Bengal vs Egyptian Mau
Both are spotted, speedy, athletic cats. The Egyptian Mau is naturally spotted and much rarer, while the Bengal has a wild-cat ancestor and is more widely available.
Side by side
| Bengal | Egyptian Mau | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | USA | Egypt, developed in Italy and the USA |
| Size | Medium to large | Medium |
| Weight | Usually 3.5 to 7 kg | Usually 3 to 5 kg |
| Lifespan | Usually 12 to 16 years | Usually 12 to 15 years |
| Coat | Short, dense and silky, often with a glittery shine | Short, fine and silky, with spots |
| Energy | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Affection | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Chattiness | 4 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Grooming needed | 1 out of 5 | 1 out of 5 |
| Good with children | 4 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Good with other pets | 3 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
Scores are our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
The main differences
- Ancestry: the Mau is a naturally spotted domestic breed, and the Bengal was created from a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat.
- Coat: Bengals have rosettes or marbling, and the Mau has random, varied spots, with an M on the forehead.
- Personality: both are active and clever, though Maus are more reserved with strangers.
- Availability: Bengals are much easier to find, and Maus are rare.
Choose a Bengal if
- You want a busy, playful, social cat
- You want the wild rosette look
- You want a breed that is easier to find
Choose a Egyptian Mau if
- You want a loyal, one-person cat
- You love the naturally spotted look
- You are happy to wait for a rare kitten
Our verdict
Both need a lot of exercise and a calm, safe home. Choose a Bengal for sociable energy, and a Mau for a quieter, more reserved, devoted companion.
Read the full guides: Bengal and Egyptian Mau. Or see more cat breeds. This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice.
Questions people ask
Which is rarer, a Bengal or an Egyptian Mau?
The Egyptian Mau is much rarer.
Is the Egyptian Mau really fast?
It is said to be among the fastest domestic cats.
