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.
Medium12–15 yearsEgyptCan suit apartments
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