Egyptian Mau is a graceful cat with spottedwool and a pattern on his forehead. This breed can be found infrequently. There are not many nurseries where it is bred, most of them are abroad. Kitten mau is quite expensive. However, this animal not only has an attractive appearance, but also can become a wonderful companion to man.
History of the breed
It is assumed that the breed originated in EgyptBC. The appearance of the Egyptian mau is reminiscent of cats depicted on ancient papyri. There is also a version that the ancestor of this breed was a wild spotted African cat.
By the middle of the 20th century such animals remained veryfew. Almost a degeneration of this ancient breed took place. The revival of these unusual cats was greatly facilitated by the Russian princess Natalia Trubetskaya. She ordered three cats from Egypt and transported them to the United States. Based on these animals, the restoration of the Mau began. The nursery "Fatima" was created, where selection work was conducted. It was a long work, as the gene pool of animals was limited. Because of this, there were difficulties with fixing the necessary external qualities and character traits.
In 1977 the breed was officially recognized. But even these days these cats are considered a great rarity. There are not many nurseries where they are bred. In Russia, these animals appeared only in 2010.
What does a cat look like?
What do the Egyptian Mau look like?These are small, but graceful and slender cats of spotted color. Males weigh no more than 6 kg, and females weigh less than 5 kg. The spots on the fur are the distinguishing sign of such cats. This is one of the few breeds that has such a pattern on the wool. A similar figure is only found in the Bengal cat and in the savannah. However, these breeds are the result of crossing with wild representatives of the cat family, and this kind of pattern was obtained artificially. In the Egyptian Mau, the leopard coat color developed naturally. This is the uniqueness of this breed. In addition, on the forehead you can see the stripes located in the form of the letter "M", and behind the ears towards the back of the head is a pattern in the form of the letter "W". Figures are formed from hairs stained at the tips. These patterns are called a "scarab sign", this feature is peculiar only to this breed.
Felinological organizations give the following description of the Egyptian Mau breed:
- The head has a triangular shape, with no sharp corners or roundness. On the nose you can see a small bump.
- The ears are medium or large, usually in a standing position. At their tips can be brushes, like a lynx.
- Cats have large almond-shaped eyes.This breed is distinguished by a special, somewhat astonished look. Around the eyes there is a stroke of dark color. Correct is considered only the green color of the cornea. This is determined by all breed standards. In small kittens, the color of the eyes may be different, but after one and a half years it becomes green.
- The front paws of cats are shorter than the rear. However, despite this, the animal always keeps its back exactly.
- The body is medium in size. The musculature is well developed, but the cat does not look massive. On the abdomen there is a special fold of the skin, it allows the cats to make a wide step and quickly move.
- The tail is medium in length and uniform in thickness. At its end there is a taper.
- The coat is short, but thick, covered with clear, bright spots.
Photos of the Egyptian Mau can be seen below.
Breed colors
Felinological organizations provide 3a variant of wool coloring. This does not mean that there are no other colors of this breed. However, animals that have a different color and pattern of wool are not allowed to the exhibitions and do not participate in the breeding. The breed standard considers typical the following types of Egyptian mau colors:
- Silver. Against the background of the color of silver are scattered black spots.
- Bronze. Chocolate marks are located on wool of bronze color.
- Smoky. Gray hair is covered with black spots.
It happens that in one brood a part of kittensis born with an atypical coat color. There are cats of marble color, they have red spots on their white wool. There are black Egyptian mau. Animals of such colors are not allowed to the exhibitions because of the wrong color, but they can become good companions for the person.
If the spots in the cat merge into strips, then this is also considered a disadvantage. Such a defect is called "mackerel." The breed standards established that the spots should be clear and well marked.
Photos of the Egyptian mau of different colors can be seen below.
Possible disadvantages
In addition to the wrong coat color, there are othersshortcomings, in the presence of which the cat may not be allowed to the exhibition or breeding. The animal is disqualified with the wrong color of the eyes (blue or amber) in adulthood. Description of the Egyptian mau allows only green color, reminiscent of a shade of fruits of gooseberries. A serious defect is also the absence of spots, the irregular shape of the tail, white marks on the wool, deviations in the number of fingers.
Character
Характер египетской мау отличается энергичностью.This is a very mobile cat, she needs a lot of space. Animals like to jump, climb to the heights. At the same time, such cats do not like noise. In small kittens mobility and playfulness can turn into aggressiveness, so you need to engage in their upbringing.
A cat of this breed is distinguished by devotion toowners, however, they normally tolerate loneliness. Maws are perceived by outsiders with some caution. In unfamiliar surroundings, animals can behave shyly, but on their territory they are usually self-confident. Other people should not try to stroke or pick them up, otherwise the cat may show discontent and even scratch.
Unlike most cats, Mau are not afraid of water and bathe with pleasure. However, it is necessary to teach them to water procedures from a young age.
Mau - great hunters. They are one of the fastest cats. These animals do not like when strangers encroach on their territory, and are ready to defend it.
This breed is rather silent. Typically, these cats do not meow, and as if uttered the word "Mau". Communicating with the owners, they make sounds like trills, waving their tails and treading their paws.
How to get along with children
Egyptian Mau is better to start in a house where there is notvery young children. These cats do not like impolite handling. It is better to acquire an animal when the child is a little older and learn the rules for handling pets.
Usually this cat is quite child-tolerant andready to play with them with pleasure. But it is important to remember that Mau is very attached not only to people, but also to objects. Animals can actively protect their favorite toys, hiss and growl if someone tries to take them away.
How Mau gets along with other animals
These animals are able to get along well with others.cats They love communication. However, if the house already lives Mau, then bring a new pet should be very careful. Cats of this breed can actively and aggressively protect their territory.
Mau are able to coexist peacefully with dogs.But they cannot be kept together with rodents and birds. The Egyptian Mau breed has a highly developed hunting instinct, and cats will perceive small animals as possible prey.
Food
This breed of cats is better to eat ready-made food.Many Mau are prone to food allergies, and finding a suitable diet from natural foods is difficult for them. They are useful to give dry or wet food premium and super premium. These cats are quite picky about food, so they should be given only high-quality food.
It should also be borne in mind that Mau is an activecat breed. They move a lot and play. Therefore, their food should be high in calories to make up for all energy costs. It should not allow overeating (representatives of this breed can be voracious). It is better to feed the pet more often, but in small portions. To prevent the occurrence of obesity is impossible, since these cats are extremely mobile and active. Extra pounds will interfere with their usual lifestyle.
If after eating the animal often itches, then it speaks of an allergy to food. In this case, consult a veterinarian and feed replacement.
Cat care
Egyptian Mau cats need a lotopen space. These animals should not be kept in a small apartment. In this case, letting them go for a walk on the street is also impossible, since the Mau does not have strong immunity and can easily get an infection.
As already mentioned, these cats love water. They are recommended to bathe periodically using a special shampoo. It is necessary to comb out their wool once in 14 days, and during the molting period - every week.
Keep away all potentially dangerous items, as the Mau is curious and may accidentally get hurt. They love to open doors and open drawers.
In general, care for this breed is simple. The cat will need bowls for food and drink, a stove bench or a house for sleeping, a tray, and also toys.
Health
As already mentioned, Mau has a rather weak immunity, therefore, they should be protected from colds and infections. It is better to vaccinate the kittens in order to protect them from diseases in advance.
In the room where the cat lives, should always be fresh and clean air. This breed is very sensitive to tobacco smoke and dust. It must be remembered that Mau is prone to asthma.
This breed is thermophilic. Mau do not tolerate cold, at low temperatures they feel worse. Therefore it is necessary to take care of additional heating of the room.
У животных этой породы встречается наследственное the disease is cardiomyopathy. A kitten can be born with this pathology, even if both its parents are healthy. Also at the age of 7 weeks, another genetic disease can manifest itself - leukodystrophy, which is expressed in a serious metabolic disorder. Therefore, Mau should be regularly shown to the veterinarian and conduct preventive examinations. With good care a cat of this breed can live for about 13-15 years.
Mau kennels in Russia
This breed is considered one of the rare.There are only a few Mau nurseries abroad. In our country, these cats appeared recently. Therefore, there is only one nursery in Russia. It is called "Egyptian power" and is located in the suburbs. It is here that it is best to purchase kittens. In no case can not buy the cubs from the hands or on the ads. Very often mong is given to purebred cats with spots on wool.
Kitten price
If the kitten is purchased as a companion and notwill participate in exhibitions and breeding, then its price ranges from 40,000 to 55,000 rubles. These animals may have minor flaws in appearance. Silver kittens are more expensive, this color is especially appreciated.
Kittens of high class, intended for exhibitions, cost from 100,000 rubles. The price of silver-colored cats can reach up to 150,000 rubles.
Mau kittens
When choosing a kitten you need to pay attention tocoat color. The disadvantage of the baby silver is dim color spots. With such cats, with age, the fur acquires a brownish or yellowish tint. Ideally, the coat must have pure white silver white color with bright dark spots.
If the kitten has a smoky color, then it is desirableto make this color pale. Against such a background, marks will be more noticeable. It must be remembered that cats darken their coat with age and spots can merge with the background. Such an animal will not be admitted to the exhibition, but may be a good companion.
However, it is necessary to take into account the phenomenon offuzzing At the age of 8-20 weeks, kittens become gray and inconspicuous. They have a poorly noticeable contrast between the main background of the coat and the markings; as a result, the spots are almost invisible. This is a natural process, it does not need to be afraid. In a short time, the color of wool returns to normal. Fuzzing arose as a disguise of babies from predatory animals, he remained from the time when cats lived in the wild.
