The Egyptian Royal Cats

Egyptian Mau Cats :

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Among all other domestic cat breeds in the world, the Egyptian Mau is the only breed that has natural spots in both its coat and skin. A Mau with its coat shaved would still clearly show spots on its bare skin. This cat breed’s first appearances were in artworks dating more than 3000 years, providing evidence that this cat breed has not changed in appearance a single bit. This proves that unlike most spotted cat breeds, this breed is done and developed by nature.

Though the appearance of Maus have already been defined 3000 years ago, its origins are still not clear. Egyptian Maus are said to descend from wild cats in Africa that are direct descendants of the cats who stayed on the feet of Ancient Egyptian royalties as depicted in paintings. The Maus that we know today was documented to originate in the year 1953. The story started in Italy when an exiled Russian Princess saw the cat of an Egyptian Ambassador to Italy. She fell in love with it immediately and asked for more cats from Egypt so she could breed them.  She seemed to love the Mau’s troubled look as conveyed by its round eyes and wide expression.

Egyptian Maus breeding were immense during that time but it soon gradually lessened. Today, this cat breed is considered to be one of the rarest. Egypt seems to be the only country who continues to breed it excessively. Statistics show that in 2007, less than 200 kittens were registered and Cat Fancier’s Association 2006 data confirmed that only a total of 6471 Maus have been registered. Their population could still be higher for there could be other Maus that have not been registered but their number would be so little compared to other cat breeds.

Unlike other cat breeds, Maus have fewer colors. It only comes in a variety of five: silver, smoke, black, bronze and blue or pewter. Black and pewter Maus are not displayed in dog shows but are usually used in breeding. The Cat Fancier’s Association is strict on Maus having only green eyes. Up to 18 months old, owners are allowed to call their pets Maus even though their eyes have an amber cast. For purebred Maus, it will gradually fade and turn to green but for hybrids or half breeds, that is not the case.

Maus are seldom known to be friendly towards strangers and other animals. Their alertness also disqualifies them as a lap cat. However, this cat breed is famous for its intelligence and the strong bond it forms with its owners as long as they continue to be responsible and loving. Owners who take care of their Egyptian Maus could actually expect their cats to greet them in front of their doors after a long day in their offices.

Cats are generally caring to their owners as long as they provide them with care and love. Some breeds, like the Egyptian Mau, could be wary of strangers entering their territory but this could utterly be avoided with the proper conditioning and caring.