August 29, 2024, 2:56 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
The Arabian Mau is a rare breed of cat whose angular, long head resembles a wild animal. However, it is also suitable as a family cat as it is very playful.
Origin
The Arabian Mau originates from the Arabian Peninsula and is a relatively young cat breed. It is a relative of other domestic cats and lived for almost a millennium in a more feral form as imported cat breeds were more popular. Since 2004, a non-profit organization has been dedicated to the care and breeding of the wild breed. In 2009, the World Cat Association recognized the Arabian Mau; other breed standards do not yet exist. In Germany, the Arabian Mau is still very rare.
Appearance & coat
According to the breed standard, the Arabian Mau is slender and has long legs. Its proportions are muscular but streamlined. The head is slightly longer and less broad than in other cat breeds, which gives it an unusual appearance. The ears are large and sit on the side of the head. The eyes are oval, and their color should match the coat.
The coat of the Arabian Mau is short and smooth. Due to its origin in a desert region, it has no undercoat and sheds less hair than other cats. It is, therefore, also suitable for some allergy sufferers. The coat is usually red or red and white. However, the Arabian Mau is also available in white, gray, brown, black and white, and black. Patterns are permitted in the coat itself. The Arabian Mau is either mackerel, piebald, striped, or tabby.
Character & disposition
Although the Arabian Mau is considered a wild breed, it is neither aggressive nor harmful to humans. Their nature and character are very original and do not show any overbreeding, as with other breeds. In general, they are considered robust and are also suitable for families with small children who still need to be accustomed to handling cats.
The Arabian Peninsula cat breed is generally good-natured and takes things in its stride. If you treat them well and build relationships with them, they become very affectionate and people-oriented.
Training & activity
The Arabian Mau has strong muscles and is very long-legged. It, therefore, particularly enjoys hunting games where it can really let off steam. It is particularly active in the evenings and usually sleeps a lot during the day. This is due to their origin in the desert region, which is very hot during the day. However, the Arabian Mau also adapts to the lifestyle of its owners. However, the preference for evening exercise can also be considered for training and activity, as this is when the cat is most active and can sleep more peacefully after an intensive play session. Search and intelligence games, in particular, encourage their natural curiosity.
Correct keeping & care
The Arabian Mau’s coat is very short and easy to care for due to the lack of an undercoat. As a rule, owners rarely, if ever, have to help with grooming. Although the cat breed is very robust, it is not used to cold winters. It should, therefore, be given less or only short outdoor runs on the patio or balcony during the cold season.
The Arabian Mau has a strong urge to move around. It is advisable to allow it to go outside in good weather or offer a cat-proof balcony or patio. However, it can also be kept as an indoor-only cat as long as there are enough opportunities to keep it occupied and play. It gets on well with other cats and dogs. The Arabian Mau is docile and likes to play with people or other cats.
Diet
Like all cats, the Arabian Mau primarily depends on a wholesome, meaty diet. Small amounts of vegetables are permitted if the animals accept them. When choosing food, care should be taken to ensure that it does not contain cereals or added sugars. These are difficult for cats to digest and unnecessary for their diet. Due to the original breed, raw feeding (BARF) or hunting for mice should also be a welcome change for the Arabian Mau.
Susceptibility to certain diseases
Due to its short breeding history, the Arabian Mau shows little susceptibility to breed-related diseases. It is considered robust and healthy. With good care, it can live up to 20 years.
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The Arabian Mau at a glance
- Character: intelligent, playful, people-oriented
- Size: medium-sized
- Weight: 4 to 8 kilos
- Coat: short and smooth, without undercoat
- Grooming: easy to care for
- Special features: long, narrow head and large ears, very rare in Germany