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The Scratching Post
Egyptian Mau 
The Egyptian Mau (mau is the Egyptian word for cat) is a delightful cat with a striking appearance. The head is slightly rounded with no flat planes and is medium in length. The cheeks are not full. The muzzle should flow into the existing wedge of the head. The ears are large, alert and slightly pointed. They should be broad at the base. The eyes are large, alert, almond-shaped and are gooseberry green. There is a distinctive mascara line around the eyes. The body is long and graceful. This breed has a cheetah-like stride. The hind legs are proportionately longer which give them the appearance of being on their tip-toes. Their feet are small and dainty and are slightly oval. The tail is medium long, thick at the base and tapers slightly to the tip. The Mau comes in three colors that are shown in championship classes: Silver, Bronze and Smoke. Blue eyes or lack of spots is cause for disqualification.
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Temperament
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Many people are attracted to the Egyptian Mau for its wild spotted appearance. They are extremely intelligent animals and place great importance on their family. They are fiercely loyal and devoted to both their human family and their own kind. The Mau is an interactive cat that likes to be with people and other animals. They will join in with everything that is going on. Maus will follow you around the house, ride on your shoulders and sit on your lap. Though they bond very closely with their owners, they can be shy around strangers. They are great athletes and leapers, but are not as hyperactive as the Abyssinian. This breed can be very protective of their toys and will ?growl? at anyone who threatens to remove them. Maus do not have loud voices, however some are quite talkative. They will often chirp and chortle rather than mew.
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Weight
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Male 7-12 lbs. ; Female 6-8 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Some Maus are allergic to particular foods that cause itchy skin and hot spots. Primary teeth are often not lost until permanent teeth have come in, thus there may be two full sets of teeth. The result can be sensitivity when touched around the mouth and can be seen around four to seven months.
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Living Conditions
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Maus do best if they are kept indoors.
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Exercise
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This is a playful breed. They enjoy playing fetch for what seems like hours without any special training.
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Life Expectancy
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About 18-20 years
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Grooming
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The Egyptian Mau?s grooming should be established as a routine when your cat is still a kitten. They will keep themselves relatively clean but will benefit from regular grooming. Comb daily with a fine-toothed comb to remove dead hairs. Stroking the cat with your bare hands from head to tail will not only remove hair, but is therapeutic for the cat as well as the owner. Inspect the ears regularly for dark or crumbly debris. This could indicate ear mites. Clip the nails and inspect the mouth and teeth often.
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Origin
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When impoverished Russian princess, Nathalie Troubetskoy left her exile in Italy, she headed to the United States in December 1956. Accompanying her on the journey were three Egyptian Maus: Baba, a four-year-old silver-spotted female; Giorgio (Jo-Jo), a three-year-old bronze-colored male; and their 11-month-old ocher-colored daughter, Liza. The princess had tried to book passage on the Andrea Doria, the 700-foot, 11-story, unsinkable luxury ship that sank in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of New England on July 25, 1956. Had the princess been on board, the Mau may not have been the first spotted breed established in the United States. After settling in the United States, Princess Troubetskoy registered a cattery named Fatima, and drew up a standard for her breed. The Egyptian Mau was accepted by the CFF in 1968.
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