Arabian Mau

The roots of the Arabian Mau go back over 1,000 years. It is commonly suggested that the breed originated in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates. Some experts even believe that the Arabian Mau counts an African wildcat in their lineage!

These days, the breed is especially popular as a domestic cat in the Middle East. As a fun fact, the word “mau” translates to “cat” in Egyptian! From 2008, the Arabian Mau has officially been recognized by the World Cat Federation. These days, you may find Arabian Maus in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you!

The Arabian Mau is a medium-sized cat breed. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary.

Most male Arabian Maus weigh in at nine to 16 pounds and most female Arabian Maus are between eight and 14 pounds. That said, many can be smaller or larger than average.

So what are you dealing with if you chose to adopt an Arabian Mau? Well, first of all, you’ll be living with an exceptionally active and athletic cat. To that end, you’ll need to make sure that your living situation is big enough for the cat to be able to run around. A cat tree and other feline furniture is a must. This is a smart breed, so you’ll also want to incorporate interactive toys and smart feeders into the mix to keep the cat mentally satisfied.

Along with being an energetic kitty, the Arabian Mau is also a sociable and trusting cat that will want to follow the action around the house. This is great if you have kids or are a busy family. Your Arabian Mau will love to be at the center of attention! Just be warned: While the breed enjoys being around human company, they don’t have much of a reputation for being lap cats who will snuggle up with you all afternoon. But if you’re looking for a cat with an independent streak, you’ll instantly become smitten by the Arabian Mau!

Arabian Maus are generally considered to be healthy cats; although, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s vet.

There aren’t any breed specific health problems associated with the Arabian Mau, but always keep an eye out for signs that your cat might be in distress or pain.

The Arabian Mau needs to be an active cat. Definitely invest in a cat tree if you’re considering adopting a cat of this breed, and if possible, make sure that the cat can climb up and down furniture to satiate their innate need to explore. An interactive treat toy is also a must. This is a smart breed who loves to figure out solutions on their own.

Along with scheduling yearly wellness vet visits, your Arabian Mau will need to have their nails checked and trimmed on a regular basis. Your vet can show you the best and safest way to do so. Adding a scratching post to your living environment can also help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition. Beyond nail care, examine the cat’s ears for signs of dirt building up or possible infection every couple of weeks. Also, it’s advisable to speak to your regular vet about a teeth brushing regimen that will suit your Arabian Mau.

The Arabian Mau’s coat can come in an array of colors, although combinations of black, white, and brown are most common, often with tabby-style markings. In more rare cases, the cat has been spotted with red coloring making its way into the mix!

The Arabian Mau is a short-haired cat whose coat is often described as having a glossy feel to the touch. Grooming requirements are on the low end of the spectrum. Brushing the coat once or twice a week will suffice. Remember that proper brushing will also help ward off the chances of hairballs, along with keeping the kitty’s coat clean and healthy.

When it comes to climate, the Arabian Mau is generally seen as an adaptable cat that can usually live happily in most climates, although due to their desert roots, they favor warmer rather than colder conditions. Just remember to always make sure adequate shade and fresh water is provided when the temperature spikes.

The Arabian Mau is a big hit with children. This is a breed that will quickly form bonds with the kids in their life. Just be sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides, and supervise early interactions between kids and cats.

When it comes to other household pets, the Arabian Mau is equally as sociable. Although, you’ll want to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Arabian Mau for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!

It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Arabian Mau cats because they are a somewhat rare in certain parts of the world. However, you may want to try shelters and rescues that cater to all types of cats, including Arabian Maus, as well as your local shelter. Here are some nonprofit rescues you can try:

• Hope for Paws
• Best Friends Animal Society
• BrownCoat Cat Rescue