The Arabian Mau is an official cat breed that traces its roots to the early African wildcat, a short-haired type of cat originally from the Arabian Peninsula. These cats have thrived in the streets of the region, perfectly adapted to its hot and dry climate. In contrast, the Egyptian Mau is a smaller to medium-sized breed with short to medium-length fur. It’s one of the few domesticated cats that naturally has spots on its coat. These spots only appear at the tips of its fur, giving it a unique, dappled look. This breed is quite rare.
Origins
The Arabian Mau is a native cat breed that has lived on the Arabian Peninsula for over a thousand years. It's found in places like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE. As I mentioned before, these cats are perfectly suited to the hot climates of some parts of Arabia.
In contrast, historical records suggest that the Egyptian Mau originally comes from Egypt. According to genetic studies published in the Pentascope report, the Egyptian Mau shares a close genetic link with breeds like the Maine Coon, Korat, and Turkish Angora. The phylogenetic tree in a study from PlosOne also shows that the Egyptian Mau is part of a group of cat breeds that have Western ancestry.
Appearance
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The Arabian Mau is a medium-sized cat with a strong, muscular body. It’s not particularly slim, but rather solid and well-built. Its legs are a bit long, and it has oval paws.
When you look at its head, you’ll notice it’s a little round but slightly longer than it is wide. The nose curves down gently when you look at it from the side, and its whisker pads stand out with a subtle narrowing in the middle. The chin is solid and firm. The eyes are big, a bit oval-shaped, and tilted just slightly. The eye color can vary, but many Arabian Maus have bright green eyes. Its ears are large, set a bit forward and outward, and they’re a little longer than usual, positioned high on its head.
On the other side, the Egyptian Mau is also a muscular breed, famous for its spotted coat and a distinct tabby marking on its forehead that looks like a scarab. The head is medium-sized and gently rounded. The ears are medium to large, broad at the base with slightly pointed tips. They also have short hair that may have little tufts. Its eyes are large and round, typically a light green, though kittens can have amber-colored eyes. The body is medium in length, and you can clearly see the shoulder blades. There's a loose fold of skin on its side that stretches from the flank down to the knee. The tail is thick at the base and about medium in length.
Adult Arabian Maus are usually 8 to 10 inches tall and weigh somewhere between 8 and 16 pounds. In comparison, Egyptian Maus generally weigh around 6 to 14 pounds and stand 8 to 14 inches tall. What sets the Egyptian Mau apart is its incredible speed. These cats are the fastest among domestic breeds, thanks to their longer back legs and a special fold of skin that runs from the side to the back knee. This flap of skin allows the cat's legs to stretch out further, boosting both agility and stride length. Egyptian Maus have been recorded running at speeds of over 30 miles per hour (48 km/h).
Temperament
The Arabian Mau is a popular choice for a pet. It's friendly with both kids and other animals when given time to adjust, and it’s perfectly happy living indoors or outside. Pet owners often say the Arabian Mau is affectionate, gentle, and loves to give and receive attention.
On the other hand, Egyptian Maus are a rarer breed. These cats are known for their love of water—they’re smart enough to turn on a faucet! Even though they’re energetic, they’re also quite cuddly and will happily curl up on your lap. They do well with playful kids and other pets that match their energy, but can be a bit cautious around new people.
Grooming
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Arabian Maus have short fur with no thick underlayer, so they don't shed much. They’re pretty good at grooming themselves, making life easier for their owners. You don’t have to brush them often, but doing so every now and then helps get rid of loose hairs and makes their coat look extra shiny.
As for Egyptian Maus, they don’t need too much grooming either. They shed only a little, so brushing them once a week keeps their coat nice and glossy. Their nails need a trim about once a month, and you can either take them to a groomer, a vet, or just do it yourself if you're comfortable.
Health
Any pet can fall ill and need medical attention, but the Arabian Mau is generally a healthy breed. Unlike many other cats, they don’t tend to have as many hereditary health problems. That said, it’s still a good idea to start setting aside money for emergencies. As with any cat, you should monitor their overall well-being. Make sure to feed your Arabian Mau high-quality food and watch their weight—obesity in pets is becoming a bigger issue. Don't forget to check their teeth too. Regularly open their mouth to ensure their teeth are intact, there’s no tartar buildup, the gums aren’t inflamed, and there are no other signs of dental problems.
In contrast, Egyptian Maus in the U.S. have a more limited genetic pool, which can lead to certain health issues like kidney disease, bladder stones, and urinary tract problems. They might also be more likely to develop a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can shorten their lifespan. If kept indoors, Arabian Maus can live well into their 20s, while Egyptian Maus usually live between 10 to 15 years.
