Egyptian Mau: The Ancient Spotted Cat of the Pharaohs, Traits and Care

1. Pharaohs, Pyramids, and Modern Preservation

The Mau's lineage is etched across ancient Egyptian temple walls, papyri, and tomb frescoes dating back to 1400 BC in Thebes, where they are depicted hunting waterfowl alongside pharaohs and guarding royal grain stores.

The modern preservation of the breed is credited to exiled Russian Princess Nathalie Troubetskoy. While living in Rome during the 1950s, she acquired spotted kittens imported from Cairo. Moving to the United States in 1956, she established the renowned Fatima Cattery, championing the breed's formal global recognition.

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2. Biomechanics: The Feline Cheetah

The Egyptian Mau is uniquely constructed for explosive athletic speed:

• Primordial flank flap: A loose fold of skin extending from the flank to the hind knee (similar to that of a cheetah) enables remarkable hindleg extension and stride length.
• Longer hindlegs: Gives the appearance of standing on tiptoe while providing massive vertical jumping propulsion.
• Spotted pattern: Spots vary in size and shape across the torso and limbs, contrasting sharply with the pale ground color.
• Accepted coat colors: Shimmering Silver, warm Bronze with dark brown markings, and Smoke with jet black spots against a silver undercoat.

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3. Personality: Intelligent, Interactive and Deeply Devoted

The Mau is an interactive, spirited companion. They are energetic sprinters who love perching atop the highest refrigerators and shelving units.

When happy, Maus exhibit a unique joyful behavior: they chortle and 'churr' musically while rapidly treading their front paws and wiggling their tail in a quiver of excitement. They are fiercely loyal to their immediate family while maintaining a dignified reserve with strangers.

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4. Grooming Routines and Water Fascination

The Mau's coat is naturally lustrous and low-maintenance:

• Weekly brushing: A rubber mitt or soft bristle brush once weekly effectively captures shed hair and accentuates the metallic sheen of the spots.
• Love of water: Many Maus adore dipping their paws into water bowls, splashing under dripping faucets, and watching bathwater drain.
• Vertical enrichment: Cat trees, wall runways, and interactive feather wands are essential to exercise their extraordinary agility.

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5. Health, Physiology and Genetic Testing

The Egyptian Mau is a hardy natural breed enjoying a typical lifespan of 13 to 16 years. However, several physiological quirks distinguish them:

• Extended gestation period: While standard feline pregnancy averages 63 to 65 days, Egyptian Maus frequently have normal, viable gestations lasting 70 to 73 days.
• Temperature sensitivity: Their thin coat and lean body fat make them sensitive to cold environments and drafts.
• Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef): Responsible breeders utilize DNA testing to prevent hereditary hemolytic anemia.

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Scientific Sources and References

• CFA. Egyptian Mau Breed Profile and Standard. The Cat Fanciers' Association.
• TICA. Egyptian Mau Breed Standard. The International Cat Association.
• Helgren, J. A. (2013). Barron's Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds. Barron's Educational Series.