Egyptian Mau Insurance | Cat Breed Guide

Egyptian Mau cat breed

Elegant and striking, Egyptian Mau cats are playful, affectionate and intelligent. Find out how to care for this distinctive cat breed in our Egyptian Mau guide.

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Egyptian Mau breed information and advice

The Egyptian Mau is an elegant spotted breed that resembles the cats of Ancient Egypt. The breed is actually the result of crossing Egyptian street cats with Italian domestic cats just after World War II. Popular in many countries, the Egyptian Mau arrived in the UK in late 1998 and it is still considered a relatively rare breed.

With their beautiful, large almond-shaped green eyes and dainty feet, Egyptian Mau’s are striking in their looks. You’ll notice a distinctive ‘M’ shape on their forehead, described as a ‘scarab beetle’ or ‘mask of scarab’, harking back to their Egyptian heritage.

If you’re thinking of welcoming an Egyptian Mau into your home, our breed guide will share hints and tips for taking care of your new furry friend.

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Egyptian Mau cat facts
Lifespan	12 – 15 years
How much	£600 – £1,000
Size	Medium
Weight	3 – 6 kg
Colours	Silver, bronze, smoke, black, caramel, blue/pewter
Grooming	Minimal
Temperament	Playful, intelligent and affectionate
Exercise	High

Pet Insurance for your Egyptian Mau cat

The Egyptian Mau is generally a very healthy breed. But, there are several health conditions it’s more prone to developing including:

It’s always important to take out cat insurance to help with the cost of any treatment that your cat may need throughout its life.

How to care for an Egyptian Mau cat

Egyptian Mau cats are low maintenance and hardly need any grooming. Like all cats, they should have a balanced diet and lots of exercise. Read on for tips on their care needs.

Feeding and nutrition

Egyptian Mau cats are very active so make sure they have a nutritious diet that fits their requirements. If you buy your kitten from a breeder, it’s a good idea to start them on the same type of food they’ve been eating, to avoid upset tummies. Stick to that, or alternatively, you can ask your vet which cat food they recommend to best fit the needs of your Egyptian Mau. You can also confirm how much to feed them.

Grooming

Egyptian Maus have short curly coats with a silky, fine texture which they groom themselves. But, as they love attention, they’ll enjoy a weekly brush with a soft brush or grooming glove. Their teeth should also be brushed regularly to prevent dental disease

Exercise

These high-energy cats are athletic, agile and love chasing toys and playing games. You’ll need to keep them well-exercised and entertained with lots of interactive toys. With their longer hindlegs, they are perhaps the fastest runners of all domestic cats – speeds of 48 km/h or 30 mph have been reported.

Training

These smart cats will learn quickly and are known to open doors on occasion. Toilet or litter training shouldn’t be a problem, you could even get them to graduate from a litter tray to an actual toilet over time.

Temperament and behaviour

As an intelligent and active breed, Egyptian Maus have loads of energy and are always eager to play. They can be quite vocal in letting you know when they want attention. If you think your cat might get bored it may be worth getting a companion cat to keep him or her company.

While they are loyal and loving to their owners, they can be wary of strangers and sometimes act shy and sensitive. Early socialisation is recommended so that they’re friends with everyone.

Egyptian Maus are also best kept indoors as they have a strong prey drive. It also means that any small pets or birds in your house aren’t safe from their claws either.

Is an Egyptian Mau cat right for you?

Egyptian Maus are smart, affectionate cats that form strong bonds with their owner. Too active to be a lap cat but attention-seeking enough to follow you around the house all day. On the downside, this means they can be possessive of their owners and don't like to be alone for too long. Owners will need to devote time to playing with their cat every day. Early socialisation is recommended so that they’ll be friendly with other pets and strangers. If that suits you, they will make a wonderful companion.

Frequently asked questions

How to pronounce Egyptian Mau?

Mau means cat in Egyptian Arabic and is pronounced “Maow” in the same way as Chairman Mao or as if it rhymes with cow.

How much does an Egyptian Mau cost?

An Egyptian Mau kitten from a reputable breeder can cost upwards of £600. Show kittens may cost more. Before buying your kitten, visit the breeder’s home to see how their cats are raised. Egyptian Mau kittens must be well socialised.

Are Egyptian Mau cats hypoallergenic?

No, the Egyptian Mau isn’t hypoallergenic. No cat is 100% hypoallergenic. These cats will still produce the glycoprotein Fel d1 in their saliva that is responsible for cat allergies. Despite being a short-coated breed, they will still shed hair.