Cat breeds / Egyptian Mau

Photo: Desaix83, d'après le travail d'Heikki Siltala · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Cat breed

Egyptian Mau

AffectionatePlayfulVocalPeople-orientedAlert

The Egyptian Mau is an affectionate, people-focused cat that tends to bond closely with one or two household members. Many are talkative in a soft, chirping way and enjoy following their people from room to room. They are generally playful and do well with calm children who handle them gently, and with other cats or dogs when introduced slowly. They are often wary of strangers at first.

Day to day, an Egyptian Mau needs regular interactive play, such as wand toys and puzzle feeders, to stay content and fit. They do best with vertical space like cat trees and shelves, and with some daily one-on-one attention. Their short coat is easy to keep up, but they should be kept indoors or supervised outside, and they need fresh water and a balanced diet.

Good for: Active households and owners who enjoy interactive play

Size	small
Exercise	about 30 min a day
Shedding	low
Origin	Egypt

Before you choose a Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Maus crave interaction, so they are happiest in homes where someone is around for play and company most of the day.

Living with a Egyptian Mau

Exercise

Plan two or more play sessions a day, about 10 to 15 minutes each, with wand toys or chase games. Vertical climbing space helps them burn energy.

Grooming

Their short, close-lying coat needs only weekly brushing with a rubber brush or grooming glove. Baths are rarely needed unless they get into something messy.

Health

Egyptian Maus are generally considered a robust breed, but they can be prone to certain inherited conditions such as polycystic kidney disease and some heart conditions. Ask a vet about screening and regular check-ups.