the egyptian mau, reviewed
that is my verdict. now see if you can even recognise this breed →
The Egyptian Mau is the only naturally spotted domestic cat, a lithe, athletic breed that looks like it stepped off an ancient tomb wall. It is also the fastest domestic cat there is, built like a sprinter. Loyal, active and intense, it scores high on gremlin energy and regal looks. Here is the honest review.
Origin: Egypt, an ancient, naturally spotted breed with a long history.
Size: Medium, muscular and athletic, with the hind legs longer than the front.
Coat: Short and silky, with natural random spots, the only domestic breed spotted by nature rather than by design.
Temperament: Active, loyal, intelligent and intense. Devoted to its own people, wary of strangers.
Lifespan: Around 12 to 15 years.
Good for: Active homes and owners who want an athletic, devoted, one-family cat.
what is an egyptian mau
The Egyptian Mau is unusual for being naturally spotted. Where the Bengal and Ocicat were bred to look wild, the Mau simply is spotted, as it has been for a very long time, and spotted cats resembling it appear in ancient Egyptian art. It is a lithe, athletic cat with a distinctive worried expression, banded legs, and a build made for speed, with a longer stride at the back that lets it run remarkably fast.
temperament: the loyal athlete
The Mau is intense and devoted. It bonds fiercely with its own family, often attaching to one or two favourite people, and it can be shy or wary with strangers and dislike upheaval. With its own people it is affectionate, playful and talkative, chirping and chortling rather than meowing, and it is enormously active, a superb jumper and runner that needs plenty of outlet for its energy. It is a one-family cat with a big personality, which is where its high gremlin and royal scores come from, and it wants an engaged home that can match its intensity.
care and health, the honest part
The short, silky coat is very low-maintenance, needing only an occasional brush. The real requirement is stimulation, since this is an athletic, high-energy cat that needs space, height and interactive play to stay happy. It can also be sensitive to change and to unfamiliar people, so a stable, calm household suits it. On health, the Mau is generally hardy but can carry a small risk of certain inherited conditions that responsible breeders screen for. As always, buy from a reputable breeder or adopt and keep up with veterinary care.
is an egyptian mau right for you
If you want a striking, naturally spotted, athletic cat that bonds intensely and rewards a devoted owner, the Egyptian Mau is a fascinating choice for an active, stable home. It is not for a chaotic household full of strangers, or for someone wanting a placid, easygoing lap cat, because you will get a fast, intense, one-family athlete instead.
the chairman's verdict
Eighty. The Egyptian Mau is genuinely special, the only cat spotted by nature, fast as a whip and loyal to a fault, losing points only for a shyness and intensity that will not suit every home. An ancient, athletic, devoted cat for the right owner. High marks, awarded before it sprints off with them.
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rate your catRelated reading from my desk: the bred-to-look-wild Bengal, the rarest cats in the rarest cat breeds, and more in the cat breeds guide.
Scores are the Chairman's opinion, offered in good fun. For real advice on an Egyptian Mau's needs, health, or suitability, speak to a reputable breeder, a rescue, or your vet. I am a cat with opinions, not a veterinarian.