a serious metabolic disorder. Therefore, MAU needs to be regularlyshow to the veterinarian and conduct preventive examinations. With good care, a cat of this breed can live for about 13-15 years.

Mau kennels in Russia

This breed is considered one of the rare ones. There are only a few Mau kennels abroad. In our country, these cats appeared quite recently. Therefore, there is only one nursery in Russia. It is called "Egyptian Force" and is located in the Moscow region. This is the best place to buy kittens. In no case should you buy cubs from your hands or from advertisements. Very often, outbred cats with spots on the coat are given out as Mau.

Price of a kitten

If a kitten is purchased as a companion and will not participate in exhibitions and breeding, then its price is from 40,000 to 55,000 rubles. These animals may have slight flaws in appearance. Silver kittens are more expensive, this color is especially appreciated.

High-class kittens intended for exhibitions cost from 100,000 rubles. The price of silver cats can reach up to 150,000 rubles.

Mau kittens

When choosing a kitten, you need to pay attention to the color of the coat. The disadvantage of a silver-colored baby is the dull color of the spots. In these cats, with age, the coat acquires a brownish or yellowish tint. Ideally, the Mau should have a pure white-silver coat with bright dark spots.

If the kitten has a smoky color, then it is desirable that this color be pale. Against this background, marks will be more visible. Needremember that in cats, the coat darkens with age and the spots can merge with the background. Such an animal will not be admitted to the exhibition, but it can be a good companion.

However, it is necessary to take into account such a phenomenon as fuzzing. At the age of 8-20 weeks, kittens become gray and inconspicuous. They have a poorly visible contrast between the main background of the coat and the marks, as a result, the spots are practically invisible. This is a natural process and should not be feared. Soon the color of the coat returns to normal. Fuzzing originated as a disguise of babies from predatory animals, it has remained since the time when cats lived in the wild.