Egyptian Mau – Information, Health, Pictures & Training

• Body: The Egyptian Mau’s body is medium long, with well developed muscles, while retaining a graceful appearance. Its hind legs are slightly longer than the front, giving the cat a somewhat “rakish” appearance.
• Head: Its head is described as a slightly rounded wedge with no flat planes, medium in length. The nose, when viewed from the front, is even in width for its whole length, with a slight rise from the bridge of the nose to the forehead.

The Mau’s muzzle is neither short nor pointed, and its ears, which may be tufted, are of a medium size, moderately pointed, with ample width between the ears. One of the most distinctive features of the Egyptial Mau is its eyes: large, slightly slanted, and of a unique light “Gooseberry green” color.

• Coat: Its lustrous, dense coat can be silver, bronze, or smoke, and is distinguished by a marvelous mixture of striping and spotting, which makes this cat really stand out in a show hall.

While fanciers might at first be attracted to the Egyptian Mau’s beautiful spotted coat, most become enthusiasts because of the breed’s temperament and personality. Maus, like their ancestors that were invited along on the duck hunts of their Egyptian companions, love to fetch. In fact, they love any play activity that mimics hunting behavior, and if allowed outside will become very competent (some might say savage) hunters.
That’s not to say they are not devoted to the humans who pay them homage. Fanciers describe them as fiercely loyal cats that generally don’t take to strangers. Once they bond with their human companions, they choose to be worshiped by their own family, rather than by the entire human race.
While not overly talkative, Maus will let their family know if something is amiss, particularly if that something concerns their food dishes. Their voices are usually melodious and quiet. When engaged in conversation with their human companions, Maus wag their tails, tread with their feet, and make a variety of sounds that fanciers call ‘chortling’.

All cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit diseases. Any breeder who claims that her breed has no health or genetic problems is either untruthful or unknowledgeable about the breed. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on kittens, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons.

The Egyptian Mau is generally healthy, but one problem that may affect the breed is leuodystrophy, a neurological condition that may appear in kittens as early as 7 weeks of age. It is always wise to buy from a breeder who provides a written health guarantee.

This breed loves to eat and if allowed unlimited food would quickly become overweight. A controlled feeding environment is essential for the well being of the cat. Fresh water must be available at all times, but you will find that for some this is as much a place to play as it is to drink.

The Egyptian Mau kitten requires handling from birth with special attention being paid to exposure to new people and places, as well as acclimating it to new, loud, or strange sounds. Leaving the television or radio on will help accustom them to different noises. They do not like to be “dangled” so using both hands when carrying them is essential. Place one hand gently under the chest and the other just forward of the back legs. This is the ideal way to hold and carry them. They prefer to have all four feet on the floor or on the table.

Grooming should be established as a routine for your cat or kitten as soon as possible. Because they love to be stroked, it is convenient to use the opportunity to remove dead and loose hairs from the coat as you pet them. Check their ears to make sure they are clean. You can use a tissue to clean them. As with all healthy cats, eyes should be bright and shining. Nails should be trimmed at least once every two weeks. When handling your Mau, make sure you touch his feet, so he will get used to the idea of having his nails trimmed.

Bathing a Mau is seldom required, unless of course you plan to show the cat. This is a relatively simple procedure that you can learn from your breeder or mentor. The fine points of grooming come with time and experience. You will find that your fellow exhibitors and breeders are always happy to share their grooming “secrets” with you.