Egyptian Mau
The naturally spotted speedster
The Egyptian Mau is one of the few naturally spotted domestic breeds. “Mau” is an old Egyptian word for cat, and spotted cats appear in ancient Egyptian art. The modern breed was developed in the 1950s, in Rome, by a Russian princess, Natalie Troubetzkoy, from Egyptian cats she had been given, and it spread to the United States.
It is rare, athletic, and said to be the fastest of all domestic cats.
Egyptian Mau at a glance
- Origin
- Egypt, developed in Italy and the USA
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- Usually 3 to 5 kg
- Lifespan
- Usually 12 to 15 years
- Coat
- Short, fine and silky, with spots
- Colours
- Silver, bronze and smoke
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 5 out of 5
- Affection
- 4 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 3 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 1 out of 5
- Good with children
- 3 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 3 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A medium, muscular cat with a graceful build, a slightly rounded wedge head, large ears and big, almond-shaped, gooseberry-green eyes outlined in dark “mascara” lines. The spots are random and varied, and there is a distinctive “M” shape on the forehead. Silver Maus have dark spots on a pale silver coat.
Personality
Active, loyal and sensitive. Maus are usually reserved with strangers, strongly bonded to their own people, and happiest when they are close to them. They love to climb and run, and are said to reach speeds of around 30 miles an hour, with a distinctive chortling voice when happy.
Care and grooming
Plenty of exercise: tall cat trees, interactive toys and space to run. They like routine and can be unsettled by sudden change or noisy households. Grooming is minimal: a weekly brush. Feed a good complete diet.
Health to know about
Generally healthy, though sensitive to certain anaesthetics, so tell your vet the breed. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and urinary or bladder stones have been reported. Ask breeders about health testing in the parents.
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy play
- Quiet, settled homes
- People who want a loyal one-person cat
Think twice if
- If you have a busy, noisy household
- If you want a cat who loves everyone
- If you want a calm lap cat
“Spots, speed, style. I can reach the other side of the house before you finish saying my name.”
Compare the Egyptian Mau
Name ideas for a Egyptian Mau
- Cleo
- Anubis
- Nefertiti
- Pharaoh
- Isis
- Ra
- Nile
- Spots
- Giza
- Luxor
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Is the Egyptian Mau the fastest domestic cat?
It is often described that way, with speeds of around 30 miles an hour said to be possible, though figures vary.
Are Egyptian Maus rare?
Yes, it is one of the rarer breeds, so you may need to join a waiting list.
Do Egyptian Maus like children?
They can, but they prefer a calm home and a small circle of people. They are best with considerate older children.
How long do Egyptian Maus live?
Usually 12 to 15 years.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
