- Highly active and inquisitive cat
- Friendly but independent cat
- Lean and elegant cat breed
- Requires grooming once a week
- Needs some out-door space
Personality
The Egyptian Mau cat is a loving and playful cat breed. They are known to be extremely clever and enjoy learning tricks and walking on a lead. Enjoying fuss and attention the breed is an ideal family cat. As they are active, Egyptian Mau cats need some stimulus such as toys or companions to play with, especially if they are going to be left on their own for long.
History and Origins
Country of Origin: Egypt/Italy
Mau is the Egyptian word for cat and bears a striking resemblance to the statuesque spotted cats depicted in Ancient Egyptian art. The breed originates from a spotted cat found in Cairo that is said to have been taken to Rome in 1953 by a Russian princess. She bred several spotted cats in Italy and later moved to North America where breeders developed the modern Mau. The characteristic markings on its head are said to resemble the scarab beetle held sacred by Ancient Egyptians.