The origin, description and maintenance of cats of the breed Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Mau is the oldest cat breed known since the reign of the Pharaohs. She almost disappeared completely, but through the efforts of geneticists was saved.

The breed is sometimes called "native", this suggests that it was not originally bred by a person. The Egyptians only tamed a few wild African representatives. Translated from ancient Egyptian "Mau" means cat. Very little is known about its origin. Archaeologists have found in excavations objects in which the gods are depicted as a spotted cat. For example, on the papyrus of 1100 BC, Ra is represented in such an image, killing the god of chaos embodied in a snake.

A little later, the ancient Egyptians began to deify in Mau the goddess of love - Bast, who also patronized fertility, joy and fun. She presented herself in a female form with a cat's head, and sometimes completely transformed into a cat. Egyptian Mau was kept at temples and revered as a sacred animal. Hence its independent character.

For 1,500 thousand years, paintings were dedicated to cats, statuettes were created from precious metals and stones. Temples were built in honor of cats, it was solemnly buried, mummified and rendered honors like the pharaohs. In the event of a fire, the Egyptian Mau was the first to be rescued. After her death, the owner, and sometimes the whole family, shaved their eyebrows as a sign of grief. In ancient Egypt at that time, the death penalty was based on the Mau murder.

Cat cemeteries were found by archaeologists, where mummies were enclosed in gold and silver sarcophagi decorated with jewelry. For example, in the city of Beni Hassan, such a burial consisted of 180 places. As you know, animals can soothe pain.

Over the long history of the breed, ups and downs have occurred. Under the pharaohs, Mau was revered and fed well, but when they fell, cats became ordinary inhabitants of Egyptian streets and guards of houses from rodents. The revival of the breed began about a century ago. Several breeders from Italy, France and Switzerland participated in this genetic action. Unfortunately, the war nullified all efforts, and the breed was on the verge of extinction.

Only after her, with the assistance of the Russian Princess Natalia Trubetskoy, did work resume. The woman was in the city of Pompeii, where a neighbor boy gave her a silver kitten with dark spots. To the princess, his spotted coat resembled images of cats from ancient mosaics. The lady became interested in their story, and in the 50s, after meeting with the Egyptian ambassador, she became the owner of two more Egyptian Mau. In 1953, Trubetskaya demonstrated the first representatives of the breed at the exhibition. In 1956, in America, where a noble lady emigrated, selection work began.

From Italy, she took two silver cats and one bronze cat into exile. There were enough of them to start breeding. In 1958, Trubetskaya registered a nursery called Fatima, which at that time included a dozen Egyptian Mau. With her participation, a standard was developed for the selection of exhibition representatives, three colors were identified: silver, smoke and bronze. Black kittens appeared in litters, but they were used exclusively for breeding. In the 60s, Spaniards, Czechs and Hungarians joined in the work on the revival of the breed.

It is necessary to pay tribute to the American felinologists. It was they who developed the breeding program, proposed to be based on outbride selection using intensive selection. The descendants were the natives with the given parameters from North Africa, caught directly on the street. Then their offspring were interbred with individuals of a selected type, but of Eastern or American origin.

To expand the population, North African cats were additionally delivered. In each litter carefully selected standard kittens, the appearance of which corresponded to the ancient Egyptian standard. It was intensive selection that contributed to the successful revival of this breed, as well as the fact that the “wild” Mau species was taken as the basis. In the 80s, a Tory cat was imported to America from India. Its characteristic feature was a shiny bronze wool with a contrasting spotted pattern.

In addition, he was in excellent health. His descendants were recognized as the "Indian line". Tori also served as the beginning of the formation of the Bengal cat breed. Already in the 90s, European nurseries were opened: Dutch, Swiss and Italian. They are much smaller than in America, which is explained by the difficulties of acquisition and high price.

At first glance it seems that you are looking at an ordinary spotted cat, but just a couple of minutes to watch it is enough to change your mind. This cat is unusually graceful, instant reaction and developed muscles resembles a cheetah. Spotted coat enhances the impression.It is noted that some representatives are capable of speeds up to 48 kilometers per hour, which is facilitated by longer hind legs. Two skin folds are clearly visible on the abdomen, the same as cheetahs, they connect the center of the abdomen to the knees of the hind legs. This feature allows you to make wide jumps. Among domesticated cats, mau are considered the fastest.

The dimensions of an adult animal are within the middle range, however, endurance and strength sometimes give reason to doubt the miniature size. The constitution of the body is very proportional, flexible and elegant, slightly elongated. Unlike females, cats have wider shoulders. The shape of the head is wedge-shaped, without excessive elongation. Large ears are widely planted on it. Some representatives have brushes on their tips.

There are strict criteria for the "Egyptian Mau", which are fixed as a standard. All kittens appearing must meet the specified characteristics.

• Color - natural spotting. This is a distinctive feature. The pattern on the body is asymmetrical, bright spots are arranged in random order, have different shapes and sizes. There are clear stripes on the legs, which, when approaching the body, turn into spots. A ring-shaped pattern is visible around the neck and on the tail. The chest area has no spots. On the face, a pronounced pattern in the form of the letter "M".
• Eyes. Widely planted and always a little surprised. Color is only green. Black piping around each eye. This color is also called "Queen's make-up." Scientists suggest that Egyptian women let their eyes down, imitating a cat stroke.
• Height. On average, an adult cat does not exceed 25-30 cm. However, there are no strict rules, the main thing is that its composition is proportional.
• Weight. For females from 3 to 4 kg, for males about 5-6 kg.
• Age - about 14-15 years.

Egyptian Mau is a great companion. She is balanced, very rarely shows aggression, quickly becomes attached, suffers from a prolonged absence of owners. Since the cat has a self-esteem, does not like excessive obsession. For this reason, it is not recommended to start it in the house where young children live. With other animals, Mau gets along, except for those pets in which she is able to see prey: birds, hamsters, mice, etc. The cat does not strive to become a leader in the domestic pack, she communicates with everyone on an equal footing.

The breed is characterized irrepressible energyespecially at a young age. Its exit should be directed, otherwise expect trouble. The best solution is training. Animals are able to memorize simple commands, learn tricks or learn words.

The cat well and quickly understands the rules of behavior in the room where she lives, allows her to walk with a harness. Over time, she will compose for herself an idea of ​​each of the residents in the house and set up an individual relationship. In this regard, it is worth warning that Egyptian Mau is able to show aggression against outsiders, associated with the desire to protect their territory and the "family". In addition, she can be jealous of her own toys, so before taking them, make sure that the pet does not mind.

Developed intelligence, observation and interest in everything that happens helps cats cope with complex tasks, they quickly learn to open doors and find a way out. Unfortunately, it is this quality that can cause obstinacy at a young age, when the owner must instill in the pet the basic skills of behavior in the house. Another salient feature is conservatism. These little cheetahs do not like sudden changes, loud and sharp sounds.

The elite breed is not only characterized by unique character traits, but also presents some requirements that not all owners can fulfill. Conscientious breeders always warn of hidden breeds of the breed, so that the owner understands that he takes a pet not only for his own pleasure. Before choosing a pet, evaluate your abilities, mode and habits in accordance with the list of indicated advantages and disadvantages.

The pluses include the following features.

• Good health, low incidence rate. Mau is an indigenous breed, therefore, they are characterized by strong immunity. The vaccination system will help protect the cat from infections.
• High intelligence and good learning require constant development so as not to get bored.
• Devotion, affection, high socialization. He does not like to be alone for a long time. From this it can become depressed or start to be outrageous.
• Love of bathing. She is ready to take water procedures often. Sometimes it can play with a stream of tap water or lower its paws into a bath filled for the owner.
• High activity regardless of age. Constant games are required so that the pet does not get bored.

At the same time, the disadvantages include those criteria that arise from the indicated pluses.

• Independence. You can’t be imposed on a cat, she doesn’t like this. Therefore, if you want constant lisp and hugging, then the breed is not for you. For the same reason, Mau not suitable for small children.
• Volume. Cats of this breed growl very loudly during estrus, express all emotions with a characteristic meow, are able to "talk" with the owner, expressing their emotions. Not all owners can handle the constant sounds made by Mau. It should be noted that most cats are still silent, it is easier for them to express feelings with tail movements or stomping.
• Get ready for the fact that the pet absolutely can not stand the boredom and loneliness. If you are not at home for a long time, then know that you will make the cat suffer. She will express her experience in some kind of entertainment, for example, she will start playing with wires, taking things out of closets, jumping on shelves and other “funny” activities.
• Problems during the "sexual" hunt. If the cat or cat is not sterilized, then in the springtime you will find uncontrollable behavior. They will scream loudly, scratch, spoil the interior. Experts advise to necessarily carry out the sterilization procedure in the event that breeding is not planned. The operation is performed at the age of 6 months, which will make the pet calmer.
• Binge eating. Unfortunately, this trait is characteristic of the breed; you will have to constantly monitor the cat.
• Rarity. The closed nature of the breed indicates its exclusivity, which accordingly increases its value and increases the risk of colliding with scammers.

In fact, the breed does not have subspecies, but since the work on restoring the livestock was carried out in different countries, 3 main categories were tentatively distinguished.

• Egyptian. Genetics took cats directly from the streets, selecting them according to established standards. Thanks to this, Mau gained good health.
• American The grandparents became the wards of Trubetskoy. African breeds and natives from other continents were used for mating.
• Indian. Bred on the basis of crossing Mau with local Indian representatives. Subsequently, Bengal cats and ocicets went from mestizos.

Depending on the shade of wool, 3 species can be distinguished.

• Silver color. This color is considered the main. The tone changes from light to dark gray. The spotted pattern ranges from dark gray to black. Plain areas on the chest, chin, and around the eyes are usually white.Pale pink ears with a short mouse-colored coat have dark tassels at the tips.
• Bronze color. The color base is dark brown, turning into a red or cream. Chocolate stains and stripes.
• Smoky color. It looks like silver, but much darker. Another name is "black smoke". The basic shade is dark gray with a black pattern.

The rules for keeping Egyptian Mau are not very complicated. The pet is looked after regularly, but the procedures are not burdensome, do not require much effort and time.

Short hair does not need frequent combing; it is enough to perform the procedure once a week. During molting - every other day. For these purposes, different brushes are suitable, for example, made of rubber or silicone, as well as a frequent comb. Besides a purely aesthetic reason, combing is necessary as a massage. It stimulates blood circulation. As a rule, cats love the procedure and themselves substitute their sides and head under the brush. Before exhibitions, some owners rub their pets with suede or silk napkins, which enhances the shine of the coat. A clean and smoothly combed skin gently shimmers when walking.

Cats respond well to water. If you teach a kitten to water procedures from a young age, then there will be no problems with swimming. Often you don’t need to wash your pet, optimally - 2-3 times a year, preferably during active molting. You can dry the cat with a towel or a hairdryer, if he does not mind. Ear and eye cleaning should be done weekly. Accumulated dirt is carefully removed with a cotton swab or disc moistened with warm water. You can use special tools.

The claws of striped domestic cats need to be cut 2 times a month. This is done with a special tool - a trimmer. The tip is cut off in 2-3 mm. You can’t cut deeper, there are nerve endings. For the first time it is better to carry out the procedure under the supervision of a veterinarian. If the pet walks on the street, then the claws will grind naturally, so you can cut less often. Accustom to trimming nails should be from infancy, then in adulthood there will be no problems.

Breeders recommend brush your teeth with special brushes and pastes. They are a preventive measure that stops the formation of tartar. The procedure should be taught from an early age. In order to protect the pet from infectious diseases, vaccination is regularly carried out. It starts at the age of two months, then another month later.

The following procedure is carried out annually, after which it is repeated on an annual basis. Veterinarians note that even cats that do not go outside need vaccinations, because people can bring the disease on their clothes, shoes or hands.

Processing an animal from fleas and worms is done twice a year. Vitamin intake is necessary during molting. It is better to entrust the choice of the complex to professionals in a veterinary clinic. The breed is prone to obesity. Inspect your pet regularly, as it causes problems in the digestive tract, cardiovascular system, and joints. With the normal structure of the body, the bones obviously do not protrude, but are felt.

Egyptian Mau has a passion for hunting, so before you take it to your house, a series of preparatory procedures should be undertaken.

• It is better to tidy up and drop down curtains and fix with special fastenings. Breeders advise until the kitten has matured and has learned how to use special equipment for entertainment, remove curtains altogether or hang their short version.
• Items on shelves should be pushed further inland or put into lockers.This is especially true for breaking objects.
• Window nets should be carefully fixed. If a kitten in the heat of the game jumps on them, they should not fall out with him.
• It is necessary to hide all power cables and antennas, do not leave unattended chargers for gadgets and headphones. Based on practice, they are the most favorite items for cat pampering.
• Since the breed is very curious and not at all afraid of water, it is worth saving a small pet from troubles and closing aquariums, toilets, sinks.

The Egyptian Mau is unpretentious in maintenance, but she needs a personal space where she can take refuge and relax. Therefore, you will need a cat house or a couch. You can purchase a ready-made shelter or make it yourself with your own hands. The main requirement is not to put it in the aisles and drafts. For the content you will need the following things.

• Bowl. Choose dishes with a heavy bottom, it will be more difficult to turn over. In pet stores you will be offered bowls made of metal or ceramic.
• Tray. The toilet should be equipped in a secluded place, but it should be accessible to the cat. It is better for a kitten to choose a small and low tray; for adults, it will have to be replaced with a larger model.
• Filler. Initially use the same as the breeder, later it can be replaced.
• Carrying. Since you have to leave the house, for example, to the veterinarian, it is better to purchase a special device for the safe transportation of the pet. Choose it in accordance with the dimensions of the animal.
• Toys. A variety of toys will allow you to ensure the constant interest of the cat. They should be squeaking, mechanically moving, hanging on a rope. To ensure mobility, but at the same time limit movement on shelves and curtains, organize an igrodrome with rope ladders, climbing frames, jumpers, a kind of tree.
• Scarlet point. This item is essential to protect furniture from cat vandalism. Teach Mau to her from a very young age.

The breed is very active, it is characterized by excellent metabolism. However, if she is not provided with constant mobility, especially when living in a city apartment, the cat will quickly gain excess weight. And this is fraught with the appearance of various diseases, including the cardiovascular system. Obesity caused by an unbalanced diet will lead to an early death of a pet, therefore it is better for prevention to provide them with constant activity, movement.

Among the features noted predisposition of the cat brethren to allergies. Based on these two reasons, it is necessary to correctly choose a pet food. His diet must be balanced, focusing on calculating calories by age, initial weight and degree of activity. Typically, adults require 80 Kcal per 1 kg of body weight per day. Breeders warn that if the animal doesn’t like the food, he can consciously begin a hunger strike, showing stubbornness. Food may contain not only dry, but also natural ingredients. Consider two power schemes, as well as provide the main pros and cons of each.

All experts note that special mixes of premium or super-premium class are required to supply Mau. This is necessary to exclude allergic reactions to which the breed is predisposed. The recommended dosage indicated in the manufacturer's instructions should be strictly followed.. When mixing dry food and canned food, choose one brand.

The advantages of such a scheme include convenience for owners: you do not need to cook, select products and calculate a balanced portion, everything has already been done.In addition, this food has a long shelf life. Among the minuses, it is worth noting the high cost of premium dry mixes, some uniformity of the proposed options.

You can use only low-fat beef meat or veal, chicken and turkey are also welcome. Pre-meat products are best subjected to heat treatment. Some animals eat boiled offal very well. Fish allowed. Breeders emphasize that it is advisable to use only marine species, since river ones are more bony and contain helminths. Fish, like meat, must first be boiled.

Garnish is suitable for eggs, boiled vegetables and porridge (preferably rice or buckwheat). Once a week, dairy products should be added to the menu to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Various alternation of components allows you to diversify the menu. Since dishes are made up of several products by the owner himself, if you are allergic to one of them, it can easily be replaced. A person chooses products himself, so there is confidence in the quality of each. Cons are mainly reduced to time expenses, employment and laziness of owners. Of course, cooking takes time. Of course, at first it will be difficult to calculate calorie content and create a balanced diet, but experience will come with practice. Another requirement is the addition of vitamins and minerals. Breeders or veterinarians will help here.

Before giving the kitten back, a conscientious breeder will certainly acquaint the future owner with the feed that the animal consumed. And also warn about all the intricacies of adhering to the diet. Small Mau should be fed five times a day, gradually reducing the amount to two by the age of one. At first, you need to adhere to the breeder’s diet, but over time it can be reviewed. In no case should you feed a cat fried, salty and spicy. Do not give her food from the master's table or food waste.

If you want to feed your pet with natural products, remember that fish and meat necessarily require preliminary heat treatment. This will save the animal from the appearance of worms. Among the necessary rules - the availability of clean water around the clock.

When choosing a finished feed, you should pay attention to some features and differences between the classes of "premium" and "super-premium."

• Feed mixtures of super-premium classes contain the required amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Protein components - meat, sometimes in the form of pea or potato protein. Corn gluten is not used. Oats, rice, and barley are added as carbohydrates. They have a low degree of allergenicity, are well digested by the body of the animal.
• The composition of the premium food includes wheat and corn, some cats are allergic to them.
• Preservatives are a mixture of vitamins E and rosemary, they also play the role of antioxidants. If the list of preservatives is not indicated in the description of the feed, then it cannot be considered a super class.
• The cost of the premium feed mixture is lower.
• In order not to make a mistake with the choice and not spend money on expensive food for nothing, carefully read the description, study the composition. If you have questions, consult your breeder or veterinarian.

Breeders warn that an inept approach to mating already once nearly destroyed the entire breed, so first you need to get as much information as possible on this procedure. And most importantly, it is impossible to cross with other breeds.

Acquaintance with a couple can begin after 10 months. Remember that the cat has an independent disposition, so do not expect that she will immediately like the first representative. An individual approach is important here, although according to all the main criteria, the mating of the Egyptian Mau differs little from other breeds. Mating is possible only on the third estrus. The first two must be skipped so that the feline organism is formed. Otherwise, the cat does not use her strength to develop, but to bear, give birth and feed the offspring, which will affect her health. Subsequently, its restoration may not reach the normal level, time will be lost. Therefore, it is worth listening to the opinion of professionals and wait for the third estrus.

How to determine its onset? Carefully analyze the behavior of the animal. If she has become more affectionate, she constantly rubs and purrs, dips her forelegs as if something was dying, which means it has begun.

The first knit is a serious step. It’s better to spend it before a year and a half. Difficulties arise with age. Muffle estrus by medical means should not be. Such an impact will harm the female’s health and her future offspring. Disorders in the functioning of the mother's reproductive system, which will cause diseases in babies, may occur. Experienced breeders are advised to use one untied partner at the first mating.

Inexperienced Mau may be confused. Before mating, the cat and cat must undergo a complete medical examination. The veterinarian will give a conclusion that all vaccinations are available, if not, it is worth doing. In addition, both partners need to be swept away a couple of weeks before the planned event.

Be sure to cut the Mau's claws so that during games that are very aggressive, they do not hurt each other. Never wash your pets before mating. You will deprive them of a characteristic smell that attracts representatives of the opposite sex.

It is customary to bring a cat to a cat, and not vice versa. This rule is due to the following. The more timid and timid cats are afraid of the unusual environment, and the bold ones will first begin to explore the unfamiliar territory and mark it, which will not please the owners. Usually, the female is brought on the second or third day of estrus. At a party she is left for some time, depending on the individual preferences of the partners, usually about 3-5 days.

When meeting the owners, the participation is reduced to a short-term observation of the behavior at the initial stage. Then it needs to be minimized. It is better to provide a separate room for pets. If the cat appreciates the female, she will start to look after immediately. Now everything will depend on the cat. Perhaps at first she will show aggression. If this is expressed in the form of a game, then partners can be left; if not, then the cat probably didn’t like the female and their mating will not take place.

After successful mating, pregnancy can be determined after 3 weeks. The maximum frequency of birth should not exceed once a year. The body must have time to recover after childbirth and lactation. The average gestation period is about 10 weeks. Usually in a litter from 5 to 6 babies.

Until the age of one month, Egyptian Mau takes full care of babies, feeds, licks, protects.Then she begins to wean the babies from the breast in order to teach them to eat adult food. By the age of three months, the cat is able to teach posterity all the tricks of living in the house: finding food, going to the toilet, hygiene. That is why it is desirable to take a kitten from her during this period.

At the age of six months to 7 months, kittens' teeth begin to change. Sometimes "milk" is delayed with loss and then a double row of teeth forms, which leads to an uncomfortable state and excessive sensitivity. It should be noted that babies are born with non-green eyes. They turn green only by the third month, and full completion will take place only by 1.5 years. If in 3-4 months the eyes did not turn green, then the kitten is considered not exhibition.

The legacy from wild relatives is fuzzing - a camouflage phenomenon inherent in kittens under the age of 20 weeks. During this period, the spots almost disappear under the protective whitish hairs that appear, which makes it difficult to assess the color. Silver babies are born with a pale silver coat, but there are also black representatives. A distinctive feature of silvery kittens from smoky ones is a mustache. The former are white, the latter are black.

Breeders believe that the brighter the shade at birth, the better. On a light fur coat, the spots are more contrasting. Smoky representatives darken with age, so the pattern becomes less noticeable. Breeders know that in one litter there may be babies of different colors, including black or “marble” ones. Of course, they are not suitable for exhibitions, however, they will become an excellent companion for a much lower fee.

Unfortunately, in Russia it is difficult to get kids of this breed, since there are very few domestic breeders. This is due to the fact that the ancestors are in America, it is problematic and expensive to purchase a breeding animal from them. The main requirement when buying is to choose a proven nursery that has been active for several years and has a certain status. Since the breed is small, you may have to book a kitten in advance.

When buying, carefully read the package of documents. The genealogy must contain confirmation of several generations of ancestors. Keep in mind that an Egyptian Mau baby is expensive. The cost of non-exhibition representatives starts from 35 thousand rubles. Breeding exhibition cubs are estimated at 50 thousand and above, reaching 150. It all depends on the color, the most expensive silver.

The main selection criteria are as follows.

• Eyes and ears should be clean.
• The coat is smooth and shiny, healthy.
• A playful and active baby is the first sign of his excellent health.
• Hind legs according to breed criteria longer than front.
• Tail without creases and defects, smooth.
• Pay attention to eye color. At 3 months, they already begin to acquire a greenish tint, and at 3.5 they are already green.
• The pattern in the form of rings on the neck does not close completely.
• Check that silver kittens do not have spots of brown or dirty gray shade anywhere. They should only be gray.
• In kids with a bronze color, the true pattern can be seen on the face.
• Smoky representatives grow darker with age, so the lighter they are, the better.

If you do not plan to engage in pedigree breeding, but have purchased a pet for the soul, then it is better to consult a doctor for this operation. As practice confirms, sterilized animals live longer and get sick less often. Since the temperament of Mau during the sexual period is violent, it can be difficult to deal with it.

And suppressing the symptoms with hormones is harmful, it can cause diseases of the reproductive system. Therefore, experts advise sterilizing the pet. The procedure is carried out by experienced doctors. The age of Mau should not exceed 9 months, since by this age the first signs of sexual hunting appear.

Egyptian Mau from an early age requires attention. Her activity should always be directed in the right direction. It will require perseverance, patience and ingenuity. If everything is left to chance, the cat herself will find entertainment, then it will not seem enough, especially in a city apartment. Or she will go to the other extreme, will sleep a lot and eat, which will certainly harm her health.

The high intelligence of the breed allows pets to quickly master in a new place, analyze the deeds and character of all family members. Therefore, you should come up with a certain code of rules, which everyone should adhere to without exception. If at least someone backs off, the cat will understand that this is possible, and it will be extremely difficult to wean it.

The main requirements include the following.

• Do not feed your pet from the table and from your plate. Organize a special place for him to eat.
• Do not allow to steal food from the table and ask for it during the reception.
• Do not allow the cat to jump to the dining table or cooking place.
• Avoid corporal punishment, it is better to use a reward system.

The breed is trained. Engage in training, it will captivate not only the cat, but also you. Learn new commands, words, actions. Mau can be taken outside using harness. Initially, walk with her at home, let the animal get used to it.

About the features of the breed Egyptian Mau, see the next video.