All you ever wanted to know
about the Egyptian
Mau and then some...

cnntributed by Donna Gonyea, Dot Mardulier, M.C. Hallépée

• We will never repeat it too often : the Egyptian Mau is the only naturally spotted domestic cat.
  
  
• The Mau has an extraordinary power of scent, hearing, and sight.
  
  
• The graceful body, longer legs, and prominent should blades give the Mau a gait much like a cheetah. This body style, coupled with the "primordial" skin flap and muscular body, allows the Mau incredible speed and ability to jump straight up to heights of seven feet or more. The jumps are swift and effortless without even a crouch to help.
  
  
• The almond shape of the eyes is often described by May breeders as a "pregnant" almond.
  
  
• The Mau eye color can flash from grosseberry green to amber and back without warning. Some geneticists might laugh and put this in the category of "Breed Myth", but those of us who work with the breed know it is true. Something especially exciting will trigger it, such as the sound of a can opener.
  
  
• The Maus distinctive facial marking give it a look of concern, surprise, or a frown often described by judges as a "worried" look.  

   

• Maus are extremely intelligent and sensitive. If desperate, they can starve themselves to death. Below an example : a Mau rescued by Fondcombe Aug . 14, 2004 from vet clinic where she was starving herself after losing her family. Note how loving this girl is despite her poor condition. Receiving love again, she gained weight and fully recovered.

• The Mau is very "conversational" around the house, making little chirping and trilling noises, often described as sounding like bells or birds.

  
  

• Maus are moderately active and athletic, and are known to be shoulder riders.

• Maus definitely love to eat. The slightest sound of a can opener or cupboard door opening will produce a "feeding frenzy". So the Mau can be very difficult to keep in show weight because of its love of food !
  
  
• Maus have an unusual fascination with water. Turn on the faucet or shower, and they are right there trying to catch the water. After flushing the toilet, you quickly learn to keep the seat down !
  
  
• Maus love to interact with children....
  

• Maus females tend to carry their kittens longer than most breeds : 67+ days (up to 72 days). They are excellent mothers who believe in discipline and will teach all the house rules to the kittens. Some of them even remain very close and protective with their children once they are adults.
  
  Mum with daughter born June 18, 2004

• Mau males also are very fond of kittens. They sometimes even act as mums and educate them.
  
  
• Primary teeth are not lost until the permanent teeth have grown in behind them. There are times when they will have two full sets of teeth. This can make for very uncomfortable teething.
  
  
• If you plan to show your Maus, you must start working with them at birth so that they will accept sounds and handling of the show ring.

   

• The Egyptian May has often been thought of as aloof and shy. To a certain extent, the breed can be, but the breed has a special affinity with its people. It is a close bond that is so different than with other breeds. A typical Mau will command your attention. It will not allow you to push it away, as it craves the touch of the special person(s) that are his and his alone. It is the center of your world, and the Mau knows that by the same way he takes over your life with his incredible, but gently persistence of being the sole factor that has any reason for existing. The breed is intensely loyal and yet happy to go about his business of being a cat. But when it is ready for you, there is no stopping the love, attention, and adoration of the Egyptian Mau is going to bestow upon you.
  
  
• Like all cats, Maus enjoy going outside, but they do not NEED to. Like all other cats, wandering Maus are exposed to ALL dangers. Which you can explain to children, but not to cats.
  So please be a responsible cat owner : unless you have safe enclosures, DO NOT let them out ! You will NEVER run fast enough to protect them. A Mau who has love from his family is just as happy inside.