Breed Spotlight: Egyptian Mau Cat

The Egyptian Mau cat may be a new breed to you, but these spotted felines have been winning hearts for over 3000 years! The origin of the Egyptian Mau has been traced as far back as the year 1500 B.C. through Egyptian art and paintings.

These spotted felines are believed to have been highly revered by Egyptians and are often depicted sitting with people.

Let’s take a closer look at this breed to learn what made them so captivating for the Egyptians, and their admirers today!

Egyptian Mau Personality

These cats are known and loved for their lively, outgoing personalities. Egyptian Maus tend to be affectionate and friendly with everyone, but they will likely select one member of their family to spoil with extra attention.

These bold, curious kitties love to engage in playtime and will impress you with their athletic abilities and lightning-fast reflexes. Some Egyptian Maus will even make a show out of leaping and jumping in the air. There’s no doubt that these energetic felines will make a lively addition to your family!

Egyptian Mau Characteristics

Typically weighing between 6 and 15 pounds, the Egyptian Mau is considered a medium-sized cat. They tend to have a lean, muscular build and a long tail. A runner’s build, you might say!

Coincidentally, many people liken Egyptian Mau cats to Cheetahs. Not only do they have spotted coats, but also the same flap of skin leading from their belly to their hind knee. It is thought that this skin flap increases their range of motion, enabling them to run faster and jump higher than the average cat. In fact, some Egyptian Maus have been tracked sprinting at speeds up to 30 miles per hour!

You may also note that the hind legs of Egyptian Mau cats are slightly longer than their front legs. Again, this helps improve their range of motion, making it easier for them to jump high in the air or run very fast.

The Egyptian Mau is the only naturally spotted breed of domestic cat. Their fur comes in three varieties: silver, bronze, and smoke. Curiously, the spots exist only on the very tips of the coat, while the undercoat is one solid color!

If their spots weren’t enough to grab your attention, you’re sure to be struck by the glowing green, almond-shaped eyes of the Egyptian Mau. Their eyes are typically lined with black, making them stand out even more. Their triangular head features wide-set, mildly pointed ears, which contribute to their curious facial expressions.

Egyptian Mau Health

Egyptian Maus are known to be generally healthy and aren’t prone to any particular illnesses and health problems. They have a life expectancy of about 15 years. You can ensure your Egyptian Mau cat remains healthy by employing a regular dental care routine, and ensuring he stays within the acceptable weight range for his size.

Protect your Egyptian Mau with Cat Insurance

Looking to bring home a new kitty?  Consider protecting them with a cat insurance policy from MetLife Pet Insurance.¹  Our cat insurance policies can provide the coverage and care your kitties deserve.  Get your free quote today.