Cat Breeds: The Graceful Egyptian Mau

Together with the dog, the cat is one of the most popular pets out there. This popularity also means that some breeds have been created by responsibly combining different species in breeding programs. However, some breeds are really old and work is being done on the official re-entry of certain breeds.

The Egyptian Mau is one of them. We see this beautiful graceful mau very far back in time and through breeding programs, we see this cat again. What kind of purebred cat is the Egyptian Mau?

The History of the Egyptian Mau

We find the image of the Egyptian Mau, which means Egyptian cat, back in the kingdom of the ancient Egyptians, about 1400 years BC. They lived with the settlements along the banks of the Nile River. The breed was revered and protected at the time.

New breeding programs

The breeding program of the current Egyptian mau is based on the current Egyptian domestic cat and was revived in the United States in the mid-twentieth century. In this way, the Egyptian Mau officially became part of the purebred cats again,

this took place in 1988. It took until 1998 before the standards were also harmonized with Europe and a breed with unambiguous characteristics was created.

In terms of popularity, the cat is much more popular in the United States than in Western Europe. Although the number is increasing, this cat is still relatively little-seen in Western Europe.

The appearance of breed characteristics

The Egyptian Mau is a medium-sized, muscular, and evenly built cat with above-average jumping power.

eyes and ears

The cat always has black lines around the large almond-shaped eyes, something that makes the eyes look very expressive. The eyes may be amber in color up to about fourteen months, but when mature, the eyes should be green in color.

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The ears are medium to large and set wide apart. The lynx tips on the ears are appreciated but are not a must for the breed.

Coat

The cat has a wedge-shaped head and a spotted tabby pattern on the fur. The cat is available in different colors, namely:

• black/silver (black flecks, silver-white agouti* background, brick red/brown nose, black soles)
• bronze (very dark brown spots, light brown agouti* background, brick red/brown nose)
• smoke (jet black spots, smoke or mouse gray background, black nose, and soles of the feet)

* Agouti is the name of a color that comes closest to a wild color.

The colored spots on the fur are most obvious in the black/silver and bronze-colored cats. This does not alter the fact that every cat ultimately has its own drawing visible

Maintenance
This cat doesn’t really require that much maintenance. Weekly brushing is more than sufficient. This does not alter the fact that the cat enjoys the attention and likes to be brushed, but this is not really necessary for maintenance.

Regular brushing is good for the blood circulation in the skin, which of course also has an effect on the coat. The silky soft fur does not tangle and even after not brushing for some time, the fur does not become matted.

Character

They walk and behave gracefully and stylishly with their slender body. It sometimes looks hautain, but it is more of a self-assurance with which the cat stands in the world.

The Egyptian Mau is a sweet, sociable, and above all lively cat. This cat is always ‘present’ in a pleasant way and is strongly focused on people. She makes a soft meow sound and is quite affectionate. They often retain their lively character until old age. The cat gets along well with young children.

Finally

The Egyptian Mau is a nice cat for the house. The cat requires relatively little maintenance, but regular attention for the cat is appreciated. After all, it is an affectionate breed. It is a nice and sweet cat with natural-looking patterns and a corresponding build.