Origins: The origin of the Egyptian Mau isn't known for certain, but tombs in ancient Egypt have depicted spotted cats and the Egyptian Book of the Dead has several papyrus that show a spotted cat killing a snake or serpant. The Egyptian Mau may have descended from African wild cats. In modern times, careful breeding has taken place to create the 'purebred' Egyptian Mau.

The first Mau arrived in Britain directly from Egypt in 1978 and other origins go back to 1953 in Italy, when exiled Russian Princess Natalie Troubetskoy met the cat of the Egyptian Ambassador to Italy and convinced him to obtain several cats from Egypt for her, and she began to breed them.

Appearance: Egyptian Maus are a medium-sized, short-haired cats and the only naturally spotted breed of domesticated cat. It's interesting to note that their spots aren't just on the coat but a shaved Mau has spots on its skin aswell. The breed conformation is described by The Cornell Book of Cats as a balance between the compactness of a Burmese and Mau's body type is cobby, but long. They are medium size, quite graceful and muscular and they are alert cats that are full of life that gives them a commanding presence.

The standard for their coat pattern should be a good contrast between their spots and the ground color. The 'M' marke on their forehead should be distinct and prominent. Their ears are large and alert, and their eyes are large, almond shaped and slant slightly upward towards their ears.

Temperment: Mau's are extremely active and agile and need lots of exercise and they dislike being left on their own. Thus they shouldn't be expected to live an entirely indoor life. They are very intelligent, with a good memory and tend to attach themselves to one person and are wary of strangers. Their voice is quiet with their usual articulation being a chirp.

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