The Egyptian Mau is a stunning, natural breed, with ancient roots in Egypt. Lively and agile, and incredibly loyal to their owners. A magnificent show cat, and a perfect household pet.
Egyptian Maus do bear a resemblance to ancient Egyptian cats, although this does not prove that they are actually of Egyptian origin. The first documented Maus were brought to the United States in 1956 by a Russian princess named Natalie Troubetskoy. The matriarch of the Egyptian Mau breed was a silver female named Baba.
These active, athletic cats have the randomly-spotted tabby pattern resembling wild cats, but are fully domesticated. In fact, the Mau is the only naturally-occurring pedigreed breed of spotted domestic cat. It is an intelligent and devoted breed with expressive green eyes. They are accepted in colors such as bronze, silver, and black smoke.
Egyptian Mau History:
Known as one of the oldest domesticated breeds, the Egyptian Mau is thought to be related to a spotted subspecies of the African Wild Cat. Held in high esteem, this breed was worshipped as deities, protected by laws, and mummified upon death in ancient Egypt. According to historical records, a female Egyptian Mau kitten was scheduled to accompany exiled Russian princess Nathalie Troubetskoy from Rome to the United States. However, they missed getting on a huge luxury ship, the ill-fated Andrea Dorian that sank after being rammed a Swedish liner. In 1956, the princess successfully arrived in the United States and brought the first Mau to this country.
The Characteristics of the Egyptian Mau:
This shorthaired breed is blessed with green eyes, a twitching tail, and a coat that comes in silver, bronze, or smoke. The spots are also on the skin. The Mau features a rounded, wedge-shape head and lithe, muscular body. Grooming needs are minimal. Their easy-maintenance coat will benefit by being wiped down by a damp washcloth once a week or so and keeping the nails clipped. Females weigh between 6 and 10 pounds and males average between 10 and 14 pounds.
Egyptian Mau
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