The Egyptian Mau is a fascinating cat, not only because of its past history, but because of its delightful personality and striking appearance.

The Mau (mau is the Egyptian word for cat) has been clearly identified in the artwork of the ancient Egyptians, leaving no question in the minds of many experts that the Egyptian Mau is indeed the cat domesticated from a spotted subspecies of the African Wild Cat by this unique culture.

To gaze upon this beautiful and engaging creature is an opportunity to view a living relic.

The role of the Mau in the religion, mythology, and everyday life of the Egyptian conveys the degree of affection and respect in which these cats were held. They were worshiped as deities, cherished as pets, protected by laws, and mummified and mourned upon their death.

The artwork on the stone sarcophagus shows a comparison between the cats depicted by the ancient Egyptians and one of their modern descendants…

The stone sarcophagus of Tamyt

Brockhaven Tamyt of Tavaron

Their history in North America began with their importation in 1956 by the exiled Russian princess, Nathalie Troubetskoy. Recognition by The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) for championship competition came in 1977. In the past, all Egyptian

Maus in the U.S. and Canada traced their ancestry to two of the original imports from the Fatima Cattery. Recent importations have enriched and broadened the available gene pool for breeders.

The Egyptian Mau has the distinction of being the only natural spotted breed of domestic cat. An extremely intelligent animal, the Mau places a great importance on family, both human and their own, and is fiercely loyal in his devotion to them. They are moderately active and often express their happiness by chortling in a soft melodious voice and wiggling their tails at great speed while treading with their forepaws.

With an elegant body that is randomly spotted, banded legs and tail, expressive gooseberry green eyes, distinctive mascara lines, a worried expression on the face, and a graceful cheetah-like stride, it is no wonder that the Mau attracts such a tremendous amount of attention at cat shows.

GC Matiki's Bronzini

GC, BW, RW Matiki's Son of the South

GC, RW Brockhaven Delilah of W.M.D.

GC Elquairo Diamond Stardust Smoke Male

Maus come in five colors: silver, bronze, smoke, black and blue. The black and the blue Mau are not eligible for the show ring, but can be registered and like all other Maus, make excellent pets.

Usually breeders make available kittens between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability needed for a new environment, showing, or being transported by air. Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.

GC Tavaron Dotte Coolpepper enjoying both showing and scratching !

Just look at them, and most likely you will soon share our passion !

Original Text written by Dot Brocksom