Egyptian cat mau | Facts & Information

Other names: Egyptian Mau cat, salon leopard, Egyptian Mau cat

It can be considered the oldest breed in existence, being a direct descendant of the first cats domesticated by man. It is present in pictures and sculptures considered archaeological vestiges of Egyptian civilization, starting over 5000 years ago.

The image of the cat had a religious symbolic meaning, being associated with various divinities, both male and female; for example, with Ra, The Sun God, or Bastet, the goddess of fertility (depicted as having the head or the whole body of a cat).

In Ancient Egypt, when the cult of the goddess Bastet was at its peak, at the death of the cat its owners shaved their eyebrows as a sign of mourning and carried the embalmed body of the animal to Bubastis, the city of the goddess Bastet.

After World War II, Russian princess Natalia Trubetkaia receives three such cats from an Egyptian dignitary as a gift.

In 1953 the princess took these cats to the United States, setting up a breeding where the selection of this breed begins, under the name "Fatima". These three cats are the ancestors of all cats of this breed today.

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Appearance Egyptian Cat Mau

Egyptian Mau is the only breed of cats with drops that has been domesticated, the other cats of this type being the result of selective crossing of several breeds of domestic and wild cats. The Mau is not as substantial as the British Shorthaire, but it is svelte as the Orientals.

It is a medium-sized cat with well-defined muscles, giving the impression of an active and athletic cat. The head has the shape of a triangular pyramid trunk, bearing on the forehead the typical tabby "M" drawing. The nose forms a small angle with the forehead but without an obvious stop. The ears are well developed, slightly pointed at the tip and widely spaced.

The eyes are almond-shaped and large. The hind legs are longer than the forelegs, and the paws are small, oval and delicate. The tail is of medium length.

The coat is thick, shiny and with shallow hair of medium length. The hair is short, fine and silky, colored in frequent black spots arranged regularly on a fur with tabby drawing, including on the abdomen, the latter being called "vest buttons", meaning buttons from the vest.

Behavior Egyptian Cat Mau

Called the" salon leopard", this breed is very agile, fast, very active and curious. In the family she is sociable, affectionate and playful, prefers the game of hunting and does not sit too much in her arms.

They tend to become more attached to a particular person. Distrustful of strangers, he hides when they appear. It is generally silent, meowing only to ask for food.

Very good compatibility with children and other cats. The male may have a stronger and more independent character than the female.

It has a strong sense of territory. It can also live in the apartment, but it needs enough space for movement; ideal would be a house with a garden.

Features Egyptian Cat Mau

They are not prone to obesity and limit the amount of food they eat.

Egyptian Mau does not require special care, as it can maintain its own fur, but the cat will enjoy the attention given by brushing with a soft brush as part of the attention given to it by the owner.

Fur A should be silky and smooth, with a metallic sheen.

Diseases Egyptian Cat Mau

There are no race-specific health problems.

After the age of eight, a regular check-up at the veterinarian is recommended, at least once a year, to check the teeth and the proper functioning of the kidneys and liver.