Egyptian Mau
The Good
- Only naturally spotted domestic cat breed in the world
- Incredibly athletic and can reach speeds up to 48 km/h
- Forms strong, devoted bonds with their family
- Intelligent and trainable, responds well to interactive play
The Real
- Rare breed with limited availability in Australia
- High energy needs requiring dedicated exercise time
- Can be initially wary of strangers and new situations
- Prone to bladder stones and may need specialised diets
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Egyptian Mau is truly one of nature's masterpieces - the only domestic cat breed with naturally occurring spots that weren't created through selective breeding. These remarkable felines trace their lineage back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, where they were revered and depicted in temple art alongside pharaohs and gods.
What makes Egyptian Maus absolutely captivating isn't just their stunning spotted coat in silver, bronze, or smoke, but their incredible athleticism. They're the Formula One cars of the cat world, capable of reaching speeds up to 48 kilometres per hour thanks to their unique body structure - longer hind legs and a special skin flap that extends from flank to knee, much like a cheetah.
These medium-sized cats typically weigh between 2.7-6.4 kilograms and stand up to 41 centimetres tall. Their distinctive "M" marking on the forehead and dramatic "mascara" lines running from their striking gooseberry-green eyes make them unmistakable. But beyond their beauty, Egyptian Maus are devoted family cats who form incredibly strong bonds with their humans. They're intelligent, playful, and surprisingly fond of water - you'll often find them batting at dripping taps or investigating their water bowl with curious paws. While they may take time to warm up to strangers, once they accept you into their circle, you've got a loyal companion for life.
History
The Egyptian Mau's story reads like an adventure novel, spanning from ancient Egyptian temples to modern Australian homes. Archaeological evidence suggests cats resembling today's Egyptian Maus lived alongside pharaohs over 4,000 years ago, depicted in papyrus paintings and temple carvings. The word "mau" itself means "cat" in ancient Egyptian, highlighting just how integral these spotted beauties were to Egyptian culture and the worship of the goddess Bastet.
Fast-forward to the 1950s, when the breed nearly vanished forever during World War II. Enter Russian princess Nathalie Troubetskoy, living in Rome, who received a silver-spotted kitten from a Middle Eastern embassy. Completely enchanted by this rare beauty, she dedicated herself to reviving the breed. Working with her silver female Lulu and a male named Gregorio, plus additional cats imported from the Middle East, she produced the first modern Egyptian Mau litter in 1956.
The breed made its way to America in 1968 when it gained recognition from the Cat Fanciers' Association. However, the limited gene pool created health challenges, leading breeder Jean Mill to discover two Egyptian Mau-type cats at a zoo in New Delhi in 1980. This "Indian line" helped strengthen the breed's genetics. A 2012 genetic study confirmed the breed's authentic Middle Eastern origins, connecting them to other regional cats like the Turkish Van. Today, only around 3,000 Egyptian Maus exist worldwide, making them one of the rarest domestic cat breeds - a true treasure for Australian cat enthusiasts lucky enough to share their homes with one.
Traits & Characteristics
Egyptian Mau characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Egyptian Maus are generally robust cats, but their limited genetic background means Australian owners should be aware of specific health considerations. The most significant concern is bladder stones, particularly affecting males under six years old. Watch for signs like frequent small urinations, blood in urine, or attempting to urinate outside the litter box. Complete urinary blockages are veterinary emergencies requiring immediate attention.
During Australia's scorching summer months (December through February), Egyptian Maus handle heat reasonably well but need cool refuges when temperatures soar above 35°C. Ensure they have access to air conditioning or cooling mats in Brisbane's humidity or Adelaide's dry heat. Their short coat means they appreciate warm spots during Melbourne's chilly winters, so consider heated beds or sunny windowsills when temperatures drop below 10°C.
The breed can be prone to food allergies, so Perth and Sydney owners should work closely with their vets to identify any dietary triggers that might cause skin irritation or digestive issues. Regular dental care is crucial - start brushing their teeth as kittens to prevent the dental disease that commonly affects cats across Australia.
Given their rarity, finding experienced veterinarians familiar with Egyptian Maus might be challenging in regional areas. Establish relationships with specialists in major cities like Melbourne or Sydney if you live in smaller towns. Pet insurance is particularly worthwhile for this breed, given potential genetic health issues and their high activity levels that might lead to adventure-related injuries. Annual health checks are essential, and don't hesitate to discuss the breed's specific health risks with your local vet to ensure early detection of any issues.
In addition to these considerations, Egyptian Maus can be carriers for a genetic disease called Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD). This condition can cause a specific type of anaemia. Reputable breeders in Australia will screen their breeding cats for PKD to ensure they produce healthy kittens. Always ask a breeder for health clearances for this and other potential conditions.
Egyptian Maus are active athletes who burn through calories like a sports car burns through fuel, so their nutrition needs careful attention from Cairns to Hobart. These energetic cats require high-quality protein to fuel their impressive speed and jumping abilities - think premium commercial diets that meet Australian standards, whether wet, dry, or a combination of both.
The key with Egyptian Maus is portion control and meal timing. They're enthusiastic eaters who don't know when to stop, which can quickly lead to weight gain despite their active nature. Instead of free-feeding, offer multiple small meals throughout the day - this mimics their natural hunting pattern and prevents overeating during Darwin's humid season or Canberra's sedentary winter months.
Their strong prey drive makes food puzzles and interactive feeding toys perfect for mental stimulation. Hide kibble around your Brisbane apartment or use puzzle feeders to make mealtime an engaging hunt. This is especially important for indoor cats in Melbourne's high-rise living situations where natural hunting opportunities are limited.
Given their predisposition to bladder stones, ensure constant access to fresh water. Water fountains are excellent investments - not only do they encourage drinking, but Egyptian Maus genuinely enjoy playing with flowing water. Monitor their water intake during Adelaide's hot summers, and consider wet food to increase hydration.
Work with your Australian veterinarian to determine the right caloric intake based on your Mau's activity level, age, and any health considerations. Active cats in Queensland's year-round outdoor weather will need more calories than apartment dwellers in cooler Tasmanian climates. Always transition foods gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset, and keep treats to less than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
Egyptian Maus are refreshingly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, making them perfect for busy Australian families juggling work and weekend beach trips. Their silky, medium-length coat requires only weekly brushing to remove loose hair and prevent matting - though you might want to increase this to twice weekly during autumn and spring shedding seasons in Sydney or Perth.
These cats are moderate shedders year-round, so invest in a good lint roller for your black work clothes, especially if you're commuting to Melbourne's CBD or Brisbane's business district. Their shedding tends to increase slightly during seasonal transitions, particularly noticeable in regions with distinct seasonal changes like Adelaide or Canberra.
Bath time is optional with Egyptian Maus, but here's the delightful twist - they actually enjoy water! Unlike most cats, your Mau might happily join you for a splash, making bath time more entertainment than chore. Use cat-specific shampoos and lukewarm water, and always thoroughly dry their ears afterward to prevent infections in humid coastal areas like the Gold Coast or tropical Darwin.
Pay attention to their striking gooseberry-green eyes, checking for any discharge or irritation, especially during spring when pollen counts spike across Australia. Their ears need weekly inspection and gentle cleaning if needed - particularly important in dusty regional areas or during bushfire season when air quality affects our feline friends.
Coat Specifications:
- Coat Length: Medium-length, silky and fine to dense depending on colour variety
- Coat Colours: Silver, bronze, and smoke with naturally occurring dark spots; also found in black, blue, and caramel
- Coat Patterns: Tabby with distinctive random natural spotting, "M" forehead marking, and "mascara" facial lines
- Hypoallergenic: No - produces normal levels of allergens despite moderate shedding
Egyptian Maus are the overachievers of the cat world, combining intelligence with athletic prowess in ways that'll keep Gold Coast apartment dwellers and Blue Mountains acreage owners equally entertained. These cats thrive on mental challenges and physical exercise, making them perfect candidates for clicker training and interactive games that'll impress your mates during weekend barbecues.
Start with basic commands and tricks - Egyptian Maus can learn to fetch, walk on harnesses, and even perform agility-style jumps. Their natural intelligence means they pick up routines quickly, whether you're teaching them to navigate a cat wheel in your Surry Hills apartment or training them to explore safely in your Sunshine Coast backyard. Use positive reinforcement with treats or play rewards, as these cats respond beautifully to encouragement.
Vertical space is absolutely crucial for Egyptian Maus. Install tall cat trees, wall shelves, and climbing posts to satisfy their need to survey their domain from height. This is particularly important for inner-city living in places like South Yarra or Newtown, where outdoor access might be limited. They'll spend hours perched high, watching the world go by through your windows.
Interactive puzzle toys and food dispensers are essential for preventing boredom-related behaviours like furniture scratching or plant toppling. Rotate toys weekly to maintain novelty, and consider automated laser pointers or motion-activated toys for entertainment during long work days. Remember, a bored Egyptian Mau might redecorate your lounge room in ways you didn't plan!
Water play provides excellent enrichment - set up shallow dishes for splashing or invest in cat water fountains. This unique trait makes them fascinating companions and provides natural entertainment during Adelaide's hot afternoons or Brisbane's steamy summers.
Who is an ideal owner?
Egyptian Maus suit active Australian households who appreciate feline athleticism and can provide the engagement these remarkable cats crave. They're perfect for work-from-home professionals in Melbourne's inner suburbs who can offer interactive play sessions throughout the day, or active retirees on the Mornington Peninsula who enjoy training and enrichment activities as hobbies.
Families with school-aged children often find Egyptian Maus wonderful companions, as these cats match kids' energy levels and enjoy interactive games during after-school hours. However, they're equally suited to couples or singles who lead active lifestyles - think weekend hikers in the Blue Mountains or beach walkers along Perth's coastline who appreciate a cat that shares their zest for life.
Space considerations matter significantly with this breed. While they can adapt to apartment living in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs or Brisbane's inner city, they need vertical territory and plenty of stimulation. House dwellers in Adelaide's leafy suburbs or Melbourne's bayside areas can provide ideal environments with secure outdoor access or enclosed catios.
Egyptian Maus aren't the right choice for frequently travelling professionals or shift workers who leave for extended periods. These cats form strong bonds and can become anxious when left alone too long. They suit households where someone's usually home - whether that's families with varied schedules, retirees, or the growing number of Australians embracing flexible work arrangements.
First-time cat owners who've done their research often succeed beautifully with Egyptian Maus, as their intelligence makes training straightforward. However, they're not low-maintenance lap cats - they're interactive companions who'll enrich your life through shared activities and playful engagement.
Interesting facts about the Egyptian Mau
Interesting Fact
Egyptian Maus are the fastest domestic cats in the world, capable of reaching speeds up to 48 kilometres per hour
Interesting Fact
They're the only naturally spotted domestic cat breed - their spots occur naturally rather than through selective breeding
Interesting Fact
The breed nearly went extinct during World War II and was saved by a Russian princess living in Rome
Interesting Fact
When happy, Egyptian Maus perform a unique behaviour called "wiggling" - rapidly moving their tail while kneading with their front paws
FAQ
Egyptian Maus are rare and expensive, typically costing between $1,500-$3,000 AUD from reputable breeders. The high price reflects their rarity and the limited breeding programs worldwide. Always research breeders thoroughly and expect waiting lists.
Absolutely! Egyptian Maus make excellent family companions when properly socialised. They're loyal, playful, and generally good with children who treat them respectfully. They do best in active households that can provide plenty of interaction and stimulation.
Their rarity drives the high cost - with only around 3,000 worldwide, finding breeding cats is challenging. Additionally, their naturally occurring spots and ancient lineage make them highly sought after. The near-extinction during WWII and subsequent careful breeding programs also contribute to their premium pricing.
Egyptian Maus typically live 12-15 years, though some sources suggest they can live up to 20 years with excellent care. Their lifespan depends on diet, environment, exercise, and whether they come from reputable breeders who health test their breeding cats.
They can adapt to apartment living with sufficient vertical space and enrichment, particularly in cities like Melbourne or Sydney. However, they need interactive play, climbing opportunities, and mental stimulation. A boring apartment will lead to destructive behaviours.
Weekly brushing is sufficient for their medium-length coat, increasing to twice weekly during seasonal shedding periods (autumn and spring). Their low-maintenance grooming needs make them suitable for busy Australian lifestyles.
Yes, but they need cool refuges during summer heat waves above 35°C. Ensure air conditioning or cooling mats are available, and provide plenty of fresh water. Their moderate coat length helps them adapt to Australia's varied climates reasonably well.
Egyptian Maus can handle standard work hours (8-9 hours) but shouldn't be left alone for extended periods regularly. They form strong bonds and prefer interactive households. Consider puzzle toys and enrichment activities for longer absences, or arrange pet sitting for extended trips.