Are Egyptian Mau cats rare?

Yes, the Egyptian Mau is considered a rare cat breed . Due to their popularity and scarcity, the CFA says there are not enough breeders to meet current demand. If you have your heart set on a Mau, be prepared to wait and always work with a reputable breeder.

How much does an Egyptian Mau cat cost?

Egyptian Mau kittens from a reputable breeder generally range from $800 to $2,500, though show cats can cost more. Adopting an adult through a breed-specific rescue can be less expensive, though it’s relatively rare to find one. The price you’ll pay for an Egyptian Mau can vary by breeder and state.

Are Egyptian Mau cats friendly?

While it depends on the individual cat, the typical Egyptian Mau is friendly and affectionate with their family, though they may take a bit to warm up to strangers. Early socialization helps them be more open to new people and situations.

Do Egyptian Mau cats like to be held?

It depends on the individual cat. While Maus are affectionate, they’re also fairly high-energy and active, so they’re less likely to lie on your lap all day than a breed like a Ragdoll or Burmese .

Egyptian Mau

Updated August 21, 2026

Ready to be wowed? Meet the Egyptian Mau. These cats have an exotic spotted coat, gooseberry-green eyes, and Olympian-level running skills. They’ll pick a favorite person to dote on, but they’re affectionate with the whole family—and they never turn down a game of fetch.

Temperament

Devoted, Athletic, Intelligent

Weight

7–12 pounds

Life Expectancy

10–15 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Jump to section

The Egyptian Mau looks—and moves—like a miniature cheetah. With a spotted coat, gorgeous green eyes, and the ability to run up to 30 miles per hour, they’re as striking as they are speedy.

Maus can be reserved with strangers, but once they trust you, they’re loving, outgoing, and deeply devoted. These little athletes like to stay busy and do best in an active home.

Whether they’re racing around the room, turning on the faucet for playtime (yes, Egyptian Maus are known to love water), or wagging their tail when happy, these dog-like cats will bring lots of love and laughter to your life.

Egyptian Mau Characteristics

Remember: Cats are individuals and not all cats, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Trainability

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Vocal Level

Likes to be Picked Up

Likes to be Pet

Egyptian Mau Appearance

The Egyptian Mau is the only domestic cat breed with naturally occurring spots, but that’s not the only physical trait that sets them apart.

Maus have signature gooseberry-green eyes and a distinctive “M” on their forehead. That marking is often called the “mark of the scarab,” after a beetle that was considered sacred in ancient Egypt.

Ears
Egyptian Maus have medium-to-large, moderately pointed ears. The insides are a shell pink, and some Maus have small tufts.
Eyes
Large and slightly almond-shaped, the Mau’s eyes are always gooseberry green, rimmed by natural black that looks like eyeliner. Egyptian Mau kittens may have amber eyes at first, but they gradually turn green by around 18 months.
Nose
The Egyptian Mau cat breed has a long, even nose that contributes to their characteristic “worried” expression (along with their eyes and brow). Silver and bronze Maus typically have a brick-red nose outlined in black, while smoke Maus have a black nose.
Coat Length
The Mau has a short-to-medium coat with a glossy sheen. Texture depends on color: silky and fine on smoke Maus, and denser on silvers and bronzes.
Coat Color
Egyptian Maus come in three official colors: silver, bronze, and smoke, each with random spots that vary in size and shape.
Tail
Medium in length and thick at the base, the tail tapers slightly and is banded with dark rings.

Egyptian Mau Temperament

Egyptian Maus will greet their favorite people at the door—but strangers? Forget about it. They can be shy (and even a little aloof) until they warm up. After that, they’re affectionate, fearless, and curious, says Melanie Morgan, secretary of the CFA Egyptian Mau Breed Council and president of the Global Egyptian Mau Society and International Egyptian Mau Society.

These loyal cats form deep bonds and like to follow their chosen people everywhere. If they aren’t watching the household from their tallest cat tree, you’ll find them in the middle of the action, especially if it involves playtime.

Maus express happiness and excitement by wagging their tail like a dog and communicate in soft chirps, chortles, and trills rather than loud meows. Most like to cuddle and be held, but only after they’ve had their fill of running, jumping, and climbing.

And these cats don’t do anything halfway. Morgan describes Maus as “intense at every level” (food, friends, play), and recommends having another pet around to keep them company. They typically get along well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs when properly socialized and introduced.

Since they’re a sensitive breed who can get scared and stressed by loud noises, chaotic households aren’t the best fit. They tend to do best with older kids who can match their energy without cranking up the volume. Homes with young children should always have multiple designated quiet spots where Maus can decompress.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Egyptian Mau

Find Egyptian Maus to Adopt Near You

How to Care for a Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Maus have a short- to medium-length coat that’s easy to maintain with weekly brushing. The bigger commitment is to their physical and emotional needs. These cats live for daily attention and playtime, and can get a bit mischievous if they feel bored or neglected.

Keep your Egyptian Mau looking and feeling their best with this easy grooming routine:

Brushing: Egyptian Maus have a short, low-shed coat, so weekly brushing is enough to control loose hair, prevent hairballs, and distribute natural oils for a healthy shine.
Bathing: Skip the bath unless your Mau got into a mess they can’t handle on their own. If a bath is ever needed, use a shampoo made specifically for cats, since human formulas can irritate their skin.
Nail trimming: Trim your Mau’s nails every two to four weeks to keep them at a manageable length. Start when they’re young (if possible), keep sessions short, and give them plenty of positive reinforcement, including a few of their favorite treats.
Ear cleaning: Egyptian Maus don’t typically need ear cleanings. If you notice excessive scratching, redness, irritation, or a funky smell, schedule a vet visit to rule out infection.
Dental care: Daily brushing with cat-safe toothpaste is ideal, but even a few times a week can help fight dental disease by keeping their gums and teeth healthier (not to mention their breath fresher).

If there’s one thing Egyptian Maus take seriously, it’s food. Morgan describes them as “food crazy,” and without some structure at mealtime, many will eat well past full.

Measured portions served a few times a day work well for most Maus. That said, free-feeding can actually help prevent food obsession when started in kittenhood, as long as your cat maintains a healthy weight, according to Pam Nichols, DVM, CCRP, CFI, and owner of Wildcat Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Your vet can help you figure out how much to feed your cat. Dr. Nichols recommends high-quality food from an established brand, such as Iams, Purina, Hill’s, or Royal Canin.

Hydration matters, too: All cats, including Maus, can benefit from the extra moisture in canned food, which supports urinary and kidney health.

Food puzzles are also a smart addition for this food-motivated breed. They help prevent Maus from scarfing their food and give their smart minds a rewarding and delicious challenge.

Egyptian Maus need daily exercise to stay happy and fit. Short, high-energy play sessions a few times a day work best, and just about any toy can get them moving.

Track balls, feather wands, and laser pointers all work well (especially if you finish laser play with a physical toy or treat your cat can “catch”), but Morgan says a cat exercise wheel is especially worth considering. These agile cats can run up to 30 miles per hour, and a wheel gives them a safe way to show off their skills and burn energy.

Maus are also quick learners. They can easily pick up basic cues like “roll over” and “fetch,” and take to leash training well. Since many Maus love water, letting them splash around in a bathtub or pet fountain is a fun way to mix things up.

Maus get bored quickly, which is why it helps to rotate toys and activities. “If you don’t provide an enriched, entertaining environment, Egyptian Maus will create their own,” Morgan says.

These smart and creative cats may turn your living room into a racetrack, open cabinets or doors, or even turn on faucets to liven up their day.

As long as Egyptian Maus have ample attention and entertainment, they do well in a variety of households.

However, these cats tend to be sensitive to sudden loud noises, so providing them with quiet, comforting places to retreat during parties and other energetic environments (like when you bring out the dreaded vacuum) is important to their well-being.

Overall, these loyal cats desire the company of their pet parents. “The Egyptian Mau expects to be part of a family,” Morgan says. “A home where they’re alone for a large part of the day is not a good match.”

When they’re not by your side, they’ll want plenty to keep them busy—especially vertical space to climb and survey their territory.

A few Mau must-haves:

Tall cat trees and perches
Window seats and hammocks
Wall shelves and steps
Scratchers
Interactive toys
Cozy covered beds
A catio or enclosed outdoor space (optional but great for enrichment)

Maus are loving and devoted, but lounging all day isn’t exactly their style. They do best with hands-on pet parents who welcome daily interactive play.

“If you’re looking for a couch potato snuggle buddy, get a Maine Coon,” Dr. Nichols says. “If you’re looking for an athletic, interesting, and intelligent cat to share your life with, get a Mau.”

Egyptian Mau Health

With good care, Egyptian Maus typically live 10–15 years, and some live even longer. Regular veterinary checkups, a healthy weight, and a nutritious diet all support a long, healthy life.

Maus are considered a generally healthy breed, but there are a few conditions worth knowing about:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): This heart disease thickens the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump efficiently. Dr. Nichols notes that HCM is common in Egyptian Maus and recommends routine vet visits to help catch it early. Because it can be inherited, choosing an Egyptian Mau breeder who screens their cats is crucial.
Urolithiasis (urinary stones): Maus can be prone to bladder stones, which are especially risky in males, where a stone can cause a life-threatening blockage. Call your veterinarian right away if you notice straining to urinate, frequent litter box trips, or blood in the urine. Adding wet food to a Mau’s diet can increase hydration and help prevent issues.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-Def): This inherited condition can lead to anemia and affects an enzyme that red blood cells need. A genetic test is available, and responsible breeders screen for it to keep it out of their lines.
Leukodystrophy: This rare but serious neurological disorder affects the nervous system and can appear in kittens as young as 7 weeks old. There is no cure, and signs include balance issues, tremors, muscle weakness, and vision changes.

Egyptian Mau History

While it’s hard to pinpoint an exact timeline, the Egyptian Mau is likely one of the oldest domestic cat breeds.

The word “mau” meant “cat” in Ancient Egypt, and spotted cats who look uncannily like today’s Maus (right down to their black-rimmed eyes) appear in Egyptian artwork dating back thousands of years. Whether the modern breed descends directly from those ancient cats is still debated, but the resemblance is tough to ignore.

Many centuries later, the breed made its way to the United States. In the 1950s, a Russian princess named Nathalie Troubetskoy, who was living in exile in Rome, became captivated by a spotted cat and started a breeding program. When she immigrated to the United States in 1956, she brought three Maus with her. Those three cats became the foundation of the breed in North America.

The CFA accepted the Egyptian Mau for registration in 1970 and granted the breed championship status in 1977. The International Cat Association followed in 1979. Today, the Mau remains relatively rare, with more demand than there are kittens to go around.

FAQs

The Egyptian Mau has a spotted tabby pattern, but “tabby” isn’t a breed; it’s a coat pattern. The tabby pattern is characterized by stripes, spots, or other distinctive markings, including that telltale “M” on the Egyptian Mau’s forehead.

Many breeds have tabby patterns, including Maine Coons and Bengals—but unlike any other domestic cat breed, the Egyptian Mau’s spots occur naturally rather than through breeding.

This content was medically reviewed by Angela Beal, DVM.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Mau