10 Incredible Egyptian Mau Facts

The Egyptian Mau is a fascinating cat breed. This sleek and elegant feline hails from Egypt, where pharaohs once revered it and considered it a sacred animal. Today, feline fans still prize the Mau for its beauty, agility, and gentle nature, making it a popular choice for cat fanciers around the world. Follow along as we look at ten incredible Egyptian Mau facts you may not know. And, you don’t know, you may even decide that the Egyptian Mau is the perfect breed for your next pet.

1. Egyptian Mau Cats Have Natural Spots

The Egyptian Mau is the only known domestic cat breed with natural spots. This unique trait is thought to be a result of a genetic mutation that occurred thousands of years ago in the region now known as Egypt. Though other domestic cats may have spots due to artificial breeding or hybridization, the Egyptian Mau’s markings are entirely natural. This distinctive feature, along with the Mau’s relatively small size and gentle personality, makes it a highly sought-after breed among cat lovers.

2. They Are the Fastest Domestic Cat Breed

The Egyptian Mau is the fastest domestic cat breed. Its running speeds can hit the 18.65 miles per hour mark. So, this rare breed is incredibly agile and can easily outrun other cats. In fact, the only other cat that can match the Egyptian Mau’s speed is the cheetah. While this incredible fact makes the Mau a fun pet to have around, they also need lots of space to roam and play. If you’re considering adopting one of these beautiful cats, have plenty of room for them to run and explore.

3. They Are the Oldest Domestic Cat Breed

If you’re a fan of history, then learning about the Egyptian Mau may interest you. For example, experts believe this breed is the oldest domestic cat in the world, with records dating back over 3,000 years. The Mau is also the national cat of Egypt and experts believe it is a descendant of the sacred cats of ancient Egypt. The Mau is still a rare breed but is slowly gaining popularity.

4. Egyptian Maus Might be ‘Living Fossils’

If you took a time machine back to ancient Egypt, you might be surprised that the cats running around look similar to the Egyptian Maus of today. That’s because these cats have changed very little over the centuries, earning them the nickname ‘living fossils.’ While other cat breeds have undergone significant changes in appearance, the Egyptian Mau remains relatively unchanged. This status is likely because the ancient Egyptians held them in such high esteem that they carefully bred them to preserve their unique features.

5. The Egyptian Mau Has Low Dander

One of the reasons the Egyptian Mau is becoming a popular choice for those with allergies is that these cats produce relatively low levels of Fel d 1 protein in their saliva. This protein causes people to have an allergic reaction to cats, and while all cats produce it, some breeds produce more than others.

Studies also show that Maus tend to fall on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to Fel d 1 production. In fact, they typically produce about half as much as other breeds. Consequently, while they still may shed and do produce Fel d 1, it is less than other breeds. So, if you’re looking for a cat that’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction, the Egyptian Mau may be an excellent choice.

6. Egyptian Maus Were Once Thought to Be Extinct

The Egyptian Mau has a fascinating history. At one point, animal experts believed the breed was extinct. But an exiled Russian Princess, Nathalie Troubetskoy, later found a few surviving cats in the 1950s. Thanks to her efforts to breed the remaining cats, she saved the breed from extinction. Since then, homes worldwide have cherished this animal as a family member.

7. They Have Gooseberry Eyes and a Perpetually Worried Expression

Egyptian Maus are sleek and elegant with a very distinguished appearance. One of their most striking features is their eyes, which are a very pale gooseberry color. Despite the Mau having a perpetual expression of worry, they are affectionate animals. This expression is due to their eyebrow position and ‘mascara’ lines running from their eyes to their cheeks. But regardless of how they look, they are generally very calm and docile animals, especially around their loved ones.

8. Egyptian Mau Fun Fact: They Have Melodic Voices

This gorgeous feline breed has a wonderfully musical voice and can be pretty chatty. They make various sounds, including yowling, chirping, and trilling. Egyptian Maus can also make a ‘chattering’ sound when excited or nervous. So, if you have an Egyptian Mau as a pet, you will certainly hear from them!

9. Egyptian Maus Are Sophisticated and Regal, Yet Affectionate and Loving

Maus are elegant and regal-looking cats, but don’t let their looks fool you—they are very affectionate and loving. They love to cuddle up on laps or in bed at night and often follow their humans around the house. They make lovely pets and, although slightly aloof with strangers, are very loyal to their owners.

10. Egyptian Maus Are Highly Intelligent

Egyptian Maus are probably one of the most intelligent cat breeds that you can train to do different tricks. Well, if they want to—they are cats, after all! They are also very active, playful, and curious by nature. Consequently, they demand plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They can also be quite independent and stubborn at times, but overall, they are friendly kitties who love spending their time around people and other animals.

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