The origin, description and content of the Egyptian Mau cats

The Egyptian Mau is the oldest cat breed known since the reign of the pharaohs. She almost disappeared altogether, but was saved by the efforts of geneticists.

The breed is sometimes called "aboriginal," which means that it was not originally a man who brought it out. The Egyptians only tamed several wild African representatives. Translated from the ancient Egyptian "Mau" means a cat. Very little is known about its origin. Archaeologists have found in the excavations of 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 incarnated in the serpent.

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

For 1500 thousand years, the cats were dedicated to paintings, created statues of precious metals and stones. In honor of the cats built temples, she was solemnly buried, mummified and honors like pharaohs. In the event of a fire, the Egyptian Mau was the first to be saved. After her death, the owner, and sometimes the whole family, shaved their eyebrows as a sign of grief. In ancient Egypt of that time, the death penalty was imposed for the murder of Mau.

Archeologists found cat cemeteries where mummies were enclosed in gold and silver sarcophagi decorated with jewels. For example, in the city of Beni Hassan, this burial consisted of 180 sites. As you know, animals can soothe pain.

Over the long history of the breed there were ups and downs. In the Pharaohs, Mau was revered and fed a lot, but when they fell, the cats became ordinary inhabitants of the Egyptian streets and guards from rodents. The revival of the breed began about a century ago. Several breeders from Italy, France and Switzerland participated in this genetic activity. Unfortunately, the war negated all efforts, and the breed was on the verge of extinction.

Only after it, with the assistance of Russian princess Natalia Trubetskoy, work resumed. The woman was in the city of Pompeii, where the neighbor boy gave her a silver kitten with dark spots. The princess of his spotty coat reminded the images of cats from ancient mosaics. The lady became interested in their history, and in the 50s, after meeting with the ambassador of Egypt, 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 the noble lady emigrated, selection work began.

From Italy to emigration she took two silver cats and one bronze cat. They were enough to start breeding. In 1958, Trubetskaya registers a nursery called "Fatima", in which at that time there were ten 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 the litters, but they were used exclusively for breeding. In the 60s Spaniards, Czechs and Hungarians joined the work on the revival of the breed.

We must pay tribute to American felinologists. It was they who developed the program of elimination, proposed to base on outbreed selection using intensive selection. Aborigines with the given parameters from North Africa, caught directly on the street, became descendants. Then their offspring were crossed with individuals of a matched type, but of eastern or American origin.

In order to expand the population, North African cats were additionally delivered. In each litter, kittens were carefully selected that were suitable by the standard, 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 type of Mau was taken as a basis. In the 80s, a Tory cat from India was imported to America. Its characteristic feature was a brilliant bronze coat with a contrasting spotted pattern.

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

At first glance it seems that you see a regular spotted cat, but it is enough to watch her for a couple of minutes to change your opinion. This cat is extremely graceful, instant reaction and developed muscles like a cheetah. Spotted coat enhances the impression. It is noted that some representatives are able to reach speeds of up to 48 kilometers per hour, aided by longer rear legs. On the abdomen are clearly visible two skin folds, the same as in cheetahs, they connect the center of the abdomen with 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 average, however, endurance and strength sometimes give reason to doubt the miniature. The addition of the body is very proportional, flexible and elegant, slightly elongated. Unlike females, cats have wider shoulders. Head shape - wedge-shaped, without excessive elongation. On it large ears are widely planted. Some representatives have brushes on the tips.

There are strict criteria for the “Egyptian Mau”, which are fixed as a standard. All appearing kittens 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 a random order, have a different shape and size. On the legs are clear stripes that, when approaching the body, turn into specks. An annular pattern is seen around the neck and on the tail. The chest region has no spots. On the face is a pronounced pattern in the form of the letter "M".
• Eyes. Wide set and always a little surprised. The color is only green. Black edging around each eye. This color is also called "the makeup of the Queen." Scientists suggest that Egyptian women let down their eyes, imitating a cat's stroke.
• Growth. On average, an adult cat does not exceed 25-30 cm. However, there are no hard and fast rules, as long as its addition 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 long absence of owners. Since the cat has a sense of dignity, does not like excessive compulsion. For this reason, it is not recommended to start it in a house where small children live. With other animals, the mother can do it, except for those pets in which she is able to see prey: birds, hamsters, mice, etc. The cat does not seek to become a leader in the domestic pack, it communicates with everyone on an equal footing.

The breed is characterized irrepressible energyespecially at a young age. Its output should be directed, otherwise expect trouble. The best solution is training. Animals can memorize simple commands, learn stunts, or learn words.

Cat well and quickly understands the rules of behavior in the room where she lives, allows you to walk with her on the harness. Over time, she will create for herself an idea of ​​each person living in the house and set up an individual relationship. In this regard, it is worth warning that Egyptian Mau is able to show aggression towards strangers, associated with the desire to protect their territory and the "family". In addition, she can jealously treat 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 to cope with complex tasks, they quickly learn to open doors and find a way out. Unfortunately, it is this quality that can cause stubbornness at a young age, when the owner must instill a basic behavior skills in the house. Another characteristic feature is conservatism. These little cheetahs do not like sudden changes, loud and sharp sounds.

The elite breed is not only characterized by unique features of character, but also imposes some requirements that not all owners can fulfill. Conscientious breeders always warn about hidden defects of the breed, so that the owner understands that he takes a pet not only for his own pleasure. Before you choose a pet, evaluate your abilities, regime and habits in accordance with the list of these advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages include the following features.

• Good health, low incidence rate. Mau is a native breed, therefore, they are characterized by strong immunity. To protect the cat from infections will help the vaccination system.
• High intelligence and good learning require constant development in order not to get bored.
• Devotion, affection, high socialization. Does not like to be alone for a long time. From this can fall into depression or start to behave disgracefully.
• Love bathing. Water treatments are ready to take often. Sometimes it can play with a stream of water from the tap or lower the paws into a bath filled for the host.
• High activity regardless of age. Requires regular games to pet bored.

At the same time, the criteria that follow from the indicated advantages can be attributed to minuses.

• Independence. You can not impose a cat, she does not like it. Therefore, if you want constant lisping and hugging, the breed is not for you. For the same reason, Mau not suitable for small children.
• Volume. Cats of this breed very loudly urchat during estrus, all emotions express a characteristic meow, able to "talk" with the owner, expressing their emotions. Not all owners can make constant sounds made by the Mau.It should be noted that most of the cats are still silent, it is easier for them to express feelings by movements of the tail or trampling.
• Get ready for the fact that the pet absolutely does not tolerate boredom and loneliness. If you are not 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 wires, get things out of the closets, jump on the shelves and other “fun” activities.
• Problems in the period of "sexual" hunting. If the cat or cat is not sterilized, then in springtime you will find uncontrollable behavior. They will loudly shout, scratch, spoil interior items. Experts advise that the sterilization procedure be carried out in the event that breeding is not planned. The operation is carried out at the age of 6 months, which will make the pet calmer.
• Binge eating. Unfortunately, the breed is characterized by this feature, you have to constantly monitor the cat.
• Rarity. The closed nature of the breed speaks of its exclusivity, which consequently increases its cost and increases the risk of encountering fraudsters.

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

• Egyptian. Genetics took cats straight from the streets, selecting them according to established standards. Thanks to this, Mau gained good health.
• American The Trubetskoy wards became the progenitors. African breeds and aborigines from other continents were used for matings.
• Indian. Derived on the basis of mau crossing with local Indian representatives. Subsequently, Bengal cats and ocicats came from the mestizos.

Depending on the shade of wool can be distinguished 3 types.

• Silver color. This color is considered the primary. The tonality varies from light to dark gray. Spotted patterns range from dark gray to black. Monochromatic areas on the chest, chin and around the eyes are usually white. Gentle pink ears with short wool of a mouse shade have dark tassels on tips.
• Bronze color. The color base is dark brown, turning into red or cream. Spots and stripes of chocolate color.
• Smoky color. Looks like silver, but much darker. Another name is “black smoke”. The base shade is dark gray with a black pattern.

The rules of the content of the Egyptian Mau is not very complicated. They take care of the pet regularly, but the procedures are not burdensome, they 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 the molt - in a day. Different brushes are suitable for these purposes, for example, from 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 put their sides and head under the brush themselves. Before the exhibitions, some owners rub their pets with suede or silk napkins, which increases the shine of the fur. Clean and smoothly combed skin gently overflows 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 bathing. Often you do not need to wash your pet, optimally - 2-3 times a year, preferably in the period of active molting. You can dry the cat with a towel or a hair dryer, if he will not mind. The procedure for cleaning the ears and eyes should be carried out weekly. The accumulated dirt is gently removed with a cotton swab dipped in warm water or a disk. You can use special tools.

Claws in striped domestic cats should 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 cannot 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, the claws grind off naturally, so you can cut less often. Teaching to cut nails should be from infancy, then in adulthood there will be no problems.

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

The following procedure is carried out per year, after which it is repeated on an annual basis. Veterinarians notice that even cats that do not go out need vaccinations, because people can wear a disease on their clothes, shoes or hands.

Treatment of the animal from fleas and worms is done twice a year. Reception of vitamins is necessary during the molting period. 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. In the normal structure of the body, the bones obviously do not protrude, but are palpable.

The Egyptian Mau is different for its hunting excitement, so before taking it into the house, A number of preparatory procedures should be carried out.

• Drop-down curtains better clean up and secure with special mounts. Breeders advise, until the kitten has matured and learned to use special equipment for entertainment, remove curtains completely or hang them in a short version.
• Things that stand on the shelves of cabinets should be moved away deep into or put away in lockable cabinets. This is especially true for fragile items.
• Window grids should be carefully secured. If the kitten in the heat of the game jumps on them, they should not fall out with him.
• It is necessary to hide all electrical cables and antennas, do not leave unattended charging devices for gadgets and headphones. Based on practice, they are the most favorite items for feline pampering.
• Since the breed is very curious and is not afraid of water at all, it is worthwhile to save the little pet from the trouble and close the aquariums, toilets, and sinks.

The Egyptian Mau is unpretentious in content, but it needs a personal space where it can hide and rest. Therefore, you will need a cat house or bed. You can buy 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 will need the following things.

• A bowl. Choose dishes with a heavy bottom, it will be harder to turn over. In pet stores you will be offered bowls of metal or ceramic.
• Tray. The toilet should be equipped in a secluded place, but it should be accessible to the cat. A kitten is better to choose a small and low tray, adults will have to replace it with a larger model.
• Filler. Initially use the same as that of the breeder, it can be replaced later.
• Carrying. Since you will have to leave the house, for example, to the vet, 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 continued interest of the cat. They must be squeaking, mechanically moving, hanging on a string.To provide mobility, but at the same time to limit movement on shelves and curtains, organize a gamedrome with rope ladders, climbing slopes, skipping ropes, a kind of tree.
• Kogtetochka. This item is essential to save furniture from cat vandalism. Teach her Mau from a very young age.

The breed is very active, it is characterized by an excellent metabolism. However, if she does not provide 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 the early death of a pet, therefore it is better for prophylaxis to provide them with constant activity, movement.

Among the features marked predisposition of the cat fraternity to allergies. For these two reasons, you must correctly choose the pet food. His diet must be balanced, focusing on the calculation of calories by age, initial weight and degree of activity. Usually, adults need 80 Kcal per 1 kg of body weight per day. Breeders warn that if the animal does not like the feed, it can consciously go on a hunger strike, showing obstinacy. Food may contain not only dry, but also natural ingredients. Consider two power schemes, as well as the main pros and cons of each.

All experts note that special premium or super premium mixtures are required to feed the Mau. This is necessary to exclude allergic reactions to which the breed is predisposed. It should strictly follow the recommended dosage specified in the manufacturer's instructions.. When mixing dry food and canned food, choose them of the same brand.

The advantages of this scheme include the convenience for the owners: no need to cook, pick up 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-grade dry mixes, some monotony of the options offered.

Only lean beef or veal can be used, chicken and turkey are also welcome. Pre-meat products are best subjected to heat treatment. Some animals eat boiled offal perfectly. Fish allowed. Breeders emphasize that it is advisable to use only marine species, because the river is more bony and contains helminths. Fish, like meat, must be boiled beforehand.

Eggs, boiled vegetables and porridge (preferably rice or buckwheat) are suitable as a side dish. Once a week should be added to the menu dairy products to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

Different alternation of components allows you to vary the menu. Since dishes are made up of several products by the owner, if you are allergic to one of them, you can easily replace it. A person chooses products himself, so there is confidence in the quality of each. The disadvantages are mainly reduced to time costs, employment and laziness of the owners. Of course, cooking takes time. Of course, at first it will be difficult to count calories and create a balanced diet, but experience will come with practice.Another requirement is the addition of vitamins and minerals. Here will help breeders or veterinarians.

Before you give the kitten, A conscientious breeder will certainly inform the future owner of the feed that the animal has consumed. And also warn about all the intricacies of compliance with the diet. Small Mau should be fed five times a day, gradually reducing the number to two by the age of one. At first you need to adhere to the breeder's diet, but over time it can be revised. In no case can feed the 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, fish and meat necessarily require preliminary heat treatment. This will save the animal from the appearance of worms. Among the necessary rules - around the clock availability of clean water.

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

• Super premium feed mixes contain the right amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Protein components - meat, sometimes in the form of pea or potato protein. Gluten from corn is not used. Oats, rice, and barley are added as carbohydrates. They have a low degree of allergenicity, are well digested by the animal.
• The premium class feed 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 description of the feed does not specify a list of preservatives, then it cannot be considered a “super” class.
• The cost of the feed mixture "premium" below.
• In order not to be mistaken with the choice and not to spend money on expensive feed for nothing, carefully read the description, study the composition. If you have questions, consult with the breeder or veterinarian.

Breeders warn that the inept approach to mating almost once 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 be started after 10 months. Remember that the cat has an independent character, so do not expect that the first representative will immediately attract her. Here an individual approach is important, 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 missed to form a cat's body. Otherwise, the cat uses the force not for development, but for carrying, giving birth and feeding the offspring, which will affect its health. Subsequently, its recovery may not reach the normal level, time will be lost. Therefore, you should listen to the opinions of professionals and wait for the third heat.

How to determine its offensive? Carefully analyze the behavior of the animal. If she has become more affectionate, constantly rubbing and purring, tapping her front paws as if she was dying something, it means that she began.

The first mating is a serious step. It is better to hold it to one and a half years.. With age, difficulties arise. Mute estrus medical means should not be. Such exposure will harm the health of the female and her future offspring. Disorders in the functioning of the reproductive system of the mother, which will cause disease in babies, may occur. Experienced breeders advise to use one untied partner at the first mating.

Inexperienced Mau can be confused. Before a viscous cat and a cat must undergo a full medical examination. The veterinarian will give a conclusion that all vaccinations are available, and if not, they should be done. In addition, both partners need to proglytogonit a couple of weeks before the planned event.

Be sure to cut the Mau claws, so that during games that are very aggressive, they do not hurt each other. Do not wash pets before mating. You deprive them of the characteristic smell that attracts the opposite sex.

It is customary to bring the cat to the cat, and not vice versa. This rule is due to the following. More fearful and timid cats are frightened by the unusual situation, and the brave ones will first of all start exploring unfamiliar territory and marking it, which will not bring pleasure to the owners. Usually the female is brought on the second or third day of estrus. On a visit, it is left for some time, depending on the individual preferences of partners, usually around 3-5 days.

When meeting the participation of the owners 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, then the groom will start immediately. Now everything will depend on the cat. Perhaps 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 a successful mating, pregnancy can be determined after 3 weeks. The maximum frequency of labor should not exceed once a year. The body must have time to recover from childbirth and lactation. On average, the term of carrying babies is about 10 weeks. Usually in litter from 5 to 6 babies.

Until the age of one month, the Egyptian Mau takes full care of the little ones, feeds, licks, preserves. Then she starts weaning babies in order to teach them to eat adult food. By the age of three months, the cat is able to teach offspring all the intricacies of living in the house: finding food, going to the toilet, and 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, the kittens begin to change teeth. Sometimes “milky” lags with a fallout and then a double row of teeth is formed, 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 to be an exhibition.

A legacy from wild relatives is fuzzing - a masking phenomenon inherent in kittens under the age of 20 weeks. During this period, the specks almost disappear under the appearance of protective whitish hairs, which makes it difficult to assess the color. Silver babies are born with pale silver wool, but there are also black representatives. A distinctive feature of silver kittens from smoky are whiskers. The former have white, the latter have black.

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

Unfortunately, in Russia it is difficult to acquire babies of this breed, since there are very few domestic breeders.This is due to the fact that the ancestors are in America, to buy a breeding animal from them is problematic and expensive. When purchasing, the main requirement is to choose a reputable nursery, which 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 pedigree must contain confirmation of several generations of ancestors. Keep in mind that the baby Egyptian Mau is expensive. The cost of non-exhibition representatives starts from 35 thousand rubles. Breeding show cubs are estimated at 50 thousand and above, reaching 150. Everything depends on the color, the most expensive is silver.

The main selection criteria are as follows.

• Eyes and ears should be kept clean.
• The coat is smooth and shiny, healthy.
• Playful and active baby - the first sign of his excellent health.
• The hind legs according to the criteria of the breed are longer than the front.
• Tail without creases and defects, smooth.
• Pay attention to the eye color. At 3 months they are already starting to get a greenish tint, and at 3.5 they are already green.
• Drawing in the form of rings on the neck does not close to the end.
• Make sure that the silver kittens do not have anywhere brown or dirty gray spots. They should only be gray.
• In babies with a bronze color, the true pattern can be seen on the face.
• Smoky representatives darken with maturation, so the lighter they are, the better.

If you do not plan to engage in breeding, and purchased a pet for the soul, it is best to consult a doctor for this operation. As practice confirms, sterilized animals live longer and are less likely to get sick. Since the temperament of the Mau is violent in the sexual period, it can be difficult to cope with it.

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

Egyptian Mau from an early age requires increased attention. Its activity should always be sent in the right direction. It will require perseverance, patience and ingenuity. If you let everything go to chance, the cat will find entertainment for itself, then it will not seem a little, 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.

High intelligence of the breed allows pets to quickly get used to the new place, analyze the actions and character of all family members. Therefore, you should come up with a certain code of rules that everyone should adhere to without exception. If at least someone retreat, 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 the pet from the table and from your plate. For meals, arrange a special place for him.
• Do not let the food be stolen from the table and ask for it during the reception.
• Do not allow the cat to jump at the dining table or place of cooking.
• Avoid corporal punishment, better use the reward system.

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

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