The origin, description and content of Egyptian Mau cats

The Egyptian Mau is the oldest cat breed known since the reign of the pharaohs. It almost disappeared completely, but through the efforts of geneticists it was preserved.

The breed is sometimes called "aboriginal", which means that it was not originally bred by humans. The Egyptians only tamed a few wild African representatives. Translated from the ancient Egyptian "Mau" means a cat. Very little is known about its origin. Archaeologists have found objects in the excavations on which the gods are depicted in the form of a spotted cat. For example, on a papyrus of 1100 BC, Ra is depicted in this image, killing the god of chaos, embodied in a serpent.

A little later, the ancient Egyptians began to deify in Mau the goddess of love - Bast, who also patronized fertility, joy and fun. She presented herself in female form with a cat's head, and sometimes completely reincarnated as a cat. The Egyptian Mau was kept at temples and was revered as a sacred animal. Hence its independent character.

For 1500 thousand years, paintings were dedicated to cats, statuettes were created from precious metals and stones. Temples were built in honor of cats, she was solemnly buried, mummified and honored like the pharaohs. When a fire broke out, it was the Egyptian Mau who was saved first. After her death, the owner, and sometimes the whole family, shaved off their eyebrows as a sign of grief. In ancient Egypt at that time, the death penalty was imposed for the murder of a Mau.

Archaeologists have found cat cemeteries where mummies were enclosed in jeweled gold and silver sarcophagi. For example, in the city of Beni-Khasan, such a burial consisted of 180 places. Animals are known to be able to soothe pain.

Over the centuries-old history of the breed, there have been ups and downs. Under the pharaohs, the Mau were revered and fed well, but when they fell, cats became ordinary residents of Egyptian streets and guards of houses from rodents. The revival of the breed began about a century ago. Several breeders from Italy, France and Switzerland participated in this genetic action. Unfortunately, the war nullified all efforts, and the breed was on the verge of extinction.

Only after her, with the assistance of the Russian princess Natalia Trubetskoy, work resumed. The woman was in the city of Pompeii, where a neighbor boy gave her a silver kitten with dark spots. To the princess, his spotted fur coat reminded the images of cats from ancient mosaics. The lady became interested in their history, and in the 50s, after meeting the Egyptian ambassador, she became the owner of two more Egyptian Mau. In 1953 Trubetskaya demonstrated the first representatives of the breed at an exhibition. In 1956, breeding work began in America, where a noble lady emigrated.

From Italy to emigration, she took two silver cats and one bronze cat. There were enough of them to start breeding. In 1958 Trubetskaya registers a nursery called "Fatima", which at that time included a dozen Egyptian Mau. With her participation, a standard was developed for the selection of exhibition representatives, three colors were determined: silver, smoke and bronze. Black kittens appeared in litters, but they were used exclusively for breeding. In the 60s, the Spaniards, Czechs and Hungarians joined the work on the revival of the breed.

We must pay tribute to the American felinologists. It was they who developed the breeding program, proposed to be based on outbred rebounds using intensive selection. The descendants were natives with specified parameters from North Africa, caught directly on the street. Then their offspring were interbred with individuals of the selected type, but of Eastern or American origin.

In order to expand the population, North African cats were additionally delivered. In each litter, kittens were carefully selected, suitable for the standard, the appearance of which corresponded to the ancient Egyptian standard. It was the intensive selection that contributed to the successful revival of this breed, as well as the fact that the “wild” species of Mau was taken as a basis. In the 1980s, the Tory cat was imported to America from India. Its characteristic feature was a shiny bronze coat with a contrasting mottled pattern.

In addition, he was in excellent health. His descendants were recognized as the "Indian line". Tory also served as the beginning of the formation of the Bengal cat breed. Already in the 90s, European nurseries were opened: Dutch, Swiss and Italian. There are much fewer of them than in America, due to the difficulties of acquiring and the high price.

At first glance, it seems that in front of you is an ordinary spotted cat, but just a couple of minutes to observe it is enough to change your mind. This cat is unusually graceful, with an instant reaction and developed muscles, it resembles a cheetah. The spotted coat enhances the impression.It is noted that some representatives are capable of speeds up to 48 kilometers per hour, which is facilitated by longer hind legs. On the abdomen, two skin folds are clearly visible, the same as in cheetahs, they connect the center of the abdomen with the knees of the hind legs. This feature allows for wide jumps. Among the domesticated cats, the Mau are considered the fastest.

The dimensions of an adult animal are within average, however, endurance and strength sometimes give rise to doubts about diminutiveness. The constitution of the body is very proportional, flexible and graceful, slightly elongated. Unlike females, cats have wider shoulders. The shape of the head is wedge-shaped, without excessive elongation. Large ears are set wide on it. Some representatives have tassels on the tips.

There are strict criteria for the "Egyptian Mau", which are fixed as a standard. All kittens that appear must meet the specified characteristics.

• Color - natural spotting. This is a distinctive feature. The pattern on the body is asymmetrical, bright spots are randomly arranged, have a different shape and size. There are clear stripes on the legs, which, when approaching the body, turn into specks. A ring-shaped pattern is visible around the neck and on the tail. The chest area has no spots. On the face there is a pronounced pattern in the form of the letter "M".
• Eyes. Wide-set and always a little surprised. The color is only green. Black edging around each eye. This color is also called "queen's makeup". Scientists speculate that Egyptian women eyeliner mimicked feline strokes.
• Height. On average, an adult cat does not exceed 25-30 cm. However, there are no strict rules, the main thing is that its constitution is proportional.
• The weight... For females from 3 to 4 kg, for males about 5-6 kg.
• Age - about 14-15 years old.

The Egyptian Mau is a great companion. She is balanced, very rarely shows aggression, quickly becomes attached, suffers from a long absence of owners. Since the cat has a sense of its own dignity, it does not like excessive obsession. For this reason, it is not recommended to have it in a house where small children live. Mau gets along with other animals, with the exception of those pets in which she is able to see prey: birds, hamsters, mice, etc. The cat does not strive to become a leader in the domestic flock, she communicates with everyone on an equal footing.

The breed is characterized by irrepressible energy, especially at a young age. Its exit should be directed, otherwise expect trouble. The best solution is training. Animals are able to memorize simple commands, master tricks, or learn words.

The cat understands well and quickly the rules of behavior in the room where it lives, allows you to walk with it on a harness. Over time, she will form for herself an idea of ​​each of those living in the house and set up an individual relationship. In this regard, it is worth warning that Egyptian Mau is capable of showing aggression towards outsiders, associated with the desire to protect their territory and "family". She can also be jealous of her own toys, so make sure your pet doesn't mind before picking them up.

Developed intelligence, observation and interest in everything that happens helps cats to cope with difficult tasks, they quickly learn to open doors and find a way out. Unfortunately, it is this quality that can cause stubbornness at a young age, when the owner must instill in the pet the basic skills of behavior in the house. Another characteristic feature is conservatism. These little cheetahs do not like sudden changes, loud and harsh sounds.

The elite breed is not only characterized by unique character traits, but also has some requirements that not all owners are able to fulfill. Conscientious breeders always warn about the hidden shortcomings of the breed so that the owner understands that he is taking a pet not only for his own pleasure. Before choosing a pet, evaluate your capabilities, regimen and habits in accordance with the list of the indicated advantages and disadvantages.

The pluses include the following features.

• Good health, low morbidity. The Mau is an indigenous breed, therefore, they are characterized by strong immunity. The vaccination system will help protect the cat from infections.
• High intelligence and good learning ability require constant development so as not to get bored.
• Devotion, affection, high socialization. He does not like to be alone for a long time. From this you can get depressed or start to misbehave.
• Bathing love... Water procedures are ready to be taken often. Sometimes he can play with a stream of water from the tap or lower his paws into a bath filled for the owner.
• High activity regardless of age. Constant games are required so that the pet does not get bored.

At the same time, the disadvantages include those criteria that follow from the indicated advantages.

• Independence. You can not impose on the cat, she does not like it. Therefore, if you want constant lisp and hugs, then this breed is not for you. For the same reason, mau not suitable for small children.
• Volume. Cats of this breed purr very loudly during estrus, all emotions are expressed with a characteristic meow, are able to "talk" with the owner, expressing their emotions. Not all owners can tolerate the constant sounds made by the Mau. It should be noted that most cats are still silent, it is easier for them to express feelings with movements of their tail or stamping.
• Get ready for the fact that your pet absolutely cannot stand boredom and loneliness. If you are not at home for a long time, then know that you will make the cat suffer. She will express her experience in some kind of entertainment, for example, she starts playing with wires, getting things out of closets, jumping on shelves and other "fun" activities.
• Problems during the "sexual" hunt... If the cat or cat is not spayed, then in the spring time you will experience uncontrollable behavior. They will scream loudly, scratch, ruin interior items. Experts advise be sure to carry out the sterilization procedure if breeding is not planned. The operation is performed at the age of 6 months, which will make the pet calmer.
• Binge eating. Unfortunately, this trait is inherent in the breed, you will have to constantly monitor the cat.
• Rarity... The closeness of the breed speaks of its exclusivity, which accordingly increases its value and increases the risk of encountering fraudsters.

In fact, the breed has no subspecies, but since the work to restore the livestock was carried out in different countries, approximately 3 main categories were identified.

• Egyptian... Geneticists took cats straight from the streets, selecting them according to established standards. Thanks to this, the Mau gained good health.
• American. Trubetskoy's wards became the progenitors. An African breed and natives from other continents were used for mating.
• Indian... Bred on the basis of crossing Mau with local Indian representatives. Subsequently, Bengal cats and Ocicats went from the mestizos.

Depending on the shade of the coat, 3 types can be distinguished.

• Silver color. This color is considered the main one. The tonality changes from light to dark gray. The mottled pattern ranges from dark gray to black. The monochromatic areas on the chest, chin and around the eyes are usually white.Soft pink ears with short mouse-colored hair have dark tassels at the tips.
• Bronze color. The color base is dark brown, turning into red or cream. Spots and stripes of chocolate shade.
• Smoky color... Similar to silver, but much darker. Another name for "black smoke". The base shade is dark gray with a black pattern.

The rules for keeping the Egyptian Mau are not very complicated. The pet is looked after regularly, but the procedures are not burdensome, do not require much effort and time.

Short hair does not need frequent combing, it is enough to perform the procedure once a week. During molting - every other day... For these purposes, various brushes are suitable, for example, made of rubber or silicone, as well as a fine comb. Apart from a purely aesthetic reason, combing is necessary as a massage. It stimulates blood circulation. As a rule, cats love the procedure and put their sides and head under the brush themselves. Before exhibitions, some owners rub their pets with suede or silk napkins, which enhances the shine of the coat. Clean and smoothly combed skin shimmers softly when walking.

Cats respond well to water. If you teach a kitten to water procedures from a young age, then there will be no problems with bathing. You don't need to wash your pet often, it's optimal - 2-3 times a year, preferably during the period of active molt. You can dry the cat with a towel or hairdryer, if he doesn't mind. Ear and eye cleaning should be done weekly. The accumulated dirt is gently removed with a cotton swab or disc moistened with warm water. You can use special tools.

The claws of striped domestic cats must be trimmed 2 times a month. This is done with a special tool - a trimmer. The tip is cut off in 2-3 mm. You cannot cut deeper, there are nerve endings. For the first time, it is better to carry out the procedure under the supervision of a veterinarian. If the pet walks on the street, then the claws are grinded in a natural way, so you can cut it less often. It should be taught to trim nails from infancy, then there will be no problems in adulthood.

Breeders recommend brush the animal's teeth with special brushes and pastes... They are a preventive measure that stops the formation of tartar. The procedure should be taught from an early age. In order to protect your pet from infectious diseases, vaccinations are regularly carried out. It begins at the age of two months, then another month later.

The following procedure is carried out annually, after which it is repeated on an annual basis. Veterinarians note that even cats that do not go outside need vaccinations, because the disease can be brought in by people on their clothes, shoes or hands.

Treatment of an animal from fleas and worms is done twice a year. Taking vitamins is necessary during the molting period. It is better to entrust the choice of the complex to professionals in the veterinary clinic. The breed is prone to obesity. Examine your pet regularly as it causes problems in the digestive tract, cardiovascular system, and joints. With a normal body structure, the bones clearly do not protrude, but are palpable.

The Egyptian Mau is notable for its hunting passion, therefore, before taking it into the house, a number of preparatory procedures should be carried out.

• Cascading curtains are best tidied up and secured with special fasteners. Breeders advise, until the kitten has matured and learned to use special equipment for entertainment, to remove the curtains completely or hang up their short version.
• Items on the shelves of cabinets should be pushed further into the interior or put into lockers.This is especially true for breakable objects.
• Window screens should be carefully secured. If the kitten jumps on them in the heat of the game, they should not fall out with him.
• It is necessary to hide all electrical cables and antennas, do not leave unattended chargers for gadgets and headphones. Based on practice, they are the most favorite items for feline pampering.
• Since the breed is very curious and is not at all afraid of water, it is worth saving a small pet from trouble and closing aquariums, toilets, and sinks.

The Egyptian Mau is unassuming in content, but it needs a private space where it can hide and rest. Therefore, you will need a cat house or bed. You can buy a ready-made shelter or make it yourself with your own hands. The main requirement is not to put it in aisles and in drafts. For the content, you need the following things.

• A bowl. Choose pans with a heavy bottom, which will be more difficult to turn over. Pet stores offer bowls made of metal or ceramic.
• Tray. The toilet should be set up in a secluded area, but it should be accessible to the cat. It is better for a kitten to choose a small and low tray; adults will have to replace it with a larger model.
• Filler... Initially use the same as the breeder, later it can be replaced.
• Carrying. Since you will have to leave the house, for example, to the veterinarian, it is better to purchase a special device for safely transporting your pet. Choose it in accordance with the dimensions of the animal.
• Toys... A variety of toys will allow you to keep your cat interested. They should be squeaking, mechanically moving, hanging on a string. To ensure mobility, but at the same time limit movement on shelves and curtains, organize a game field with rope ladders, climbing frames, jump ropes, a kind of tree.
• Scratching post. This item is essential to keep your furniture safe from cat vandalism. Teach Mau to it from a very young age.

The breed is very active and has excellent metabolism. However, if she is not provided with constant mobility, especially when living in a city apartment, the cat will quickly gain excess weight. And this is fraught with the appearance of various diseases, including the cardiovascular system. Obesity caused by an unbalanced diet will lead to early death of the pet, therefore it is better to provide them with constant activity, movement for prevention.

Among the features noted is the predisposition of the feline fraternity to allergies. Based on these two reasons, it is necessary to choose the right food for your pet. His diet must be balanced, focusing on age, initial weight and degree of activity when calculating calories. Usually, adults need 80 Kcal per 1 kg of body weight per day. Breeders warn that if the animal does not like the food, it can deliberately go on a hunger strike, showing stubbornness. The food may contain not only dry but also natural ingredients. Let's consider two power supply schemes, and also list the main pros and cons of each.

All experts note that special premium or super-premium mixtures are required to power the Mau. This is necessary to exclude allergic reactions to which the breed is predisposed. The recommended dosage indicated in the manufacturer's instructions should be strictly followed.... When mixing dry food and canned food, choose the same brand.

The advantages of such a scheme include convenience for the owners: there is no need to cook, select products and calculate a balanced portion, everything has already been done.In addition, such food has a long shelf life. Among the minuses, it is worth noting the high cost of premium dry mixes, some monotony of the options offered.

You can only use lean beef or veal, chicken and turkey are also welcome. It is better to heat-treat meat products beforehand. Some animals eat well boiled offal. Fish allowed. Breeders emphasize that it is advisable to use only marine species, since river species are more bony and contain helminths. Fish, like meat, must be boiled beforehand.

Eggs, boiled vegetables and porridge are suitable as a side dish (preferably rice or buckwheat). Once a week, fermented milk products should be added to the menu to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

Various alternation of components allows you to diversify the menu. Since the dishes are made up of several products by the owner himself, if you are allergic to one of them, you can easily replace it. A person chooses products himself, so there is confidence in the quality of each. The cons mostly boil down to time, employment and owner laziness. Of course, it takes time to prepare food. Of course, at first it will be difficult to calculate calories and create a balanced diet, but experience will come with practice. Another requirement is vitamin and mineral supplementation. Breeders or veterinarians can help here.

Before giving the kitten away, a conscientious breeder will certainly familiarize the future owner with the food that the animal ate. And also warn about all the intricacies of adherence to the diet. Small Mau should be fed five times a day, gradually decreasing the number to two by one year of age. At first, you need to adhere to the breeder's diet, but over time it can be revised. In no case should you feed your cat fried, salty and spicy. Do not give her food from the host's table or food waste.

If you want to feed your pet with natural products, remember that fish and meat must be pre-heat treated. This will save the animal from the appearance of worms. Among the necessary rules is the availability of clean water around the clock.

When choosing a ready-made feed, you should pay attention to some features and differences between the "premium" and "super-premium" classes.

• Super-premium feed mixtures contain the required amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Protein components - meat, sometimes in the form of pea or potato protein. No corn gluten is used. Oats, rice, barley are added as carbohydrates. They have a low degree of allergenicity and are well digested by the animal's body.
• The premium food contains wheat and corn, some cats are allergic to them.
• A mixture of vitamins E and rosemary serves as preservatives, and they also play the role of antioxidants. If a list of preservatives is not indicated in the feed description, then it cannot be considered a "super" class.
• The cost of the "premium" feed mixture is lower.
• In order not to be mistaken with the choice and not to waste money on expensive feed, carefully read the description, study the composition. Check with the breeder or veterinarian if you have any questions.

Breeders warn that a clumsy approach to mating has almost destroyed the entire breed once, so first you need to get as much information as possible on this procedure.And most importantly, you cannot cross with other breeds.

Acquaintance with a couple can begin after 10 months. Remember that the cat has an independent disposition, so do not expect that she will immediately like the first representative. An individual approach is important here, although according to all the main criteria, the mating of the Egyptian Mau differs little from other breeds. Mating is possible only on the third heat. The first two must be skipped for the feline organism to form. Otherwise, the cat uses forces not for development, but for bearing, giving birth and feeding offspring, which will affect its health. Subsequently, its recovery may not reach the normal level, time will be lost. Therefore, you should listen to the opinion of professionals and wait for the third heat.

How to determine its onset? Analyze the behavior of the animal carefully. If she has become more affectionate, constantly rubbing and purring, stamping with her front paws as if she’s dying of something, then it’s begun.

The first mating is a serious step. Better to spend it up to one and a half years... Difficulties arise with age. It is not necessary to muffle the estrus with medical means. Such exposure will harm the health of the female and her future offspring. Disorders in the functioning of the mother's reproductive system may appear, which will cause diseases in babies. Experienced breeders advise using one untied partner for the first mating.

An inexperienced Mau may get confused. Before mating, the cat and the cat must undergo a complete medical examination. The veterinarian will give a conclusion that all vaccinations are available, if not, it is worth doing. In addition, both partners should be proglisted a couple of weeks before the scheduled event.

Be sure to trim your Mau claws so that during games, which are very aggressive, they do not hurt each other. Never wash your pets before mating. You will deprive them of their characteristic scent that attracts members of the opposite sex.

It is customary to bring a cat to a cat, and not vice versa. This rule is due to the following. The more fearful and timid cats are frightened by the unfamiliar environment, and the brave ones will first of all begin to explore unfamiliar territory and mark it, which will not please the owners. Usually the female is brought in on the second or third day of estrus. She is left at a party for a while, depending on the individual preferences of partners, usually about 3-5 days.

When meeting, the participation of the owners is reduced to a short-term observation of the behavior at the initial stage. Then it needs to be minimized. It is better to provide a separate room for pets. If the cat appreciates the female at her true worth, she will start caring right away. Now everything will depend on the cat. Perhaps at first she will show aggression. If this is expressed in the form of a game, then the partners can be left, if not, then, probably, the female did not like the cat, and their mating will not take place.

After successful mating, pregnancy can be determined after 3 weeks. The maximum birth rate should not exceed once a year. The body must have time to recover after childbirth and lactation. On average, the gestation period for pups is a little about 10 weeks. Usually there are 5 to 6 babies in a litter.

Until the age of one month, the Egyptian Mau takes full care of the babies, feeds, licks, protects. Then she begins to wean the babies in order to teach them to eat adult food. By the age of three months, the cat is able to teach the offspring all the intricacies of living in the house: finding food, going to the toilet, hygiene. That is why it is advisable to take a kitten from her during this period.

At the age of six months to 7 months, kittens begin to change their teeth. Sometimes the "milk" ones are late with the loss and then a double row of teeth is formed, which leads to an uncomfortable state and excessive sensitivity. It should be noted that babies are born with non-green eyes. They turn green only by the third month, and full completion will take place only by 1.5 years. If at 3-4 months the eyes did not turn green, then the kitten is considered not a show one.

A legacy from wild relatives is fuzzing - a camouflage phenomenon inherent in kittens under 20 weeks of age. During this period, the spots almost disappear under the emerging protective whitish hairs, which makes it difficult to assess the color. Silver babies are born with a pale silver coat, but there are also black representatives. A distinctive feature of silver kittens from smoky ones is a mustache. For the first, they are white, for the second, they are black.

Breeders believe that the lighter the shade at birth, the better. On a light fur coat, the spots are more contrasting. Smoky representatives still darken with age, so the pattern becomes less noticeable. Breeders know that the same litter can contain babies of different colors, including black or “marbled” ones. Of course, they are not suitable for exhibitions, however, they make an excellent companion for a much lower cost.

Unfortunately, in Russia it is difficult to acquire babies of this breed, since there are very few domestic breeders. This is due to the fact that the ancestors are in America, it is problematic and expensive to acquire a breeding animal from them. The main requirement when buying is to choose a reputable nursery that has been actively working for several years and has a certain status. Since the breed is small, you may need to book a kitten in advance.

When buying, carefully read the package of documents. The pedigree must contain confirmation of several generations of ancestors. Keep in mind that the baby Egyptian Mau is expensive. The cost of non-exhibition representatives starts from 35 thousand rubles. Breeding show pups are estimated at 50 thousand and more, reaching 150. It all depends on the color, the most expensive is silver.

The main selection criteria are as follows.

• Keep your eyes and ears clean.
• The coat is smooth and shiny, healthy.
• A playful and active baby is the first sign of excellent health.
• The hind legs are longer than the forelegs according to breed criteria.
• The tail is without kinks or defects, smooth.
• Pay attention to the color of your eyes. At 3 months, they already begin to acquire a greenish tint, and at 3.5 they are already green.
• The pattern in the form of rings on the neck does not completely close.
• Check that silver kittens have no brown or dingy gray specks anywhere. They should only be gray.
• In babies with a bronze color, the true pattern can be seen on the muzzle.
• Smoky representatives darken as they get older, so the lighter they are, the better.

If you do not plan to engage in pedigree breeding, but have acquired a pet for the soul, then it is better to consult a doctor for this operation. As practice confirms, spayed animals live longer and get sick less often. Since the temperament of the Mau during the sexual period is violent, it can be difficult to cope with it.

And it is harmful to extinguish the symptoms with hormones, this can cause diseases of the reproductive system. Therefore, experts advise sterilizing the pet. The procedure is performed by experienced doctors. The age of the Mau should not exceed 9 months, since by this age the first signs of sexual heat appear.

From an early age, the Egyptian Mau requires increased attention. Its activity should be constantly directed in the right direction. It will take persistence, patience and ingenuity. If everything is left to chance, the cat will find its own entertainment, then it will not seem a little, especially in a city apartment. Or she will go to the other extreme, sleep and eat a lot, which will certainly harm her health.

The high intelligence of the breed allows pets to very quickly get used to a new place, analyze the actions and character of all family members. Therefore, you should come up with some kind of code of rules, which must be adhered to by all, without exception. If at least someone backs down, the cat will understand that this is possible, and it will be extremely difficult to wean her.

The main requirements are as follows.

• Do not feed your pet from the table or from your plate. Arrange a special place for him to eat.
• Do not allow food to be stolen from the table and begging for it while receiving guests.
• Don't let your cat jump on the dining table or food preparation area.
• Avoid corporal punishment, use a reward system better.

The breed is trainable. Engage in training, it will allow you to captivate not only the cat, but also you. Learn new commands, words, actions. Mau can be taken outside using a harness. Walk around with her at home initially, let the animal get used to it.

For the features of the Egyptian Mau breed, see the following video.