Egyptian Mau Kittens

Egyptian Mau kittens are exotic looking spotted felines that are a reminder of the domestic cats’ ancient beginnings. Learn about this intelligent and sensitive breed.

History

The Egyptian Mau kitten has its origins in ancient Egypt more than 4,000 years ago. The first Maus were taken to Italy. One kitten was given to a Russian princess Troubetskoye who was living in Italy in the 1950’s . Princess Natalie enjoyed the breed so much that she imported more Maus from Eygpt and started a Mau breeding program in Europe and in North America. Egyptian Maus gained Cat Fanciers’ Association Champion status in the 1970’s.

Physical Appearance

Egyptian Maus have spotted short to medium length silky coats. They have a fine bone structure with an average-sized build. Maus can be quite muscular and athletic in build. They have sleek bodies and are excellent jumpers. They have strong hind legs that are longer than their front legs. Mau can run very fast and have an extra flap of skin running from the end of the ribs down to the back legs. This skin flap enables Maus to have extra leaping capabilities.

Maus have pointed slightly flared ears. They also display large almond shaped eyes and petite dainty paws. Maus also have slightly wedge-shaped heads and prominent firm chins. Mau tails are thicker at the base and thin out towards the end of the tail.

Colors

Egyptian Maus come in a variety of colors. Silver, bronze, smoke, and even black are common background coat colors associated with Mau. However, all colored coats are spotted. Eye colors vary with each cat and compliment the coats background and spot color. Green is the predominant eye color of the Mau.

Temperament

Egyptian Mau kittens are loving and somewhat timid. They have a tendency to latch onto a specific household family member and take that person as their favorite. Maus are very active felines and prefer to have plenty of toy and activities around to keep themselves occupied.

Maus are superbly loyal felines and love human and animal companionship. They get along well with other household pets and children. Maus are known for their sensitivity to their owners’ emotions and can sense when something is awry with their owners.

Egyptian Mau kittens are highly intelligent and love to play games of fetch. They are quiet yet high energy cats with large appetites. Maus can also have a bit of a stubborn streak as well.

Care

Egyptian Mau kittens are easy to care for as long as their trained early to cooperate with grooming. Keep in mind, this breed can be a bit stubborn at times so training is essential. Mau fur has no guard hair for extra insulation. So, Maus can become chilled easily. The close cropped fur can be managed with weekly combing to remove loose hair. Luckily, Mau fur is not shed very often.

Egyptian Maus also tend to develop excessive earwax. Be sure to check the ears often for discharge and wipe around the ear with warm moist cloth or tissue. Check with your vet if you notice thick discharge or any unusual secretions coming from the ear.

Development

It takes a while for the full color the eyes to develop in Egyptian Mau kittens. It may take up to 18 months for the eye color to develop. Mau kitten eyes may appear amber colored before one year of age.

Health

Egyptian Maus are overall healthy cats. The average lifespan for the breed is about 15 years. However, Maus can easily live longer up to twenty years. Because the breed loves to eat watch your Maus food intake and activity level. They can become overweight quickly.

Remember…Egyptian Mau kittens are special cats. They are the only natural breed of domesticated cats with spots!

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