20 Facts About The Egyptian Mau Cat You Probably Didn't Know
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The Egyptian Mau is a truly majestic creature that seems to have leaped right out of the ancient hieroglyphs of Egypt, where it's believed to be one of the oldest domesticated cat breeds. These cats are a living testament to feline royalty, with their graceful strides and elegant appearance that can make you feel like you're in the presence of a pharaoh's treasured companion. Let's dive into the fascinating world of the Egyptian Mau:
1. Ancient Roots: Egyptian Maus are thought to have been worshipped alongside the great pharaohs, with a history that dates back over 4,000 years. Their lineage is so intertwined with Egyptian culture that they're often referred to as the "cat of Pharaohs." They were considered sacred animals and were even revered as the embodiment of the goddess Bastet, the deity of home, fertility, and cats.
2. Distinctive Markings: Their most striking feature is their spotted coat, which is a natural pattern and not the result of any selective breeding. These spots, known as "mau spots," come in various shapes and sizes and can be seen on their foreheads, the back of their ears, and their coats. It's said that the spots mimic the pattern of the wild cats of ancient Egypt, which makes them an incredibly authentic representation of their ancestral lineage.
3. Agile and Athletic: These cats are incredibly athletic and can reach impressive speeds of up to 30 mph. Their lithe, muscular bodies are built for agility and grace, allowing them to jump to great heights with ease. In fact, they're often compared to greyhounds in the feline world due to their sleek physique and swift movements.
4. Natural Scarabs: The Egyptian Mau is born with a unique genetic mutation that results in a small patch of fur that's a different color than the rest of their body, often on their forehead. This "scarab" marking is not only a nod to the ancient Egyptian scarab beetle, which symbolized rebirth and regeneration, but it's also a rare and striking beauty feature that makes each cat truly unique.
5. Rare and Recognizable: The Egyptian Mau is one of the rarest naturally spotted breeds. They're also one of the few cat breeds that naturally have a spotted belly. Their green eyes are another hallmark trait that adds to their exotic charm.
6. Vocal but Not Chatty: While not overly talkative, Egyptian Maus are known for their melodious voices. They have a wide range of sounds from soft chirps to more intense meowing, which they use to communicate effectively with their human companions.
7. Loyal Companions: These cats are fiercely loyal and often form deep bonds with their owners. They're also quite social and enjoy the company of other pets and children, making them excellent family pets.
8. Water-Loving Cats: Unlike many other cats, Egyptian Maus have a natural affinity for water. This is quite possibly a trait they inherited from their ancient ancestors who lived near the Nile River. They might enjoy playing in the sink or taking a refreshing dip in their water bowl.
9. A Natural Hunters Instinct: With a heritage that includes living alongside humans and hunting vermin, Egyptian Maus have a strong instinct to stalk and chase. They're known for their quick reflexes and sharp hunting skills, which makes them excellent at playing with toys that mimic prey.
10. Health and Longevity: These cats are generally healthy, but they are prone to certain genetic conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and pyruvate kinase deficiency. Regular vet check-ups are important. With proper care, Egyptian Maus can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years, some even reaching 20 years of age.
11. Eye of the Cat: Their eyes are not just green; they're often referred to as "gooseberry green" due to their distinctive hue. The pupils have a slit-like appearance, similar to that of a cobra, which adds to their mystical allure.
12. Royal Coat: Their short, fine hair is soft to the touch and comes in a variety of colors, including silver, bronze, smoke, and black. They require minimal grooming, which is excellent news for cat lovers who don't want to spend hours de-shedding their homes.
13. Intelligent and Curious: Egyptian Maus are known for their smarts and inquisitive nature. They can learn tricks and enjoy puzzle toys that challenge their minds.
14. Body Language: They're quite expressive with their bodies, often using tail movements and facial expressions to communicate. A rapidly twitching tail is a sign of excitement or contentment, while a tail curled tightly around their body can indicate fear or defensiveness.
15. The Breed's Modern History: The modern Egyptian Mau was developed in the 20th century by cross-breeding the few remaining purebred specimens with other domestic cats that had similar spotted patterns. The breed was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1979.
16. Worshipped by the Famous: Cleopatra is said to have been a fan of Egyptian Maus, keeping them as pets and even using their likeness on her personal emblem.
17. A Cat with a Walk: Egyptian Maus have a unique gait, often described as a "gliding" motion, which is a result of their unusually long hind legs. This contributes to their overall elegance and makes them appear as though they're floating rather than walking.
18. Independent but Affectionate: While they're quite content to entertain themselves with their sharp intellect, Egyptian Maus also crave affection and attention from their humans. They're known to follow their owners from room to room, seeking out love and companionship.
19. Elegant and Playful: Despite their regal appearance, Egyptian Maus are quite playful and have a kitten-like energy that persists well into adulthood. They're known for their love of toys and games, especially those that involve chasing and pouncing.
20. Protective by Nature: Egyptian Maus can be quite protective of their homes and families. They may not be the best choice for those who frequently have unfamiliar guests, as they can be wary of strangers. However, once they bond with someone, they're known to be incredibly loving and devoted companions.
In summary, the Egyptian Mau is a beautiful, rare, and historically significant breed that combines the elegance of ancient Egyptian culture with the playfulness and loyalty of a modern house cat. They're a delight to have around the home and are sure to turn heads with their striking good looks and charming personalities.
1. Ancient Roots: Egyptian Maus are thought to have been worshipped alongside the great pharaohs, with a history that dates back over 4,000 years. Their lineage is so intertwined with Egyptian culture that they're often referred to as the "cat of Pharaohs." They were considered sacred animals and were even revered as the embodiment of the goddess Bastet, the deity of home, fertility, and cats.
2. Distinctive Markings: Their most striking feature is their spotted coat, which is a natural pattern and not the result of any selective breeding. These spots, known as "mau spots," come in various shapes and sizes and can be seen on their foreheads, the back of their ears, and their coats. It's said that the spots mimic the pattern of the wild cats of ancient Egypt, which makes them an incredibly authentic representation of their ancestral lineage.
3. Agile and Athletic: These cats are incredibly athletic and can reach impressive speeds of up to 30 mph. Their lithe, muscular bodies are built for agility and grace, allowing them to jump to great heights with ease. In fact, they're often compared to greyhounds in the feline world due to their sleek physique and swift movements.
4. Natural Scarabs: The Egyptian Mau is born with a unique genetic mutation that results in a small patch of fur that's a different color than the rest of their body, often on their forehead. This "scarab" marking is not only a nod to the ancient Egyptian scarab beetle, which symbolized rebirth and regeneration, but it's also a rare and striking beauty feature that makes each cat truly unique.
5. Rare and Recognizable: The Egyptian Mau is one of the rarest naturally spotted breeds. They're also one of the few cat breeds that naturally have a spotted belly. Their green eyes are another hallmark trait that adds to their exotic charm.
6. Vocal but Not Chatty: While not overly talkative, Egyptian Maus are known for their melodious voices. They have a wide range of sounds from soft chirps to more intense meowing, which they use to communicate effectively with their human companions.
7. Loyal Companions: These cats are fiercely loyal and often form deep bonds with their owners. They're also quite social and enjoy the company of other pets and children, making them excellent family pets.
8. Water-Loving Cats: Unlike many other cats, Egyptian Maus have a natural affinity for water. This is quite possibly a trait they inherited from their ancient ancestors who lived near the Nile River. They might enjoy playing in the sink or taking a refreshing dip in their water bowl.
9. A Natural Hunters Instinct: With a heritage that includes living alongside humans and hunting vermin, Egyptian Maus have a strong instinct to stalk and chase. They're known for their quick reflexes and sharp hunting skills, which makes them excellent at playing with toys that mimic prey.
10. Health and Longevity: These cats are generally healthy, but they are prone to certain genetic conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and pyruvate kinase deficiency. Regular vet check-ups are important. With proper care, Egyptian Maus can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years, some even reaching 20 years of age.
11. Eye of the Cat: Their eyes are not just green; they're often referred to as "gooseberry green" due to their distinctive hue. The pupils have a slit-like appearance, similar to that of a cobra, which adds to their mystical allure.
12. Royal Coat: Their short, fine hair is soft to the touch and comes in a variety of colors, including silver, bronze, smoke, and black. They require minimal grooming, which is excellent news for cat lovers who don't want to spend hours de-shedding their homes.
13. Intelligent and Curious: Egyptian Maus are known for their smarts and inquisitive nature. They can learn tricks and enjoy puzzle toys that challenge their minds.
14. Body Language: They're quite expressive with their bodies, often using tail movements and facial expressions to communicate. A rapidly twitching tail is a sign of excitement or contentment, while a tail curled tightly around their body can indicate fear or defensiveness.
15. The Breed's Modern History: The modern Egyptian Mau was developed in the 20th century by cross-breeding the few remaining purebred specimens with other domestic cats that had similar spotted patterns. The breed was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1979.
16. Worshipped by the Famous: Cleopatra is said to have been a fan of Egyptian Maus, keeping them as pets and even using their likeness on her personal emblem.
17. A Cat with a Walk: Egyptian Maus have a unique gait, often described as a "gliding" motion, which is a result of their unusually long hind legs. This contributes to their overall elegance and makes them appear as though they're floating rather than walking.
18. Independent but Affectionate: While they're quite content to entertain themselves with their sharp intellect, Egyptian Maus also crave affection and attention from their humans. They're known to follow their owners from room to room, seeking out love and companionship.
19. Elegant and Playful: Despite their regal appearance, Egyptian Maus are quite playful and have a kitten-like energy that persists well into adulthood. They're known for their love of toys and games, especially those that involve chasing and pouncing.
20. Protective by Nature: Egyptian Maus can be quite protective of their homes and families. They may not be the best choice for those who frequently have unfamiliar guests, as they can be wary of strangers. However, once they bond with someone, they're known to be incredibly loving and devoted companions.
In summary, the Egyptian Mau is a beautiful, rare, and historically significant breed that combines the elegance of ancient Egyptian culture with the playfulness and loyalty of a modern house cat. They're a delight to have around the home and are sure to turn heads with their striking good looks and charming personalities.