The gentle Egyptian Mau is a feline track star. He has been clocked at 30 miles per hour and is 
possessed of what seem to be springs for legs, which catapult him to high places. He is the only domesticated cat with a naturally occurring spotted coat.
Did You Know the Egyptian Mau is Gentle and Reseved?
The lithe Egyptian Mau is the model/actress of the cat world, often striking poses on the judging table. His hind legs are longer than his front legs, giving him a characteristic tippy-toe stance.
If one were to be so gauche as to compare a cat to a dog, one might say that the lithe and agile Egyptian Mau is the Greyhound of the cat world. The strikingly spotted cat has been clocked at 30 miles per hour and has extraordinary leaping ability. He originated in Egypt, possibly descended from the African wild cat, and is the only domestic cat with a natural spotting pattern.
People began to selectively breed the cats in the 1950s, and the result is a muscular, medium-size cat of 7 to 9 pounds with a rounded, wedge-shaped head and almond-shaped eyes that are gooseberry green and have a somewhat worried expression.
The Egyptian Mau is gentle and reserved. He loves his people and desires attention and affection from them but is wary of others. Early, continuing socialization is essential, especially if you plan to show or travel with your Egyptian Mau. Otherwise, he can be easily startled by unexpected noises or events.
Like any cat, the Egyptian Mau is athletic and loves to climb — including onto your shoulder — and chase toys. He is smart and observant, quickly learning to open doors and drawers to get at what he wants, usually a favorite toy or treat. Maus communicate pleasure or enthusiasm in the form of a wagging tail and kneading paws, and may converse with you in a voice that chortles and trills.
Brush the Egyptian Mau weekly to keep his thick coat shiny and healthy. The only other grooming he needs is regular nail trimming and ear cleaning.
The Egyptian Mau is well suited to any home with people who will love him and care for him. Keep him indoors to protect him from cars, diseases spread by other cats, and attacks from other animals.
Other Quick Facts About the Egyptian Mau
The Mau, who takes his name from the Egyptian word for cat, comes in three colors: silver with charcoal markings, bronze with dark brown or black markings, and smoke with black markings. Pet-quality cats come in other colors, including solid black or blue, blue silver, and blue smoke.
The “M” shape on the forehead is called the mark of the scarab.
