The Egyptian Mau is a medium-sized short-haired cat breed. Viviparous, weighing 2.5-5 kilograms, it is the only domestic cat with natural leopard spots.

　　The Egyptian Mau has leopard-like spots on its skin and fur. It is the only spotted tabby cat breed whose spots formed naturally rather than through artificial breeding, earning it the nickname "little leopard." The wild-flavored spots are scattered randomly in varying sizes, while the face, limbs, and tail display striped patterns. Between the eyebrows on the forehead is a scarab beetle pattern, one of the main reasons why ancient Egyptians adored this cat.

　　The Egyptian Mau is alert and agile, disliking intense activity, and is suitable for family keeping.

　　Breed Overview

　　The Egyptian Mau is an ancient breed worshiped as a sacred cat in ancient Egypt. Its place of origin is Egypt. According to authoritative experts, Egypt is the earliest country to domesticate cats. The Egyptian Mau and Abyssinian cats are believed to be the breeds kept by ancient Egyptians. Ancient Egyptian murals and papyrus display cats identical in appearance to the modern Egyptian Mau.

　　Appearance

　　The Egyptian Mau’s size, length, and bone structure are medium, with very developed muscles. Though appearing slender, it is extremely sturdy. Its limbs are well proportioned and coordinated with the body; when standing, the hind legs are taller, standing on toes. The paws are delicate, somewhat oval-shaped, with longer toes on the rear feet. The tail is moderately long and tapers at the end. Overall, the Egyptian Mau has a fit and well-shaped body.

　　The fur colors include silver, bronze, dark grey-black, with evenly distributed spots. The fur is dense, soft, elastic. The medium-sized body has a pair of large, pointed ears and a typical "M" shaped marking on the head. The Egyptian Mau is a relatively rare and precious breed, currently seldom seen domestically.

　　Rarity Standards

　　Purebred Egyptian Maus are very precious. Until 2007, fewer than 200 purebred cats were registered annually with the GCCF. In 2006, the CFA recorded a total of 6,741 registered Egyptian Maus.

　　There are five coat colors from most precious to common: silver, bronze, smoke grey, black, and blue/white wax. Black to white wax Egyptian Maus are not exhibited but are used for breeding. All exhibiting Egyptian Maus must have green eyes, but amber eyes in kittens up to 18 months old are also acceptable.

　　Breed Comparison

　　The Ocicat is a breed very similar to the Egyptian Mau but is artificially bred, and leopard spots only appear in specific breed pairings. The Bengal cat is also very similar but noticeably larger (5.5-9kg).

　　The "Cornell Encyclopedia of Cats" records this breed as:

　　Combining the compactness of Burmese cats with the elegance of Siamese cats. Medium size, very strong, with hind legs longer than front legs, standing as if on tiptoes.

　　The Egyptian Mau is the fastest domestic cat due to its long, powerful legs and loose skin from abdomen to back knees. These features make its body extremely agile. It is recorded that the Egyptian Mau can run at speeds of up to 48 kilometers per hour.

　　Egyptian Maus have a very varied vocalization. They chirp, trill, and make other very unique sounds when stimulated. Like most cats, they wag their tails when happy. Both male and female cats mark territory, but not by urinating. (Source：PetsZone)