Egyptian Mau vs Siamese
Discover the differences between Egyptian Mau and Siamese to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
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.
Siamese
Striking blue eyes and a sleek, short coat set this affectionate breed apart. Social, vocal, and playful, Siamese cats thrive on companionship and interaction.
Quick comparison
Medium
4–6 kg
Shorthaired, silky
12–16 years
3–5 kg
High energy
Medium
3.5–5.5 kg
Shorthaired, fine-textured
12–16 years
2.5–4.5 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Egyptian Mau
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
Siamese
Enjoys people and bonds closely with owners
Learns quickly and solves puzzles with ease
Highly active and thrives on daily activity
Loves games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Egyptian Mau
Pyruvate kinase deficiency, leukodystrophy
Siamese
Progressive retinal atrophy, respiratory issues
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Egyptian Mau
Moderately suitable
Needs patient training and socialization for beginners
Good fit
Adapts well to smaller spaces if given stimulation
Very suitable
Enjoys interactive play and busy environments
Cautiously suitable
Tolerates respectful children but prefers gentle handling
Can coexist
Usually gets along with other pets if introduced gradually
Not ideal
Dislikes being alone and may develop anxiety or boredom
Siamese
Good option
Affectionate and social, Siamese cats are generally easy for beginners to understand
Excellent fit
Their playful nature suits smaller spaces as long as they receive enough attention
Highly suitable
They enjoy interactive play and thrive in active, engaging environments
Usually good
Siamese cats are social but may be sensitive to rough handling by very young children
Works well
They often get along with other pets if introduced properly and given attention
Not recommended
Siamese cats become lonely and stressed if left alone for extended periods
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Egyptian Mau
- Agile and fast runner
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Loyal to family members
- Playful and energetic personality
- Striking natural spotted coat
Siamese
- Affectionate and bonds closely with owners
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn
- Social and enjoys interactive play
- Communicates needs with distinct vocalizations
- Sleek, low-shedding coat requires minimal grooming
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Egyptian Mau
- 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
Siamese
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Can be overly vocal and demanding
- Sensitive to changes in environment or routine
- Needs frequent mental and physical stimulation
- Susceptible to dental and respiratory health issues
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience