Egyptian Mau Breeders' and Fanciers' Club   EMBFC is a member of the Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc

The Egyptian Mau is a fascinating cat, not only because of its past history, but because of its delightful personality and striking appearance.

The Mau (mau is the Egyptian word for cat) has been clearly identified in the artwork of the ancient Egyptians, leaving no question in the minds of many experts that the Egyptian Mau is indeed the cat domesticated from a spotted subspecies of the African Wild Cat by this unique culture. To gaze upon this beautiful and engaging creature is an opportunity to view a living relic.

A procession of cats as houselhold servants attending to a seated lady mouse or rat
A satirical papyrus (c. 1150 BC) - Cairo Egyptian Museum

The role of the Mau in the religion, mythology, and everyday life of the Egyptian conveys the degree of affection and respect in which these cats were held. They were worshipped as deities, cherished as pets, protected by laws, and mummified and mourned upon their death.

The stone sarcophagus of Tamyt, the cat of Prince Djehutymose (c. 1350 BC)
Cairo Egyptian Museum...

...and today's Brockhaven Tamyt of Tavaron :

Their history in North America began with their importation in 1956 by the exiled Russian princess, Nathalie Troubetskoy. Recognition by The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) for championship competition came in 1977. In the past, all Egyptian Maus in the U.S. and Canada traced their ancestry to two of the original imports from the Fatima Cattery. Recent importations have enriched and broadened the available gene pool for breeders.

Fondcombe's Sahourê, imported from Egypt in May 1999, at the 1999 FIFE Munich show
Photo Ulrike Schanz

The Egyptian Mau has the distinction of being the only natural spotted breed of domestic cat. An extremely intelligent animal, the Mau places a great importance on family, both human and their own, and is fiercely loyal in his devotion to them. They are moderately active and often express their happiness by chortling in a soft melodious voice and wiggling their tails at great speed while treading with their forepaws.

With an elegant body that is randomly spotted, banded legs and tail, expressive gooseberry green eyes, distinctive mascara lines, a worried expression on the face, and a graceful cheetah-like stride, it is no wonder that the Mau attracts such a tremendous amount of attention at cat shows.

GC Matiki's Bronzini

Maus come in five colors: silver, bronze, smoke, black and blue. The black and the blue Mau are not eligible for the show ring, but can be registered and like all other Maus, make excellent pets.

Usually breeders make available kittens between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability needed for a new environment, showing, or being transported by air. Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.

GC Tavaron Dotte Coolpepper
enjoying both showing and scratching !

 

 Just look at them, and most likely you will soon share our passion !

 

Show scene last update : Aug. 28, 2007

• Meet our on-line Members (Feb. 4, 2007)
• Our Constitution & By-Laws
• Meet our Club Officers (Jan. 2, 2006)
• The EMBFC Egyptian Mau breed guide (June 3, 2006)
• Mau resource (Egyptian Mau Coat Color Inheritance + skill tests)
  

• Want to learn more about the breed ? See the CFA breed profile and the CFA standard
• Wish to help us preserving this wonderful breed ? Please fill up our application form