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Picture: Namira, Pharo's Best
Cattery Owner Lisa Van Order
Brief History
The Egyptian Mau is the only naturally spotted, domestic breed of cat. History of this breed dates
back at least 4,000 years to Ancient Egypt. Evidence suggest, and experts agree, that the Egyptian Mau is in fact the cat domesticated from a spotted sub-species of the African Wild Cat. They were
worshiped as deities and upon their death, were mourned, mummified and often sent to the city Bubastis for burial.
Temperament
The Mau often appears to be shy with strangers, but they are extremely affectionate and fiercely loyal to their families, both human and feline. Many like to carry on
conversations by a combination of soft meows and "chortling" in a soft melody. Most are well mannered and able to be independent, preferring an indoor family life. Very few
enjoy all the extra attention and stress brought on by a show career.
Coat, Colors and Pattern
The Egyptian Mau comes in five colors. Silver, bronze and smoke are showable in the
Championship class. Black and blue are accepted for registration but not showable. All colors are to be in the spotted tabby pattern with barred legs and broken necklaces
on the chest. The hair is medium in length. In the silver and the bronze the texture is dense and resilient. In the smoke the texture is fine and silky.
Head
The head should show a slightly rounded wedge without flat planes, medium in length and not full cheeked. Allow for jowls in unaltered males. Length of nose is even in
width from frontal view. Profile shows a gentle contour and a slight rise from the bridge of the nose to the forehead. The muzzle flows into the wedge of the head. Neither
short or pointed. Chin should be firm. Face expresses a worried look. Ears
Ears
are medium to large, slightly pointed. May or may not be tufted. Inner ear is shell pink.
Eyes
Almond shaped, slanting towards the ears. Not round or oriental. The only acceptable color is green. "Gooseberry green" is preferred which is a pale green with a very slight
yellow cast. An amber cast is acceptable in cats younger than 1-1/2 years old.
Body, Legs, Feet and Tail
The body is medium length with well developed muscular strength yet graceful and
elegant. Must not be cobby or oriental. Unaltered males tend to develop muscular necks and shoulders as they mature. A primordial skin flap on the belly helps to set
this breed apart from the others. Hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs and the feet are small. The tail is medium length, thick at base with a slight taper. Not short or whip-like.
(If you feel that you have a better description for this category we would love to hear from you chendel@quiknet.com) A great big THANKS to Christi Hall
Raziel Reign Cattery
phone 425/844-2297
for her input!
If you want to e-mail her: RAZIREIGN@aol.com CUI Members and other Links More Breed Descriptions on the Net
CFA Breed Profile: Egyptian Mau
CFA Breed Standards Egyptian Mau
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