Egyptian Mau
Strikingly spotted and athletic, this cat is affectionate yet playful, forming close bonds with family. Agile and intelligent, the Egyptian Mau loves interactive games and gentle attention.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
23–28 cm (male)
20–25 cm (female)
WEIGHT
4–6 kg (male)
3–5 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–16 years
Egyptian Mau: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
Species
Felis catus
Diet
Carnivore
"A Egyptian Mau isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Egyptian Mau's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Egyptian Mau is typically affectionate, loyal, and reserved with strangers, forming strong bonds with family members. This breed often exhibits playful yet gentle behavior.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate with family, reserved with strangers
Learns quickly and solves problems easily
Very active, enjoys frequent physical activity
Loves interactive games and chasing toys
Sensitive to changes in environment and routine

Strengths
- Agile and fast runner
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Loyal to family members
- Playful and energetic personality
- Striking natural spotted coat
Challenges
- Prone to stress-related health issues
- May be shy with strangers
- Needs plenty of mental stimulation
- Sensitive to changes in routine
- Prone to obesity if not exercised

Protect your Egyptian Mau
Egyptian Mau are active and energetic, but they can develop pyruvate kinase deficiency and leukodystrophy. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Egyptian Maus are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
Egyptian Maus are intelligent and quick learners, responding well to positive reinforcement training methods. They can master basic commands and enjoy interactive puzzle toys that challenge their minds.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–40 minutes active play
recommended per day
This breed has a high energy level and needs regular physical activity, such as play sessions and climbing. Mental stimulation through toys and games is important to prevent boredom.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Egyptian Maus are versatile cats that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Egyptian Mau would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs patient training and socialization for beginners
Apartment Living
Adapts well to smaller spaces if given stimulation
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys interactive play and busy environments
Kids
Tolerates respectful children but prefers gentle handling
Multiple Pets
Usually gets along with other pets if introduced gradually
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being alone and may develop anxiety or boredom
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Egyptian Maus compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Egyptian Mau
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
Helpful pet owner tools
Use our interactive tools to help you make the best decisions for your pet journey
Pet name generator
- 1000+ unique pet names
- Filter by gender & personality
- Save your favorites
Random breed generator
- Explore unexpected matches
- Learn about rare breeds
- Find hidden gems
Breed comparison tool
- Side-by-side comparison
- Multiple criteria options
- Detailed breed information
Explore more cat breeds
Discover other popular cat breeds and find your perfect feline companion