If you’re a cat lover, you probably know about, and love the Egyptian Mau. It is often referred to as the “Egyptian Mau cat”, but this is redundant because in ancient Egypt, “mau” meant “cat”. If you haven’t heard of the Mau, here are some Egyptian Mau facts that will amaze and endear you to them.
In this article, you will find a lot of information about the beautiful Egyptian Mau cat. We aim to answer the most asked questions about the Egyptian Mau.
Table Of Content
Why is the Egyptian Mau also known as the “Pharaoh Cat”?
How long has the Mau been domesticated?
Is the Mau a rare cat breed?
How to identify an Egyptian Mau?
Can Maus be loyal and devoted?
Is the Mau a good pet?
How fast can an Egyptian Mau run?
How vocal is this cat?
How long do Egyptian Maus live?
What is the price of an Egyptian Mau?
1. Why is the Egyptian Mau also known as the “Pharaoh Cat”?
This is a very beautiful looking cat. That said, this is not the only thing that attracts many people to Egyptian Maus. These beautiful cats also have a link to the Pharaohs. The Egyptian Mau was worshipped even by pharaohs and kings, this is how this breed of cats got its royal sounding nickname, the “Pharaoh Cat”.
2- How long has the Mau been domesticated?
Nobody really knows for certain how old this cat breed is. Depicted on so many ancient Egyptian papyrus drawings, the Egyptian Mau could have originated as far back as 1400 BC or 1500 BC. There are many sculptures and paintings depicting spotted cats that date back to ancient Egypt.
3. Is the Mau a rare cat breed?
The number of registered Maus around the world is around 3000. This low number of Maus makes this beautiful cat a very rare breed.
4. How to identify an Egyptian Mau?
Almond-shaped, “gooseberry green” eyes is a very distinct feature of an Egyptian Mau cat. The vibrancy and tone of this beautiful eye colour will vary from Mau to Mau. The eye colour changes over time and reaches its full green by one-and-a-half years of age.
Egyptian Maus also have exotic-looking banded “mascara” lines. These dark lines begin at the eyes’ outer corners, extending along the cheek, and curve upwards toward the ears. This natural makeup is what gives the Mau that “worried look”. This is one very important characteristic that lets you know you’re looking at an Egyptian Mau. This cat breed is also known for having a rather long tail.
This gorgeous looking cat comes in three coat colours, which are silver, bronze and smoke. Usually, Egyptian Maus are medium-sized cats. When fully grown, the cat weighs around 3-4 kilograms (7-9 pounds). This amazing cat will usually have a muscular but proportional looking body The Mau is also known for its “wiggle tail” because it wiggles its tail when it’s happy. It appears as though it is dancing.
5. Can Maus be loyal and devoted?
These cats most certainly can be very loyal and devoted to their owner. Dogs are not the only loyal and devoted pets. The Mau can be just as loyal and devoted. Maus even show it in dog-like ways. For instance, the Mau will wait and greet you at the door with a few beautiful “Meows” when you arrive home.
6. Is the Mau a good pet?
It is easy to mistake Maus as being distant or not interested. This is because they don’t readily form friendships with people and other pets. Mau cats are very particular about being handled. Egyptian Maus will decide who by and when to be handled.
The truth is, Maus are sensitive cats and they really love people. Maus are great around people and they also enjoy the company of other cats. This cat also scores well on how it can get along with dogs too. Maus just prefer to develop relationships in their own time. An Egyptian Mau always has that “special one” to whom they attach to.
7. How fast can an Egyptian Mau run?
Don’t even think about racing your Egyptian Mau – this cat can move. We are talking as fast as 48 kilometres (30 miles) per hour – now that’s pretty fast for a cat right? This fast speed and the Mau’s build and agility allow the cat to be a powerful hunter too
Among cat breeds, Maus are one of the most athletic and agile. These felines can even out-jump and outrun humans. Consider that the average vertical height a human can jump is about 50 centimetres (20 inches), while Maus can leap approximately 180 centimetres (around 6 feet) in the air from a standing position. Imagine being able to jump 5 times your own height!
8. How vocal is this cat?
One very unique and unmistakable character of the Mau is that it’s a very vocal cat. They have a large repertoire of sounds, like a soft meow, chortle or chuckling.
9. How long do Egyptian Maus live?
Egyptian Maus live on average for around 12-15 years. Some Maus will live for as long as 20 years. That’s quite long for a lifespan of a cat.
10. What is the price of an Egyptian Mau?
The Mau is a relatively rare breed, the average price for a Mau kitten ranges from $500 to $1200. The price of an adult Egyptian Mau can be as much as $3,500 or even more. The price of a Mau also depends on its colour and variety.
Now that you know these amazing facts about Maus, will you be thinking of getting one of these beautiful cats or do you already own an Egyptian Mau?
We would love to hear from you in the comments below.
