Egyptian Mau cat breed
Elegant and striking, Egyptian Mau cats are playful, affectionate and intelligent. Find out how to care for this distinctive cat breed in our Egyptian Mau guide.
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Egyptian Mau breed information and advice
The Egyptian Mau is an elegant spotted breed that resembles the cats of Ancient Egypt. The breed is actually the result of crossing Egyptian street cats with Italian domestic cats just after World War II. Popular in many countries, the Egyptian Mau arrived in the UK in late 1998 and it is still considered a relatively rare breed.
With their beautiful, large almond-shaped green eyes and dainty feet, Egyptian Mau’s are striking in their looks. You’ll notice a distinctive ‘M’ shape on their forehead, described as a ‘scarab beetle’ or ‘mask of scarab’, harking back to their Egyptian heritage.
If you’re thinking of welcoming an Egyptian Mau into your home, our breed guide will share hints and tips for taking care of your new furry friend.
Egyptian Mau cat facts
| Lifespan | 12 – 15 years |
| How much | £600 – £1,000 |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 3 – 6 kg |
| Colours | Silver, bronze, smoke, black, caramel, blue/pewter |
| Grooming | Minimal |
| Temperament | Playful, intelligent and affectionate |
| Exercise | High |
Pet Insurance for your Egyptian Mau cat
The Egyptian Mau is generally a very healthy breed. But, there are several health conditions it’s more prone to developing including:
It’s always important to take out cat insurance to help with the cost of any treatment that your cat may need throughout its life.
Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance
You can take out Sainsbury’s Bank cat insurance for kittens as young as eight weeks old, all the way up to their tenth birthday.
We offer three different packages to suit your needs and budget:
- Lifetime cover is our most comprehensive package and allows you to access up to £10,000 towards vet costs each year.
- Maximum benefit covers up to £6,000 of medical costs for your cat each year.
- Time limited lets you claim up to £3,000 over 12 months for your Egyptian Mau.
If you take out your cat insurance policy before our cat is ten years old, and there isn’t a break in cover, we’ll continue to insure them year after year. Please note, we can't cover any pre-existing conditions. Terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitations apply.
How to care for an Egyptian Mau cat
Egyptian Mau cats are low maintenance and hardly need any grooming. Like all cats, they should have a balanced diet and lots of exercise. Read on for tips on their care needs.
Feeding and nutrition
Egyptian Mau cats are very active so make sure they have a nutritious diet that fits their requirements. If you buy your kitten from a breeder, it’s a good idea to start them on the same type of food they’ve been eating, to avoid upset tummies. Stick to that, or alternatively, you can ask your vet which cat food they recommend to best fit the needs of your Egyptian Mau. You can also confirm how much to feed them.
Grooming
Egyptian Maus have short curly coats with a silky, fine texture which they groom themselves. But, as they love attention, they’ll enjoy a weekly brush with a soft brush or grooming glove. Their teeth should also be brushed regularly to prevent dental disease.
Exercise
These high-energy cats are athletic, agile and love chasing toys and playing games. You’ll need to keep them well-exercised and entertained with lots of interactive toys. With their longer hindlegs, they are perhaps the fastest runners of all domestic cats – speeds of 48 km/h or 30 mph have been reported.
Training
These smart cats will learn quickly and are known to open doors on occasion. Toilet or litter training shouldn’t be a problem, you could even get them to graduate from a litter tray to an actual toilet over time.
Temperament and behaviour
As an intelligent and active breed, Egyptian Maus have loads of energy and are always eager to play. They can be quite vocal in letting you know when they want attention. If you think your cat might get bored it may be worth getting a companion cat to keep him or her company.
While they are loyal and loving to their owners, they can be wary of strangers and sometimes act shy and sensitive. Early socialisation is recommended so that they’re friends with everyone.
Egyptian Maus are also best kept indoors as they have a strong prey drive. It also means that any small pets or birds in your house aren’t safe from their claws either.
Common health problems
Egyptian Mau cats are generally healthy, but they can become ill unexpectedly, and accidents do happen. If you take out insurance for your Egyptian Mau cat any potential health condition will be covered, as long as the policy is in place before the condition is identified.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK def)
Egyptian Maus can be affected by an inherited enzyme deficiency that affects the lifespan of red blood cells. This can cause anaemia (a reduction in the number of red blood cells). As it’s caused by a genetic mutation, there is no cure. However, most affected cats cope well with the condition. A genetic test is available to identify cats that carry the gene. Affected cats and those that carry the gene should not be bred from.
Umbilical hernia
Umbilical hernias have been reported in some lines of Egyptian Maus. These occur when there’s a weakness in the stomach muscles around the belly button. A bulge or protrusion may be visible as the abdominal organs push forward. Umbilical hernias are usually inherited and congenital (meaning that they are present from birth). Some hernias may resolve themselves, but others may need surgery. Umbilical hernias can be easily corrected when kittens are neutered.
Is an Egyptian Mau cat right for you?
Egyptian Maus are smart, affectionate cats that form strong bonds with their owner. Too active to be a lap cat but attention-seeking enough to follow you around the house all day. On the downside, this means they can be possessive of their owners and don't like to be alone for too long. Owners will need to devote time to playing with their cat every day. Early socialisation is recommended so that they’ll be friendly with other pets and strangers. If that suits you, they will make a wonderful companion.
Frequently asked questions
How to pronounce Egyptian Mau?
Mau means cat in Egyptian Arabic and is pronounced “Maow” in the same way as Chairman Mao or as if it rhymes with cow.
How much does an Egyptian Mau cost?
An Egyptian Mau kitten from a reputable breeder can cost upwards of £600. Show kittens may cost more. Before buying your kitten, visit the breeder’s home to see how their cats are raised. Egyptian Mau kittens must be well socialised.
Are Egyptian Mau cats hypoallergenic?
No, the Egyptian Mau isn’t hypoallergenic. No cat is 100% hypoallergenic. These cats will still produce the glycoprotein Fel d1 in their saliva that is responsible for cat allergies. Despite being a short-coated breed, they will still shed hair.
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