Egyptian mau

History of the Egyptian Mau breed

The origin of beauties goes back to the VI-V thousand BC – the harsh era of the pharaohs, servile worship of the gods, trade in "living goods" and amazing unsanitary conditions. Egypt has managed to become a rich and majestic country, despite the proximity of the desert and the regular flooding of the Nile River. The ruling dynasties were bathed in luxury and honor. Commoners were forced to get along with unfriendly fauna – rats, poisonous snakes and insects – which made an already difficult life even more burdensome.

Fortunately for the Egyptians, not all animals were hostile. African cats – the future progenitors of Mau – often came to modest settlements, destroyed parasites and just as silently left. Over time, the unexpected alliance strengthened. In gratitude for the help, the Egyptians encouraged cats with treats from their own food supplies and perpetuated their noble appearance in art. Animals were allowed to enter the house, and soon they completely got used to the role of owners. This marked the beginning of the full-fledged domestication of African cats, which were used in hunting.

The first image of a domesticated cat found in the temple dates back to the II millennium BC. At that time, animals played almost a central role in religion. The Egyptians believed that the main deity – the sun god Ra – turns into a cat, rising into the sky in the morning and descending into the ground in the evening, where Apophis, the god of chaos, is waiting for him every day, eager to engage in battle with a rival. Ancient drawings often depicted Ra in the guise of a huge spotted cat, tearing the enemy with sharp claws.

The connection of four-legged beauties with the supreme god of the pantheon was seen in their eyes. It was believed that the pupils of cats determine the position of the sun above the horizon: the wider they are, the lower the celestial body. In fact, the change in the size of the pupils is due to their physiological peculiarity, but in ancient times the incomprehensible nature of things was always explained by the intervention of higher forces.

From about the I millennium BC, cats were ranked among the cult of Bastet – the goddess of beauty, fertility and hearth. She was depicted as a woman with the head of a cat, sometimes completely in the form of an animal. Temple attendants increasingly began to keep four–legged companions with them - the living embodiment of Bastet. Cats walked freely throughout the sanctuary, which was inaccessible to commoners. Forbidding animals to do anything was considered almost a mortal sin: they knew how to talk to the gods and protected the worshippers from dark forces. Amulets with their image brought the owner good luck in love.

The sanctuary of Bastet – Bubastion – the Egyptians visited more often than others. Every day, believers handed over mummified cats to the priests, who were buried in separate rooms together with rodents and a vessel filled with milk. According to mythology, the animals got into the afterlife, where they met with Bastet and conveyed to her the requests of the pilgrims.

An amazing legend is also connected with the ancestors of the Egyptian Mau, which emphasizes the importance of cats. Thus, the Persian king Cambyses of the Achaemenid dynasty won an easy victory over the Egyptians in 525 BC thanks to these animals. On his orders, the soldiers captured the cats and tied them to their shields. The fright of the sacred companions of Bastet became a decisive factor: the townspeople laid down their weapons because they did not want to harm the cats.

Despite the ancient origin, the history of more modern descendants of Egyptian Mau began in the XX century, when European cat breeders decided to engage in the revival and breeding of a unique breed. The first mentions of that time date back to 1940, namely the publication in France of the memoirs "Our friends cats". In them, Marcel Rene talked about the spotted animals he brought from Egypt. Unfortunately, the events of the Second World War significantly reduced the number of UIA. The breed was on the verge of extinction and by the middle of the XX century practically ceased to exist.

The re–revival of "Egyptian women" turned out to be successful - largely thanks to the activities of Natalia Trubetskaya. The Russian Princess emigrated to Italy during the war, where in 1953 she first met with magnificent spotted animals. They were presented as a gift by a Cairet. So, Trubetskaya became the mistress of Gregorio and Geppa of black and smoky colors, respectively, as well as the silver cat Lilu. In the same year, the first babies were born, as the Princess immediately told the representatives of the Italian branch of the International Organization of Cats (FIFe).

In 1955, luxurious beauties appeared at the Rome exhibition, where they made a splash. Three years later, Trubetskaya changed the sultry Italy to the unexplored romance of the USA and took away several Mau – silver cats Baba and Lisa, as well as a bronze baby named Jojo. So in America, the first mau nursery – "Fatima" – appeared, where, under the leadership of Princess Trubetskoy, a team of breeders engaged in breeding Egyptian beauties. At the same time, it was decided to allow smoky, bronze and silver colored cats to participate in exhibitions. Animals with black fur were left exclusively for breeding. Natalia Trubetskaya was engaged in the selection of kittens as similar as possible to the ancient Egyptian cats from the frescoes.

All the wards of the Fatima nursery were conditionally united into a traditional uia line. In the future, the breed was divided into two more branches – Indian and Egyptian. Cats brought from the respective countries participated in their creation. The appearance of individual maus suggested that American shorthair cats were also involved in breeding .

Official recognition of the breed by felinological organizations began in 1968, when representatives of the CFF approved the UIA standard. The Egyptian "fever" was also picked up by other organizations: CFA (1977), TICA (1988), FIFe (1992). The new breed from the Land of the Pharaohs was also recognized by the lesser-known ASC, ICU, WCF. To register each cat, records of the pedigree book about the origin and pedigree were used.

Egyptian UIA returned to Europe in 1988. At the same time, on the initiative of UIA lovers, three official nurseries were created. Now representatives of the breed are found in Belgium, Italy, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, although the number of breeders is still negligible. The lion's share of nurseries falls on America, which does not want to share achievements in the breeding of Egyptian Mau. Getting a smaller copy of an African predator is a rare piece of luck.

Video: Egyptian mau

Appearance of the Egyptian mau

Representatives of the breed have a distant resemblance to Abyssinians , except for the remarkable color. Despite their origin, the "Egyptians" are not like typical Oriental cats: their physique is more massive, but it is not devoid of elegant lines.

The Egyptian Mau is a medium–sized shorthair breed. The weight of the animals varies depending on gender. Cats are somewhat larger than their girlfriends: their weight is 4.5-6 and 3-4.5 kg, respectively.

Head and skull

The animal's head looks like a small wedge with smooth outlines. There are no flat areas. The rounded forehead is marked with a characteristic point in the shape of the letter "M". The contours of the skull are smoothed, there are no depressions or protrusions.

Muzzle

The muzzle of the Egyptian mau "fits" into the lines of the head, perfectly balanced. It is characterized by the shape of a rounded wedge. Full cheeks are allowed only in mature cats. Cheekbones are quite high. The stop is a smooth bend without breaks. The cat's evenly wide nose is placed at a slight angle to the forehead. There is a hump. The chin is small but strong. It is formed by medium-sized jaws. The latter can be pronounced in adult males.

Ears

The top of the cat is crowned with "triangles" of medium and large sizes, continuing the line of the head. The ears of the Egyptian Mau have a wide base, planted with a slight forward tilt, quite far from the center line. The tips are pointed, "tassels" are welcome. The auricles are covered with short hair.

Eyes

The slightly slanted eyes of the Egyptian Mau are distinguished by a wide postage. The shape is an intermediate "stage" between round and almond-shaped. The iris is pigmented into a light shade of green. Amber eyes are characteristic only for representatives of the breed under the age of one and a half years. Egyptian Mau have a surprised and funny look.

Neck

The short neck of the cat is smoothly curved. A strong musculature is felt under the skin – a more pronounced relief is characteristic for males. On the line of the ears in the direction of the occipital part of the head, a "scarab" is visible – a mark in the shape of the Latin letter W.

Housing

Egyptian mau are animals with an elongated and elegant body, which is not at all spoiled by a developed muscular system. At the same time, a well-balanced torso is preferable to large sizes (regardless of gender). Angular shoulders are more developed in cats than in cats. The back is straight. The belly is "decorated" with a fold of skin, which, according to felinologists, makes the movements of the mau easier and more flexible.

Tail

The tail of the Egyptian mau is of medium length, changes its width from the base to the cone-shaped tip of a dark shade.

Limbs

The hind limbs of the Egyptian Mau are longer than the front ones. Despite this difference, the cat does not look slouched. The musculature and backbone are strong, but mobile. The paws are round or oval in shape. The toes on the hind legs are more elongated than on the front ones. Their number also varies: four and five, respectively.

Wool cover

Mau's short coat fits snugly to the body. Despite the insignificant thickness, it perfectly protects its owner from the weather. The texture of the coat mainly depends on the color of the animal. Silver and bronze beauties are distinguished by a non–rigid fur coat, smoky ones are more silky and smooth.

Color

The standard of the Egyptian UIA provides three color options.

1. Silver – from a light color to a shade of medium saturation. The points contrast due to a dark gray or black shade. The edging of the eyes, lips and nose are pigmented in black. The tips of the ears are dark. The neck, chin and the space near the nostrils of the cat are covered with white fur.
2. Bronze – a dark shade goes to the belly in a lighter, almost milky. The markings on the body and the tips of the ears are dark brown. Cream color is characteristic of the fur on the throat, chin, as well as the area near the tip of the muzzle and around the eyes. The back of the nose is painted in an ochre shade.
3. Smoky – from dark gray to almost black. A silvery undercoat is visible. The points contrast with the main color.

Hair ticking is inherent in the first two types of colors, in the third it is completely absent. The markings are predominantly circular in shape.

Possible vices

The main defects of the Egyptian Mau breed include:

• amber pigmentation of the iris in animals older than one and a half years;
• long coat with a thick undercoat (as in "Brits" );
• excessively small or large ears;
• the marks merging with each other;
• full cheeks in female individuals;
• short and/or pointed muzzle;
• small and/or round head;
• points on the body in the form of stripes;
• short and/or thin tail;
• no spots on the abdomen;
• undeveloped chin;
• small eye size.

Among the disqualifying vices noted:

• lack of ticking in bronze and silver cats;
• white points and/or a "medallion" on the chest;
• ticking in smoky-colored animals;
• wrong number of fingers;
• testicles not lowered into the scrotum;
• atypical pigmentation of the eyes;
• obvious deformations of the backbone;
• complete absence of spots;
• amputated claws;
• deafness.

Photos of the Egyptian uia

The character of the Egyptian mau

The breed is famous not only for its spectacular beauty, but also for its cheerful disposition. These animals are wind–up toys that do not run on batteries, but at least with the help of a perpetual motion machine! Egyptian Mau likes to try on different roles. In the morning, the cat skillfully pretends to be an alarm clock, prefers to be a tireless egoza during the day, and in the evening becomes a purring antidepressant. With such a wonderful friend, every minute will be a bright holiday!

Representatives of the breed are distinguished by inexhaustible energy and a curious mind, which do not allow animals to sit in one place. Mau will certainly study all the secret "passages" between the cabinets and the wall. Be ready to fish your pet out of the most unexpected hiding places: this spotted fidget will fit wherever her curious face fits. "Mobile" toys will help direct the energy of the Egyptian UIA into a peaceful channel: strings with a bow at the end or clockwork mice. Having satisfied its hunting instinct, the cat will go on a well-deserved rest and give you a few minutes of peace.

Breeders celebrate: this breed is one of the most loyal and loving. Egyptian Mau tenderly treat all family members, but they consider someone to be the master. It is to this lucky cat that she is ready to give attention and love, but she will never impose them. The spotted beauty will enjoy basking in your arms, but will leave at the first request. Taking an "Egyptian woman" into the house, it is worth considering: this is a proud and self-sufficient animal, not a weak-willed meowing lump.

The breed cannot be called talkative: mau give voice in exceptional cases (especially when it comes to treats). Cats rarely meow, prefer to communicate with the owner by purring and can boast of a whole palette of these sounds. During the so-called sexual hunting, females are especially loud. In order to avoid operatic moaning, it is recommended to sterilize a capricious lady so that she does not require dates with a spotted gentleman.

Egyptian mau tolerate loneliness well and will not object to your career advancement. Sometimes a pet can get bored, but he will not allow himself extravagant antics like continuous meowing under the door and grinding his claws on his favorite sofa. At these moments, the nobility of the ancient pharaohs is especially evident in the cat. Instead of silly games with his own tail, Mau will jump on the highest cabinet and sit proudly until your return.

The activity of animals is significantly dulled even after eating. It is necessarily followed by a healthy and sound sleep – an invariable ritual that is observed by most representatives of the breed. At the same time, it is important to give the pet a rest: from boredom and lack of energy, the cat will begin to eat and sleep more often, which will eventually make her a spotted and fairly plump "bun".

Love of water is another unusual trait that distinguishes "Egyptian women" among their moustached brethren. This feeling manifests itself in different ways and depends on the nature of the cat. Some animals will happily jump into a dialed bath and rush in pursuit of drops, while others will limit themselves to a paw lowered into the water.

Egyptian mau are quite friendly creatures, so it will not be difficult for them to find a common language with other pets. Cat or dog – it does not matter, but with the maintenance of birds and rodents will have to wait. Wild African cats have rewarded their descendants with a thirst for hunting, so Mau can attack your little friend at any moment.

This breed gets along well with families with children. It's hard to imagine a more playful friend! However, do not expect that the Egyptian mau will allow your child liberties in the form of swaddling and bottle feeding. The cat will prefer to proudly retire if she decides that the child is unceremoniously invading her personal space.

Egyptian mau is a suitable option for those who need a balanced friend. Despite its playful nature, the animal always behaves with dignity and restraint, as if it still lives in the abode of the pharaoh or serves as a "talisman" in the ancient temple of the Egyptians.

Education and training

Representatives of the breed are distinguished by their unique intelligence and impeccable manners, so they rarely need additional education. The owners of mau have no difficulties with teaching cats to the tray and scratching post. Animals quickly understand what is expected of them. This greatly facilitates the training process. Egyptian Mau are observant and intelligent, easily overcome obstacles and quickly get used to walking on a leash. If desired, you can also teach your pet simple commands: the cat will demonstrate their execution for an appetizing treat.

Care and maintenance

Shorthair Egyptian mau are not picky in content, but be sure: remorse will not allow you to leave such a charming beauty untidy. These cats do a pretty good job of taking care of their own fur coat, but combing the wool with a brush or mittens of the Egyptian mau will not hurt. This massage will not only give your pet a neat look, but also strengthen the hair follicles.

The breed is famous for cleanliness, so many owners of UIA do without water procedures at all (the exception is playing with mini-waves in the bath). However, before participating in the exhibition, it is recommended to bathe the pet with cat shampoo. For uia of silver color, you can choose a tonic that will make the color more saturated and rid the wool of yellowness. After taking a bath – and it can take more than one hour because of the inexhaustible love of cats for water - eliminate the source of possible drafts so that the pet does not catch a cold.

Egyptian Mau eye care is minimal. Due to their specific structure, they rarely get watery, and there is practically no discharge in the corners. The ears of the animal will have to pay more attention: in particular, once a week, they should be examined and cleaned with a wet cotton pad as needed.

Oral hygiene is no less important. Once or twice a month, clean the cat's teeth from plaque with a paste (it can be found in a pet store). Use a brush or a nozzle; at least a finger tightly wrapped in a bandage will do. Periodically, you can please your pet with special treats, which, due to their hardness, carry out preventive brushing of teeth.

To create a neat "manicure" on the paws of the Egyptian mau, use a claw cutter. After the procedure, it is necessary to smooth out the sharp edges and notches with a nail file. To do this as rarely as possible, teach the cat to use a scratching post. Otherwise, it will become a piece of furniture.

Looking at the Egyptian mau, it is difficult to imagine that in this elegant body there is a little delicacy and a glutton. Representatives of the breed like to eat delicious food, so they do not control the volume of portions. This responsible mission lies with the owner, who must ensure that the pet actively moves, eats in moderation and remains the same graceful.

It is preferable to feed the animal with premium feeds - dry or canned. At the same time, ideally, you should pay attention to the options developed specifically for the breed. Egyptian mau often suffer from food allergies, so the selection of the right food can take more than one month. If you are ready to pamper your cat with homemade dishes often, stock up on dietary meat, sea fish, offal, seasonal vegetables and fruits, as well as sources of calcium.

Remember: it is strictly forbidden to combine two feeding options – this is fraught with problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Egyptian mau should not eat:

• fatty meat (pork or lamb);
• spices (even in small quantities);
• river fish in any form;
• vegetables with a spicy taste;
• dry dog food;
• legumes;
• tubular bones;
• milk;
• liver;
• mushrooms;
• nuts.

Since these cats are very mobile, it is necessary to provide them with access to clean and fresh water. The owners of UIA recommend using bottled water, noting the fastidiousness of "Egyptian women". Animals have inherited from their wild ancestors the instinct by which they determine whether water is suitable for consumption. To do this, the cat lowers its paw into the bowl and gently tastes the liquid.

Health of the Egyptian mau

Spotted Cleopatra are characterized by strong immunity, so they rarely suffer from common "animal" ailments. In the middle of the XX century, when the breed was just entering the international arena, its representatives suffered from asthma and cardiovascular diseases. However, breeders have worked hard to minimize these cases with each new litter. Now diseases are quite rare, but the vulnerability of the respiratory system of the Egyptian Mau has not disappeared. It is strongly recommended to protect the pet from smoke, dust and pungent odors.

Allergy remains the main scourge of the breed. If red spots appear on your cat's body, it is necessary to change her diet as soon as possible and contact a veterinarian for advice.

How to choose a kitten

Despite the active work on breeding Egyptian mau, purebred individuals are extremely rare and only in specialized nurseries. Have you met a spotted beauty in an open sale? Do not rush to rejoice: probably, an ordinary "murzik" is hiding under the characteristic color, for which they want to get a lot of money.

If you are applying for a bright representative of the breed, find the official nursery of the Egyptian Mau and do not forget to sign up for kittens from the future litter. While waiting for your friend to be born, do not waste time in vain: make inquiries about the breeder, if possible, contact his former clients, get acquainted with the achievements of the wards from this nursery. Often breeders put up for sale babies from related mating, so it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the full pedigree of kittens.

Small lumps are weaned from their mother at the age of three months, when they no longer need care and can stand up for themselves. Looking closely at the kittens, pay attention to the most playful and active: he definitely feels great! The baby should be moderately well-fed and neat. Clumped wool, sour eyes or accumulation of sulfur in the auricles is a reason to think: is it worth buying a kitten if he is unwell?

Pay attention to a feature unique to the Egyptian Mau. At two months, kittens have the appearance of fuzzing – rare and long hairs that make babies look like porcupines. This is not a defect of the breed, but only one of the stages of the formation of the coat.

Photos of Egyptian mau kittens

How much does an Egyptian mau cost

The Egyptian Mau breed belongs to the rarest and most expensive. The price of a cat starts from $500. The more the animal meets the standard, the higher the cost. You can "save" only on Egyptian Mau black color. Since the characteristic spots merge with the main color of the coat, such specimens are considered culled and are not allowed to breed and participate in exhibitions. However, if you are looking for a devoted and cheerful friend, a special color should not be an obstacle on the way to acquiring an Egyptian mau.