Egyptian Mau is a graceful cat with spotty hair and a pattern on its forehead. This breed can be found infrequently. There are not many nurseries where she is bred, most of them are abroad. Mau kitten is quite expensive. However, this animal not only has an attractive appearance, but can also become an excellent companion to humans.
Breed history
It is believed that the breed originated in Egypt before our era. The appearance of the Egyptian Mau resembles the cats depicted on ancient papyrus. There is also a version that the ancestor of this breed was a wild spotted African cat.
By the middle of the 20th century, very few such animals remained. In practice, this ancient breed degenerated. The revival of these unusual cats was largely facilitated by the Russian Princess Natalia Trubetskaya. She discharged three cats from Egypt and transported them to the United States. On the basis of these animals, the restoration of Mau began. The nursery "Fatima" was created, where breeding work was carried out. It was a long work, since the gene pool of animals was limited. Because of this, difficulties arose in securing the necessary external qualities and character traits.
In 1977, the breed was officially recognized. But these days, these cats are considered a rarity. There are not many nurseries where they are bred. In Russia, these animals appeared only in 2010.
What does a cat look like?
What do Egyptian Mau look like? These are small, but graceful and slender cats of spotty color. Males weigh no more than 6 kg, and females weigh less than 5 kg. Spots on the coat are the hallmark of such cats. This is one of the few breeds that has such a pattern on the wool. Only a Bengal cat and a savannah have a similar pattern. However, these breeds are the result of crossbreeding with wild representatives of the feline family, and this kind of pattern was obtained artificially. The Egyptian Mau leopard coat has developed naturally. This is the uniqueness of this breed. In addition, stripes located in the shape of the letter "M" can be seen on the forehead, and behind the ears towards the back of the head there is a pattern in the shape of the letter "W". Drawings are formed from hairs dyed at the tips. These patterns are called the "sign of the scarab", this feature is peculiar only to this breed.
The felinological organizations give the following description of the Egyptian Mau breed:
- The head has a triangular shape, with no sharp corners or roundness. On the nose you can see a small hump.
- Ears are medium or large, usually upright. At their tips can be brushes, like a lynx.
- Cats have large almond-shaped eyes. This breed has a special, somewhat amazed look. Around the eyes there is a dark stroke. Only the green color of the cornea is considered correct. It is defined by all breed standards. In small kittens, the color of the eyes may be different, but after a year and a half it turns green.
- The front legs of cats are shorter than the hind legs. However, despite this, the animal always keeps its back straight.
- The body is medium in size. The muscles are well developed, but the cat does not look massive. There is a special fold of skin on the stomach, it allows cats to take a wide step and move quickly.
- The tail is medium in length and uniform in thickness. At its end there is a sharpening.
- The coat is short, but thick, covered with clear, bright spots.
A photo of the Egyptian Mau can be seen below.
Breed colors
Felinological organizations provide 3 options for coloring wool. This does not mean that this breed does not have other colors. However, animals with a different color and pattern of wool are not allowed to exhibit and do not participate in breeding. The breed standard considers the following Egyptian Mau colors to be typical:
- Silver. Black spots are scattered against the color of silver.
- Bronze. Chocolate marks are located on bronze-colored wool.
- Smoky. Gray coat is covered with black spots.
It happens that in one brood, part of the kittens is born with an atypical color of hair. There are cats of marble color, they have red spots on the white coat. There are black Egyptian Mau. Animals of such colors are not allowed to exhibit due to the wrong color, but they can become good companions for humans.
If the cat's spots merge into stripes, then this is also considered a drawback. Such a defect is called a mackerel. It has been established by breed standards that spots should be clear and clearly visible.
Photos of Egyptian Mau of different colors can be seen below.
Possible disadvantages
In addition to the wrong coat color, there are other drawbacks in the presence of which the cat may not be allowed to show or breed. An animal is disqualified if the eye color is incorrect (blue or amber) in adulthood. The description of the Egyptian Mau admits an exceptionally green color, reminiscent of a shade of gooseberry fruit. A serious defect is also the absence of spots, the irregular shape of the tail, white marks on the coat, and deviations in the number of fingers.
Character
The character of the Egyptian Mau is energetic. This is a very agile cat, she needs a lot of space. Animals like to jump, climb to heights. At the same time, such cats do not like noise. In small kittens, mobility and playfulness can turn into aggressiveness, so you need to educate them.
A cat of this breed is distinguished by devotion to the owners, but at the same time they normally tolerate loneliness. Mau strangers are perceived somewhat wary. In unfamiliar surroundings, animals can behave shyly, but on their territory they are usually self-confident. Aliens should not try to stroke or pick them up, otherwise the cat may show discontent and even scratch.
Unlike most cats, Mau are not afraid of water and enjoy swimming. However, they need to be accustomed to water procedures from a young age.
Mau are great hunters. They are one of the fastest cats. These animals really do not like when strangers encroach on their territory, and are ready to protect it.
This breed is rather silent. Usually such cats do not meow, but seem to pronounce the word "Mau." Communicating with the owners, they make sounds similar to trills, wag their tail and mark their feet.
How do Mau get along with the kids
Egyptian Mau is better to start in a house where there are no very young children. These cats do not like being rude to themselves. It is better to get an animal when the child is a little older and learns the rules for handling pets.
Usually this cat is quite tolerant of children and is ready to play with them with pleasure. But it is important to remember that Mau is very attached not only to people, but also to objects. Animals can actively defend their favorite toys, hiss and growl if someone tries to take them away.
How Mau get along with other animals
These animals can get along well with other cats. They love communication. However, if Mau already lives in the house, then you need to bring a new pet very carefully. Cats of this breed can actively and aggressively defend their territory.
Mau can coexist peacefully with dogs. But they cannot be kept together with rodents and birds. The Egyptian Mau breed has a highly developed hunting instinct, and cats will perceive small animals as possible prey.
Food
This cat breed is better to eat ready-made feed. Many Mau are prone to food allergies, and choosing a suitable diet from natural foods is quite difficult. It is useful for them to give dry or wet premium and super-premium food. These cats are quite picky about food, so they should only be given high quality food.
It should also be borne in mind that Mau is an active breed of cats. They move and play a lot. Therefore, their food should be high in calories to make up for all energy costs. In this case, overeating should not be allowed (representatives of this breed can be voracious). It is better to feed your pet more often, but in small portions. Obesity cannot be tolerated, as these cats are extremely mobile and active. Extra pounds will interfere with their usual lifestyle.
If after eating the animal often itches, then this indicates an allergy to food. In this case, a veterinarian consultation and feed replacement is necessary.
Cat care
Egyptian Mau cats need a lot of room. These animals should not be kept in a small apartment. At the same time, it is also impossible to let them out for a walk on the street, since the Mau are not very immune and can easily get an infection.
As already mentioned, these cats love water. They are recommended to bathe periodically using a special shampoo. They need to comb their hair once every 14 days, and during molting every week.
All potentially dangerous objects should be kept away, as the Mau are curious and may accidentally get injured. They like to open doors and push drawers.
In general, caring for this breed is uncomplicated. The cat will need bowls for food and drink, a bed or a sleeping house, a tray, as well as toys.
Health
As already mentioned, Mau has a rather weak immunity, so they must be protected from colds and infections. It is better to vaccinate kittens in order to protect them from diseases in advance.
In the room where the cat lives, there should always be fresh and clean air. This breed is very sensitive to tobacco smoke and dust. It must be remembered that Mau are prone to asthma.
This breed is thermophilic. Mau do not tolerate cold, at low temperatures they feel worse. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the additional heating of the room.
In animals of this breed there is a hereditary disease - cardiomyopathy. A kitten can be born with this pathology, even if both of its parents are healthy. Also, at the age of 7 weeks, another genetic disease may appear - leukodystrophy, which is expressed in a serious metabolic disorder. Therefore, Mau should be regularly shown to the veterinarian and conduct routine examinations. With good care, a cat of this breed can live about 13-15 years.
Mau nurseries in Russia
This breed is considered one of the rare. Abroad, there are only a few Mau nurseries. In our country, these cats appeared recently. Therefore, there is only one nursery in Russia. It is called "Egyptian Power" and is located in the suburbs. This is where kittens are best. In no case should you buy cubs by hand or by advertisement. Very often, mongrel cats with spots on the wool are given out for Mau.
Kitten price
If a kitten is acquired as a companion and will not participate in exhibitions and breeding, then its price is from 40,000 to 55,000 rubles. These animals may have minor flaws in appearance. Silver kittens are more expensive, this color is especially appreciated.
High class kittens intended for exhibitions cost from 100 000 rubles. The price of silver-colored cats can reach up to 150,000 rubles.
Mau kittens
When choosing a kitten, you need to pay attention to the color of the coat. The disadvantage of the silver baby is the dull color of the spots. In such cats, with age, the coat acquires a brownish or yellowish tint. Ideally, the Mau should have a pure white-silver color with bright dark spots.
If the kitten has a smoky color, then it is desirable that this color is pale. Against this background, marks will be more noticeable. It must be remembered that in cats, the hair darkens with age and spots can merge with the background. Such an animal will not be allowed to exhibit, but can be a good companion.
However, a phenomenon such as fuzzing must be taken into account. At the age of 8-20 weeks, kittens become gray and inconspicuous. They have a poorly marked contrast between the main background of the coat and the marks; as a result, the spots are practically invisible. This is a natural process, it does not need to be scared. Soon, the color of the coat returns to normal. Fuzzing arose as a disguise of babies from predatory animals; it has remained from the time when cats lived in the wild.