Page 82 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

80 C A T AL OG OF BREED S

EGYPTIAN MAU

STRIKINGLY PATTERNED, THIS IS THE ONLY NATURALLY SPOTTED DOMESTIC BREED

Medium-long,
Place of origin Egypt This cat bears a certain resemblance to the long-
wedge-shaped
Date of origin 1950s bodied, spotted cats seen in the tomb paintings head
Breed registries CFA, FIFe, of Ancient Egyptian pharaohs, but it cannot claim
GCCF, TICA
direct descent. The modern Egyptian Mau was
Weight range 6–11lb (2.5–5kg)
developed by Natalie Troubetzkoy, a Russian
Grooming
princess in exile, who in 1956 imported several Large,
almond-shaped
spotted Egyptian cats to the US from Italy. green eyes
Colors and patterns Here, the number of breeding cats remained
Bronze and silver in spotted
tabby pattern. Black small for many years, until new imports late in
smoke has ghost the 20th century reinvigorated the gene
tabby markings.
pool. Maus are affectionate cats but are
also inclined to be sensitive and shy.
They need thoughtful socializing at
an early age and are probably best suited to an Broad-based,
experienced cat owner. However, once a Mau fairly large ears
bonds with its family, it stays devoted for life.

Bronze spotted
tabby coat
Forehead has
typical tabby
“M” marking

Spots on coat
are random

Hindlegs longer
than forelegs

Broken necklace
Loose flap of patterns on upper
skin between chest and neck
flank and
hindleg

Small, slightly
oval feet