Arabian Mau Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

6-7 kg

Length

20-25 cm

Lifespan

12-16 years

Jump To

About the Arabian Mau Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

If you want a gorgeous feline that is not too big but not too small either, then Arabian Maus may be the perfect cat breed for you.

These are not lazy housecats with a boring back story. This is a cat breed with roots from the Arabian Peninsula and a bloodline as ancient as recorded history. The Arabian Mau is as common as a tabby, yet as rare as Garfield passing up a pan of lasagna.

And like lasagna to Garfield, the Arabian Mau will capture your heart and engulf your entire world. They will make sure they’re the centre of the universe. For the perfect cat breed that will keep you on your toes, say meow to the Arabian Mau (they will answer you!)

What Is the History & Origin of the Arabian Mau Cat?

The Arabian Mau originates in the desert regions of the Middle East. Either Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, no one knows for sure. They remain a very popular breed for house cats in the Middle East.

Mau is an Egyptian word that means cat. Though both the Egyptian Mau and the Arabian Mau are called Mau, they are distinct breeds with unique characteristics.

The Arabian Mau is believed to date back over 1,000 years, but they have only been a popular global cat breed for a bit over a decade.

What Is an Arabian Mau Cat Breed?

The breed is not only purebred but a natural breed of cat.

They crave warm climates, and their coat colour is sort of a remnant of the camouflage they had to survive in the desert.

Maus are the origin story of the common tabby, which is a coat pattern, not a breed. To see a Mau, you will automatically think of a common house tabby, such as Garfield. And you won’t be entirely wrong.

While their origins are as desert and street cats, they make some of the best house cats you can find.

The breed has been officially recognized by the World Cat Federation since 2008.

Who Is an Arabian Mau Cat Best For?

Though original Arabian Maus are of relative rarity, the purebreds of today are the perfect domestic cat and family pet.

They have an energetic spirit and a voice of their own. FYI, they tend to be a bit judgmental and love to combine their ability to climb with looking down upon you in superior condemnation.

As long as you are willing to worship them, it’s easy peasy. They love to talk but don’t bother them with how your day went. They began as street cats in the middle of the desert, so trust us, they don’t care about Janet’s promotion.

Any loving household with time to play with their cats, including those with children and other pets, is a perfect fit.

What Does an Arabian Mau Cat Look Like?

The Arabian Mau has the typical tabby colour and appearance. They are athletic, sleek, and medium-sized.

While they have oval paws, strong muscles, and long legs, it’s their large and pointed ears that are their most distinguishing feature.

Coat

Not only are these tabbies, but legend has it, the Mau is the origin story of the tabby. That’s what their signature M on their forehead means.

Colours

The most common colours are:

Red
White
Black
Brown tabby

Patterns

This breed has the classic tabby pattern.

Arabian Mau Cat Grooming & Shedding

They have short fur with a single coat, so grooming requirements are minimal. Brush them a couple of times per week to get rid of dead hairs to prevent hairballs. They are not bad shedders. They prefer to keep what is theirs (as well as yours).

Also, you should keep their ears and teeth clean and monitor the claws.

How Do Arabian Mau Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

This is a very independent cat breed, but they are also very affectionate, love attention, and are very devoted to their family. In fact, you could call their personality infectious.

Their dominant personality traits are that they are playful and curious, so if you leave a closet or attic door open, you will know where to find them.

They are athletic, active, energetic, and very outgoing. They bond closely with their families and do very well in large families and with other breeds of cats as well as other animals, including dogs.

They respond to any other pet’s temperament with like attitude.

Living Needs

They are relatively very easy to keep. They tend to thrive, whether they are strays on the street or housecats. However, if a Mau does decide that you and your family are fit to have in their lives and move in, you need to pay them the attention they deserve.

Remember, they moved in to be spoiled, not cuddled. So, they want toys, food, and attention.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Arabian Mau Cats?

Habits

Maus are animals of habit. For example, they tend to sleep in the same spot. Don’t worry if you sit in their spot; they will tell you to move. It’s not a problem for them. They understand who the more intelligent species is.

Activity level

Maus are incredibly athletic and exceptionally active, so they are not lap cats. If they are outside, they will run, chase, explore, hunt, and climb. Cat breeds use height as a dominating factor, so expect them to find a way to perch and overlord their domain.

Inside, these are cats that need lots of mental stimulation, and that means toys and preferably interactive toys. But, if you don’t want to buy them toys, no worries, we both know those curtains didn’t match the rest of the decor anyhow.

Vocalness

There is a lot of variation in regard to how vocal your cat will be. Most members of the Arabian Mau breed love to be chatty with their owners, especially when spoken to or when you arrive at home.

They will also talk to other pets and animals they can see through the window; though you may want to shield your children’s ears, it will not always be polite.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of an Arabian Mau Cat?

Males and female Arabian Maus differ slightly only in weight.

Height

Both sexes tend to be 20 to 25 cm tall.

Weight

Males average 6 to 7 kgs.

Females average 4 to 7 kgs.

Size

They are a medium-length breed, sometimes larger – 30 to 38 cm.

Are Arabian Mau Cats Easy to Train?

These are very intelligent but, more importantly, highly adaptive cats. They train very easily. Litter box training will be very smooth, but you can even train them to stay out of certain rooms, to walk on a lead, and even to respond to their own name.

Does the Arabian Mau Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

As are natural feline breeds, the Arabian Mau is very resilient, and they are naturally healthy cats.

They have no hereditary or known genetic disorders or issues. The common issues are:

Obesity
Hairballs

What Is the Lifespan of an Arabian Mau Cat?

Their average lifespan is around 12 to 16 human years or to the kitty age of 65 to 81 years old.

However, if the cat is exclusively a housecat, it’s been known to live for 20 human years or the cat age of 97.

How Much Does an Arabian Mau Cat Need to Be Fed?

These cats are not picky eaters. They are the ‘if they see it, they eat it’ type of eaters. Thus, overeating is a very bad habit of theirs. Owners need to monitor and schedule feeding times and amounts. Otherwise, you will end up with an Arabian Chonk.

Other than that, there are no special issues. Ensure they get enough protein from various sources, and they love both kibble and wet food.

They do well in the hot sun (remember desert cat), but hydration is always a concern.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for an Arabian Mau Cat in Australia?

The cost of a purebred Arabian Mau kitten is dependent upon the availability of reputable breeders and the strain from which the kitten is bred.

You can expect the price of a kitten to average around $600 to $800.

Learn more about: Arabian mau cat prices in Australia

Arabian Mau Cat FAQs

How do I know if my cat is an Arabian Mau?

The most distinctive feature of Arabian Maus and typically the best and easiest means of making an initial identification is their gorgeous bright green eyes paired with long ears, which are slightly forward and sit high up on their heads. A DNA test is the only conclusive way, however.

Are Arabian Mau cats hypoallergenic?

While these cats are short-hair and have a relatively low propensity for shedding or dander production, they are not considered hypoallergenic. With that said, depending upon the degree of sensitivity an individual’s allergies may have, you may be OK around these cats.

Are Arabian Maus noisy?

These are cats that want to be interacted with. They love to chat with their families. When you come home from work, expect to receive the customary hello, how was your day, and tell me all about it. Oftentimes, once you respond to them, they will then proceed to ignore you because… they’re cats.