| A breed of cat as old as recorded history, the | | | | enjoy their company immensely, but are wary of |
| Egyptian Mau ('Mau' means 'cat' in Egyptian) can be | | | | strangers. They are also known to wag their tails |
| seen in the artwork of the ancient Egyptians. It is | | | | like a dog when happy. |
| thought that Egyptian Maus are descended from | | | | Egyptian Maus have some important differences |
| species of the African Wild Cat. In that culture, | | | | from other domesticated cats. They are more |
| the cats were worshiped, protected by laws and | | | | sensitive to temperatures and prefer very warms |
| mummified. The Egyptian Mau is the only breed of | | | | climates. Egyptian Maus are also more sensitive to |
| cat that has naturally occurring spots on its short | | | | medicines and anesthesia. They have a longer |
| coat. Found in a random pattern on the fur, these | | | | than average gestational period. The normal period |
| spots can also be found on the skin. The coat can | | | | for cats is sixty-nine days but seventy-three |
| be silver, bronze or smoke colored with variations | | | | days is still considered normal for an Egyptian Mau. |
| occurring between these three colors. | | | | This breed is also prone to food allergies, hot |
| Egyptian Maus have striking green eyes and an | | | | spots, cardiomyopothy and feline asthma. |
| unusual flap of skin extending from the flank to | | | | There is a website that has great information on |
| the back knee, which allows for agility. It is the | | | | Egyptian Mau and most other breeds of cats. It |
| fastest breed of cat, able to reach speeds of | | | | has details that pertain to a cat breeds health, |
| more than thirty miles per hour. Average adult | | | | grooming, living conditions, best food choices and |
| male Egyptian Maus will reach weights between | | | | more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, |
| ten to fourteen pounds. Females will average six | | | | and can be found at this url: |
| to ten pounds. | | | | By Robert W. Benjamin |
| Egyptian Maus are described as talkative almost | | | | Copyright © 2007 |
| musical and have very distinct vocalizations. They | | | | You may publish this article in your ezine, |
| are curious cats and like to explore, but they can | | | | newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is |
| also be lap cats, preferring the relative comfort | | | | reprinted in its entirety and without modification |
| and safety of a warm and friendly lap. Egyptian | | | | except for formatting needs or grammar |
| Maus are very friendly with their families and | | | | corrections. |