Cat breed · Natural / Shorthair
Egyptian Mau
One of the few naturally spotted cat breeds, and reputedly the fastest domestic cat, the Egyptian Mau is athletic, alert and deeply attached to its chosen people.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Natural / Shorthair
- Origin
- Egypt
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 2.5–5 kg (6–11 lb)
- Height
- 20–25 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Short, dense, naturally spotted coat
- Temperament
- AthleticDevotedAlertFast
History
Descended from spotted street and temple cats of Egypt; brought to the West and established as a breed by a Russian exile in Italy during the 1950s.
Appearance
A medium, muscular cat with random spotting on a silver, bronze or smoke coat and a distinctive 'worried' brow expression.
Exercise and activity
High — enjoys running, jumping and chasing toys; secure vertical space and interactive play are important daily.
Care and grooming
Minimal grooming beyond weekly brushing; keep claws trimmed given the breed's enthusiasm for running and climbing.
Health considerations
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency
- Dental disease
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Obesity if under-exercised
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Egyptian Mau
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: High — enjoys running, jumping and chasing toys; secure vertical space and interactive play are important daily. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Pyruvate kinase deficiency, Dental disease, Progressive retinal atrophy, Obesity if under-exercised), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice