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The Egyptian Mau, with its striking spotted fur and large green eyes, resembles a small wild jungle cat. Discover six fascinating facts about this exotic feline.
1. The Egyptian Mau may not actually hail from Egypt.
The name 'Egyptian Mau' comes from the Middle Egyptian term mjw, meaning cat. However, despite its name, the true origins of the modern Egyptian Mau remain uncertain—even though it bears a striking resemblance to the spotted cats depicted in ancient Pharaonic art. DNA studies suggest the breed could have European roots, sharing genetic similarities with breeds like the American-bred Turkish Angoras. While spotted cats have been observed in present-day Egypt, the exact origin of the Mau remains a mystery.
2. The Egyptian Mau breed was saved by an Italian princess.
Before World War II, cat enthusiasts bred and showcased Maus in Europe. However, interest in the breed declined during the war, pushing it to the brink of extinction. The breed was revived in the 1950s when Russian princess
After the Mau’s arrival in the U.S., breeders preserved its lineage by crossbreeding with other cats and importing additional Maus from Egypt and India. In 1977, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the largest pedigreed cat registry globally, awarded the Mau championship status.
3. The Egyptian Mau is among the few domestic cat breeds with natural spots.
Egyptian Mau cats boast stunning markings. | Lisa Beattie/Moment/Getty ImagesCat lovers often highlight the Egyptian Mau as one of the few domestic cat breeds with natural spots. (The other is the Bahraini Dilmun Cat, a rare breed from Bahrain. In recent decades, other spotted breeds have been created through selective breeding with wild species, but these do not yet qualify as naturally spotted.) The Mau’s short coat features random dark spots of varying sizes, shapes, and patterns, adding to its unique appearance.
In addition to their spots, Egyptian Maus have striking “mascara” lines that start at the outer corners of their eyes, run along their cheeks, and curve upward toward their ears. Their foreheads display the classic tabby “M” marking, and their tails are banded with dark tips.
This medium-sized, athletic cat is recognized in three competition-approved colors: silver, bronze, and smoke. Other variations, such as black, blue silver, blue spotted, blue smoke, and blue, exist but are not eligible for “Champion-status” in shows.
Beyond its coat, the Mau’s most captivating feature is its wide-set, bright “gooseberry green” eyes, which give its wedge-shaped face an expression of perpetual alertness.
4. Egyptian Maus are incredibly fast runners.
If you challenge an Egyptian Mau to a race, chances are it will outpace you. This breed is renowned as the fastest domestic cat, capable of reaching speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
The Mau’s speed is attributed to its uniquely long hind legs, which are perfectly designed for quick movement. Additionally, a distinctive skin fold under its belly, stretching from the flanks to the hind knees (similar to a cheetah’s), enhances its ability to sprint and leap effortlessly.
5. The Egyptian Mau is reserved yet affectionate.
While Egyptian Maus form strong bonds with their primary owners, they tend to be cautious around strangers or other pets. This breed can also be quite possessive, so unless it’s socialized early with other animals, it may prefer being the only cat in the household.
6. Egyptian Mau cats experience longer pregnancies compared to other feline breeds.
Absolutely adorable! | joci03/E+/Getty ImagesEgyptian Maus have a lengthier gestation period than most cats. While typical cats deliver after 65 to 67 days, Maus carry their pregnancies for an average of 73 days.
