What is the difference between an Arab mau and an Egyptian mau?

 Egyptian Mau cats are famous for their naturally spotted coat and vocal personality. Arabian Mau cats have large pointed ears and an energetic temperament. These two adorable felines share the characteristic of being purebred cats, but they have many differences. 

Read on to find out more about how these two precious cats compare.

Origins of the Egyptian Mau and Arabian Mau

Both the Egyptian and the Arabian Mau are survivors of time. Egyptian Mau's originate from ancient Egypt and have been around since 1100 BC, while Arabian Mau's originate from the Arabian Peninsula and have been roaming the deserts for over 1000 years.

Egyptian and Arabian Mau: size and appearance

Eyes

Egyptian Mau cats turn heads with their mesmerizing gooseberry green eyes. While Arabian Mau's eyes are often light green, they can also have different coloured eyes, which mostly match the colour of their coat.

There is also a difference in the shape of their eyes. Egyptian Mau cats have round, almond-shaped eyes set at an angle. Arabian Mau's have relatively larger, oval-shaped and slightly slanted eyes.

Body structure

As far as body structure is concerned, both have a muscular build. However, these two felines differ in size. The Arabian Maus are larger felines than the Egyptian Maus.

 Arabian Mau cats have a firm and massive body. They weigh an average of 10 to 15 pounds and are typically 12 to 14 inches tall. 

On the other hand, Egyptian Mau cats are small to medium in size with lean, long body. Their average height is up to 8-10 inches and they usually weigh around 7-9 pounds when they reach maturity.

Coat

These feline breeds do not require much grooming. Their coats hardly shed at all and are short to medium in length. But you can distinguish Arabian Mau cats from Egyptian Mau cats by comparing the colours and qualities of their coats. 

Arabian Mau cats have a remarkably shiny single coat. They have a wide range of colours and patterns, with the most dominant coat colours being a combination of white, grey, black and brown. Tabby is the most common pattern in their coat.

While Egyptian Mau cats are the only domesticated felines to have a naturally dotted coat, their coat comes in 4 major varieties of hues. You can see them in brown, white, black and smoke colour. Random oblong or round spots with no fixed pattern and a black stripe mark along their spine add to the distinction of their coat.

Head

Egyptian Maus have a wedge-shaped head topped by medium to large ears. In comparison, Arabian Maus have a round head with particularly large, pointed ears.

Legs 

Although Egyptian and Arabian Maus have the same long, skinny legs for running fast and climbing in high places, their legs differ in structure. The Egyptian Mau's hind legs are slightly longer than its front legs, giving it the appearance of being on its toes when standing. 

Differences in personality and behaviour

In addition to the differences in physical attributes between these two cat breeds, you can also tell them apart by looking at their differences in behaviour and personality. Both cat breeds have pleasant temperaments. They are loving and affectionate with their family members.

Egyptian Mau cats are exceptionally vocal and loyal to their owners, but only on their own terms. These felines love to sit on your lap when the opportunity arises. But they also have a sensitive soul. They hate loud sounds or sudden movements. Egyptian Maus can be shy with strangers and wary of new pets in your home.

Unlike the Egyptian Mau, who is aloof, the Arabian Mau has a more outgoing personality. They are always seeking attention from family members and enjoy exploring. However, Arabian Mau's are not very loud. They tend to be talkative. But compared to the Egyptian Mau, these felines are sociable and get along very well with strangers, enjoying the company of other pets, including dogs.

Similarities between the Egyptian Mau and the Arabian Mau

You have learned all you need to know about the differences between these two breeds of cats. Now let's take a look at the similar characteristics of the Egyptian Mau and the Arabian Mau.

• Both cat breeds are exceptionally active by nature. They are agile and can jump to high places.
• They are intelligent cat breeds and always do well with interactive games and toys.
• Both Arabians and Egyptian felines are skilled hunters, so it's best to keep your small pets out of their reach.
• They both have long, elegant tails that are thick at the base and taper towards the tip.

Common questions about Egyptian Maus and Arab Maus

How long does an Arabian Maus live?

Arabian Maus cats are exceptionally energetic and healthy felines. Endless energy usually means an active and long life. These cats can live up to about 14 to 15 years. And if they are housed indoors and their health is maintained, they can live up to 20 years at most.

Does Egyptian Maus have powers?

According to legend, the ancient Egyptians worshipped the Maus. Artefacts found by experts have confirmed this myth. Although not magical, the domesticated Egyptian Maus has remarkable olfactory, visual and auditory powers. They are highly intelligent and have a compassionate soul. They can sense the needs and emotions of their family, whether they are other felines or humans.

How fast can an Egyptian Mau run?

Egyptian Mau cats are the fastest of the domestic cat breeds. Experts have observed an Egyptian Mau running at a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour. They can run at this speed because of their long, thin legs. In addition, the extra skin between their belly and hind legs allows them to extend their paws further when running.

Final thoughts

It is not that difficult to distinguish the differences between these two well-known felines. They both have many features in common but are nevertheless distinct from each other. The striking gooseberry green eyes naturally spotted coat and being aloof with strangers are some of the qualities that distinguish the Egyptian Mau from the Arabian Mau.