The exact origin of the Egyptian Mau is not recorded.  It is often said this cat comes from African wild cats and is a descendant of the cats seen in wall paintings of Ancient Egypt.

 

The modern Mau is said to have originated in 1953 in Italy when the exiled Russian Princess Natalie Troubetskoy met the cat of the Egyptian Ambassador to Italy.  He obtained several cats from Egypt for her and she began to breed them.

 

The Egyptian Maus will either have a ‘scarab beetle’ or ‘M’ marking on their foreheads.  Those with an ‘M’ marking tend to be from the United States.

 

The following appearance description is offered for you to decide if the Egyptian Mau is the right cat breed for you, your family and lifestyle.

 

Appearance Description

 

  • The spots on this cat that are considered more characteristic of wildcats is probably the first thing you notice
  • Gooseberry green eyes
  • There is a mysteriousness that reflects the deity it once was in ancient Egypt
  • Sleek and muscular with a flap of skin extending from the posterior end of the rib cage to the hind legs that gives the Mau an uncanny leaping ability, a long stride, and the capability of great bursts of speed
  • Shoulder blades are high and the legs are long
  • Head is fine-boned with a brow line and eyes beautified by mascara lines which gives the Mau a very concerned or worried expression
  • A scarab marking (a beetle held sacred by the ancient Egyptians) on the forehead and large ears are often tufted at the tips

 

The following personality description is offered for you to decide if the Egyptian Mau is the right cat breed for you, your family and lifestyle.

 

Personality Description

 

  • Possesses extraordinary senses of smell, hearing and sight
  • Very intelligent
  • Always aware of everything in their surroundings
  • Especially sensitive to the needs and feelings of their families, both humans and other felines
  • Quiet cats with low, melodious voices
  • Patient and gentle with children
  • Get along well with other animals in the house
  • Make good parents to their kittens and take great pleasure in teaching them proper household manners
  • Dauntless
  • Fun-seeking souls
  • Love games and toys
  • To a certain extent, they are aloof and shy, however, they do develop close cat-human bonds that are different from those formed by other breeds
  • They will seek to take over your life with incredible but gentle persistence and insist on being the sole reason for your existence
  • Intensely loyal

 

Grooming Tips

 

  • Should be established as a routine for the cat or kitten as soon as possible
  • Nails should be trimmed every 2 weeks
  • Bathing is seldom required unless you show the cat

Follow the link in the resource box of this article to find pictures and more information about many different breeds of cats.

Written by:  Connie Limon.  Visit “Adopting Kittens” at http://smalldogs2.com/AdoptingKittens to find a complete online reference for choosing and caring for the perfect kitten, which matches you and your lifestyle.  Learn about litter box training at http://smalldogs2.com/LitterBoxTraining

 

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

 

Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved Connie Limon