The Fascinating History and Traits of the Egyptian Mau
The name Egypt always carries an aura of ancient mystery. From the intricate and imposing pyramids to the magnificent Sphinx and the alluring Cleopatra, this once-great civilization leaves an indelible mark on history.
Among the many captivating stories from ancient Egypt, the Egyptian Mau stands out as a living link to the past. Often referred to as the “Egyptian cat,” this breed is believed to have descended from the felines depicted in ancient murals, guarding the temples and tombs for centuries.
Origins of the Egyptian Mau
In ancient Egypt, cats held a sacred and elevated status. If modern-day Turkey is the haven for stray cats, ancient Egyptians were undoubtedly devoted cat worshippers. They revered cats, creating numerous statues and inscriptions in their honor.
Around 1400 B.C., the walls of temples and pharaohs' tombs along the Nile featured murals of a unique spotted cat, resembling today's Egyptian Mau. This has led many to believe that the Egyptian Mau and the Abyssinian cat are among the breeds domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptian Mau is also known as the Pharaoh cat or the Egyptian god cat.
As ancient Egypt declined, so did the status of the Egyptian Mau. By the 4th century under Constantine’s rule, these cats became common pets. However, despite their similarities to the spotted cats in ancient art, they are not direct descendants.
The modern Egyptian Mau began to establish itself as a breed in the 19th century. A princess in the Mediterranean region owned a cat that gave birth to kittens. In 1956, descendants of this cat were brought to the U.S., sparking a breeding program to preserve this unique spotted breed. The Egyptian Mau was first showcased at the Royal Cat Show in London in 1957 and gained recognition from cat associations in 1972.
Physical Characteristics
Egyptian Maus are medium-sized, muscular cats with a balanced proportion between their limbs and body. Their long hind legs give them an elegant appearance, and when standing, they seem to walk on tiptoe. Their slightly rounded wedge-shaped heads feature a prominent nose and large, pointed ears.
One of their most striking features is their unique eyes, which can be light green, glass green, or hazel. The eye color of kittens can change with their mood—brighter green indicates happiness, while an amber hue suggests irritation. This intriguing feature makes it easy to gauge their feelings!
Coat and Color
Since their depiction in ancient Egyptian murals over 1,500 years ago, Egyptian Maus have remained largely unchanged. They are the only spotted domestic cat breed with naturally occurring spots rather than those created through selective breeding. This wild-looking coat gives them the appearance of small leopards.
Kittens are born without spots; the distinctive coat pattern develops between 8 to 14 months. The spots vary in size and shape, with a characteristic “M” marking on the forehead and striped patterns on their neck, limbs, and tail. A special feature is a scarab beetle pattern between their eyes.
Egyptian Maus are known for their rich, short fur. They come in five naturally occurring colors, ranked from rarest to most common: silver, bronze, smoke, black, and blue/white. However, black and blue/white variations are not accepted in competitions due to less visible spots. The smoke coat is silky, while the silver and bronze coats are dense and resilient.
Personality Traits
With their leopard-like spots, Egyptian Maus are agile, intelligent, and adventurous. They can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour and possess extraordinary jumping abilities. This breed requires ample space to roam, making apartment living unsuitable.
While their wild nature appeals to many, they can easily escape if not supervised. Therefore, many veterinarians and owners advise against allowing them outdoors. However, if exposed to the outside world from a young age, they can learn to navigate potential dangers and find their way home.
Egyptian Maus have unique behavioral traits. Although domesticated for thousands of years, their personalities can be quite distinct. They are affectionate with familiar owners but wary of strangers and aggressive toward unfamiliar animals, even other cats of the same breed. Consequently, they may not be ideal for households with frequent visitors or multiple pets.
Due to their origins in a hot climate, Egyptian Maus are sensitive to temperature and prefer warm environments. Their pregnancy lasts longer than other cats, averaging around 73 days compared to the typical 65 days. In many regions, purebred Egyptian Maus are relatively rare, often priced over $5,000, with costs rising based on the clarity and distribution of their spots.
With their stunning leopard-like coat and wild personality, the Egyptian Mau is a striking breed. Are you captivated by the ancient cat depicted in old murals?
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