Egyptian mau

History Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau originates in the old Egypt. About 4000 years ago he was worshipped there as a god. “Mau” means “cat” or “sun” in the Egyptian language. In the beginning he almost was the people’s protector since he killed mice and snakes. When someone killed a cat or treated him bad, he was sentenced to death. The Mau was a family member, got food and was respected. When a cat died, the family members had to shave off their eye brows as token of sorrow.    

The cat was mummified and buried in the cat pyramid of Bubastis, this was the place of the goddess Bastet.

She was first portrayed as a lioness but later on also as a cat and a woman with a cat’s head. Bastet’s eyes were a depository for the sun, and Ra (god of the sun) beat the Snake of Darkness Apop in the shape of a spotted cat.

The pharaoh’s only wanted the Mau’s for themselves, and they managed to achieve this by making demigods of them. That is why the Mau is sometimes also called the “pharaoh’s cat”.
We can consider the Mau as the ancestor of our housecats. The portrayal of these cats can be found on hieroglyphs nowadays.

They are usually portrayed as protector, hunter, or housecat. They resemble the present Mau.

Trough the USA
The Russian princess Natalia Troubetskoy discovered the Mau and was fascinated by it. She could bring 3 Mau’s from Egypt and saved them from wars and rebellions. In 1953 and 1954 her first nests were born. Together with the Mau's she had bred herself she went to the USA in 1956. Jojo (a bronze tomcat, Liza and Baba (2 silver female cats) formed her cattery Fatima.     

In 1958 the Mau was accepted as a breed for the first time in the following 3 colors: silver, bronze and smoke. Black was only allowed to use for breeding.
 
Later on blue occurred very rarely in nests, which was also accepted in 1977. All cats which descend from Fatima, form the Traditional Line.

In 1980 Jean Mill imported Tasha and her brother Toby to the USA. These warm, bronze, well contrasted Mau’s with a golden shine were born in Egypt but lived in New Delhi. They were also included in the pedigree and ensured new blood, which was necessary since there was a lot of inbreeding in the traditional line. Cats which descend from this are called the ‘Indian line’.

Entrance in Europe
Around WOII the Mau was practically died out in Europe but in 1988 they were imported from the USA again by three countries (Italy, Switzerland and Holland). Despite of the fact that the Mau tries to extend in a healthy way, their popularity increases and that they have an exceptional personality, they are still rare.

Appearance
The Egyptian Mau is the only breed which has natural spots; the spots are already present at birth. His wild appearance, his soft melodic voice, his catlike elegant walk, his intelligent interested look and his surprised expression form his exotic beauty. If a Mau is in a good shape, he is supple, fast and a born athlete

Character
The Egyptian Mau has a fascinating personality. The Mau wants to do things his way but is friendly and social, also with other pets.

The Mau is attached to his family (cat and human being) and wants to be a member of the family. It is therefore necessary that the owners are responsible and loving. He is very affectionate to the people he loves and is loyal to them.

The Mau is a lively cat which walks around with his favorite toy and he can catch well. He is curious, wants to interfere in everything and loves to be carried on the shoulders. Because of his independency and sensitivity these cats are real educators and good mothers. This intelligent cat with an unique character is an ideal housemate.   

Breedinformation & pictures provided bij cattery  MAUÏSHA