Egyptian Mau: Complete Guide – Profile, Characteristics, Care, Training, Choosing, Pros & Cons, and Price
The Egyptian Mau is one of the most mesmerizing cat breeds in the world, known for its naturally spotted coat, athletic build, and vivid green eyes. As one of the few naturally spotted domestic cats, the Mau carries an air of ancient mystery, often linked to the sacred felines of ancient Egypt. If you are fascinated by the idea of owning a graceful, intelligent, and loyal cat, the Egyptian Mau might just be your ideal companion.
In this detailed guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know — from characteristics, training, care, selection tips, advantages, disadvantages, and price — to help you decide if the Egyptian Mau is right for you.
Profile Overview: Egyptian Mau
- Origin: Egypt (and later developed further in Europe and the U.S.)
- Breed Type: Natural breed
- Size: Medium
- Weight: 8 to 14 pounds (3.6 to 6.4 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Coat Type: Short, silky, and spotted
- Coat Colors: Silver, bronze, smoke (rarely black, blue, or caramel)
- Eye Color: Vivid green (“gooseberry green”)
- Personality: Loyal, playful, shy with strangers, deeply affectionate with family
- Hypoallergenic: No
The Egyptian Mau stands out with its exotic look — athletic body, long hind legs, unique “worried” expression, and most notably, its random, natural spots that are part of the hair shaft itself, not just colored patterns.
Characteristics of Egyptian Mau
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Loving, loyal, reserved with strangers |
| Intelligence | Highly intelligent and quick learners |
| Activity Level | Very active and athletic |
| Social Needs | Moderate to high — bonds strongly with family |
| Vocalization | Communicative with soft trills, chortles, and meows |
| Grooming Needs | Low |
| Health | Generally healthy but can be sensitive to cold |
| Special Feature | Naturally occurring spotted coat and fast runners (up to 30 mph) |
Fun Fact:
The Egyptian Mau is one of the fastest domestic cats, capable of sprinting up to 30 miles per hour!
How to Care for an Egyptian Mau
Despite their exotic appearance, Egyptian Maus are relatively easy to care for if you follow a structured routine:
1. Diet and Nutrition
- High-protein, low-carb diet: Mimic their natural carnivore diet.
- Provide a mix of high-quality wet and dry food.
- Fresh water must be available at all times.
2. Grooming
- Their short, fine coat requires minimal grooming.
- Brush once a week to remove dead hairs and keep their coat shiny.
- Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming should be included.
3. Exercise and Play
- Egyptian Maus are extremely energetic.
- Provide interactive toys, cat trees, tunnels, and climbing shelves.
- Spend daily playtime to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
4. Health Maintenance
- Regular veterinary checkups.
- Vaccinations and parasite control.
- Monitor for common issues like periodontal disease.
5. Environmental Needs
- Warm, cozy resting places (they are sensitive to cold).
- High perches and private spaces to satisfy their instincts.
How to Train an Egyptian Mau
Egyptian Maus are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement:
Training Tips:
- Start young: Introduce training early during kittenhood.
- Use rewards: Treats, praise, and petting are powerful motivators.
- Teach basic commands: “Come,” “Sit,” “Stay” can be learned easily.
- Clicker training: Highly effective for teaching tricks and commands.
- Leash training: Many Egyptian Maus enjoy walks when trained properly.
Litter Training:
- Instinctively clean and easy to litter train.
- Ensure the litter box is always clean, as they are particular about hygiene.
Behavioral Training:
- To prevent scratching furniture, provide plenty of scratching posts.
- Reward desired behaviors immediately to reinforce positive actions.
How to Choose an Egyptian Mau
Choosing the right Egyptian Mau requires careful consideration:
1. Reputable Breeders
- Choose breeders registered with associations like TICA or CFA.
- Visit in person to see the environment.
- Ensure health certificates, vaccinations, and socialization.
2. Adoption
- Rescue groups and breed-specific rescues sometimes have Egyptian Maus or Mau mixes.
- An adult Mau can still bond deeply and adapt well to new homes.
3. Health Screening
- Check for genetic tests on parents.
- Avoid kittens showing signs of lethargy, dull coat, or runny eyes.
4. Temperament Matching
- If you want a cuddly lap cat, interact with the kittens — some are more affectionate than others.
- Ask the breeder about the kitten’s socialization and personality.
Pros and Cons of Egyptian Mau
Pros:
- Exotic Beauty: Unique natural spots and elegant look.
- Highly Loyal: Forms deep bonds with family members.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Great for interactive owners.
- Low Grooming Needs: Minimal shedding and maintenance.
- Playful and Entertaining: Constant source of amusement.
Cons:
- Shy with Strangers: Can be aloof or cautious around guests.
- Sensitive to Cold: Needs extra warmth in cooler climates.
- High Activity Level: Requires significant time for exercise and mental stimulation.
- Potential Separation Anxiety: Bonds so closely it may dislike being left alone.
- Costly: High initial price and occasional breed-specific healthcare costs.
Price of an Egyptian Mau
The cost of an Egyptian Mau can vary greatly depending on lineage, breeder reputation, and location:
| Category | Estimated Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Pet Quality Kitten | $800 – $1,800 |
| Show/Breeding Quality Kitten | $1,800 – $4,000+ |
| Adoption from Rescue | $100 – $400 |
Additional Costs:
- Spaying/Neutering: $200–$500
- First-Year Veterinary Care: $400–$600
- Supplies (carrier, bed, litter box, toys): $200–$400
- Annual Food and Maintenance: $300–$600
Is the Egyptian Mau Right for You?
The Egyptian Mau is a majestic and intelligent breed that thrives in homes where they are loved, exercised, and given attention. If you’re looking for a cat that is:
- Energetic yet affectionate,
- Beautiful and unique,
- Smart and highly trainable,
- Loyal and connected to its human family,
then the Egyptian Mau could be your perfect match.
However, if you are away often, or prefer a more laid-back, less active pet, you may want to consider a different breed.
Final Thoughts
Bringing an Egyptian Mau into your life means welcoming a piece of ancient elegance, agility, and charm. With the right care, training, and environment, this beautiful spotted feline will not only become a striking companion but a loyal and loving family member for many years to come.
If you’re ready to embark on an incredible feline journey with one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cats, the Egyptian Mau awaits!
