These two cat breeds share the same characteristic of being pure natural-breed cats, but they have many differences.
The Arabian Mau is a formal breed of domestic cat that originated from the desert cat. They are a short-haired native of the Arabian Peninsula. The Egyptian Mau is a statuesque spotted cat that originated from Cairo.
If you want to know more about the similarities and differences of the Arabian Mau and the Egyptian Mau, keep on reading.
Origins
Arabians Maus and Egyptians Maus are both very old cat breeds. Arabian Maus hail from the Arabian Peninsula and have been wandering its deserts for a thousand years, while Egyptian Maus originated from ancient Egypt and have existed since 1100 B.C.
Physical Features
Head
The Arabian Mau cat has a round head with large and pointy ears, while the Egyptian Mau cat has a wedge-shaped head with medium to large ears on top.
Eyes
Arabian Mau cats’ eyes are often light-green but can come in various colors which correspond with their coat color. Egyptian Mau cats have striking gooseberry-green colored eyes.
Arabian Mau cats have relatively larger, slightly slanted oval-shaped eyes, while Egyptian Mau cats have round, almond-shaped eyes that are positioned at an angle.
Body
While both cats have muscular builds, Arabian Mau cats are typically larger than Egyptian Mau cats. They have a firm and massive body and can weigh an average of 10 to 15 pounds. Their typical height is 12 to 14 inches.
Egyptian Mau cats, on the other hand, have a long and lean body that is small to medium-sized. They can grow to be 8 to 10 inches tall and weigh between 7 to 9 pounds fully grown.
Legs
Arabian Mau cats and Egyptian Mau cats have the same long, lean legs for running fast and climbing high places, but they have different leg structures.
The hind legs of the Egyptian Mau cat are longer than their front legs giving them the look of standing on their toes when they are upright.
Coat
Both breeds do not require much grooming because their coats barely shed and are short to medium in length. But you can tell them apart by comparing the colors and qualities of their coats.
Arabian Mau cats have a glossy single-layer coat that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. The most prominent colors are brown, black, gray, and white, with tabby as the most common coat pattern.
Egyptian Mau cats have coats that come in four shades. Their coats can come in black, white, brown, and smoke. They are the only domesticated cats that have naturally dotted coats. They have random round or oval spots with no fixed pattern and a black stripe along their back, which adds to their distinct coat.
Personality
You can also tell these two breeds apart by comparing their behavioral differences. Both cat breeds have a pleasant temperament and are loving and affectionate with their family members.
Arabian Mau cats have a more outgoing personality. They always seek attention from their family members. They are natural explorers. Arabian Maus are not vocal, but they will talk to you on occasion. They are sociable, get along very well with strangers, and enjoy the company of other pets, even dogs.
On the other hand, Egyptian Mau cats are very vocal cats. They are loyal to their humans, as long as it is on their own terms. They love to sit on laps when the opportunity arises. They get startled quite easily by loud noises and sudden movements. Unlike the Arabian Mau, they can be shy around strangers and wary of other animals in your house.
Other Similarities
- Both breeds have a stylish long tail that is thick at the base and tapers toward the tip.
- They are both skilled hunters, so be sure to keep small pets, like mice and hamsters, out of their reach.
- They are both very intelligent breeds and love to play with interactive toys and games.
- Both breeds are very athletic and active by nature. They love to run around and to jump on furniture.
Arabian Mau Grooming Requirements
Because the Arabian Mau has short fur without an undercoat, grooming is relatively easy. Just brush your kitty occasionally to bond with her, as well as to help distribute the naturally-occurring oils throughout her coat to keep it looking and feeling smooth and healthy.
Cats are normally very diligent when it comes to grooming themselves and keeping clean, so baths are not necessary unless your cat rolls in something smelly or dirty. Other than that, trim the tips of your cat’s claws, clean its ears, and brush its teeth, just as you would with any other breed.
Egyptian Mau Grooming Requirements
The Egyptian Mau has a medium-length coat. The texture of the fur varies depending on the cat’s color. Cats with smoke coloring have silky, fine fur. Cats with silver or bronze coloring have fur with a more dense, resilient texture. Brush the coat weekly to keep it shiny and healthy.
The only other grooming the Egyptian Mau needs is regular nail trimming, and ear cleaning if the ears look dirty. Use a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath.
Start brushing, nail trimming, and teeth brushing at a young age so your cat becomes more comfortable with these activities later on.
Conclusion
It is not that hard to distinguish the differences between these two breeds. Despite their similarities, they are still distinct from each other. The striking gooseberry-green eyes, naturally-spotted coat, and being aloof with strangers are some of the distinct qualities that distinguish the Egyptian Mau cat from the Arabian Mau cat.
Image: istockphoto.com / Thomas Leirikh