He originated is Egypt, but is thought to be a descendant of the African Wild Cat. Other spotted house cats are hybrid cats, the result of breeding a domestic cat to a non-domestic or “wild” breed. The Mau (named from the Egyptian word for cat) is a small to medium short haired cat (usually 7-10 lbs), and is considered to be a rare breed. He is known to be gentle and reserved, having a relaxed personality and laid-back attitude, yet is very athletic and loves to climb. Cats of this breed have been clocked at running up to 30 miles per hour and have a great ability to leap. Said to have “springs in his legs”, don’t be surprised to find your Mau hanging out on top on your tallest furniture or cabinets.
He will gaze at you with his beautiful “gooseberry” green eyes, and melt your heart. A Mau expects to be part of the family. Adoring and people-oriented, he loves his people, desiring attention and affection from them, but may be a bit cautious of strangers. A bit of the “wild” appearance remains in this breed of old, like his “cheetach gait” and the loose skin flap from flank to hind leg, which gives him an ease and innate agility for jumping and twisting.
The smoke color is a pale silver fur tipped in black, looking like is has been dusted in charcoal, with a pattern of black spotting. It is difficult to do justice to the elegant and subtle nuances of the Maus coat in photos. You almost have to see it to appreciate it.
Click to see our currently available Egyptian Mau kittens.
