Arabian Mau cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A short-haired natural breed from the Arabian Peninsula, adapted to desert life and recognised by the World Cat Federation since 2008.
Also known as Arabian Mau cat, Mau Arabian, Desert cat
Quick facts
| Origin | Arabian Peninsula |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Short, close-lying coat with no undercoat |
| Colours and patterns | Varied; red, white, black and brown tabby are the best known |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA |
|---|---|
| How common | Very rare |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 3 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 3 |
| Happy alone | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 3 |
Allergies and health
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. A short coat with little undercoat may shed less loose hair, but people who react to cats may still react to an Arabian Mau. |
|---|
Best suited to
| Suits | An owner who values a rare natural breed with minimal grooming and a lively, independent streak. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a documented health record, an easy-to-find kitten, or a quiet lap cat. |
Registries that recognise it
- WCF
About the Arabian Mau
The Arabian Mau is a natural breed from the Arabian Peninsula. Cats of this type have lived across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates for more than a thousand years, and they are thought to carry distant ancestry from the African wildcat. Breeders in the Gulf region began to standardise the type, and the World Cat Federation approved the breed at its general meeting in August 2008, with international showing allowed from January 2009. It is the only major cat federation recognition the breed has, and it is rare outside the region.
The Mau is a medium-sized cat, lean and well muscled, built for hot, dry country. The coat is short and lies close to the body, with no undercoat and a slightly rough rather than silky feel. Colours vary widely. Red, white, black and brown tabby are the most common in the show hall. Eyes are usually bright, and sources disagree on whether the standard ties eye colour to coat colour. Sizes are not tightly specified, though males tend to be larger and more muscular.
Temperament and living with one
The Arabian Mau is usually described as affectionate with its family, curious and playful, with an independent streak and a good deal of energy. It may bond strongly with a few people. Breed guides call it vocal, but there is little independent documentation of its behaviour.
Because the cat comes from a harsh climate and active street life, it is often described as hardy and clever. Provide plenty of play and climbing space so that its energy has an outlet. Meet adult cats of the type, or the parents of a kitten, to judge the temperament you are getting.
Care: coat, food and play
The short coat is easy to keep. A weekly brush with a soft brush or rubber mitt is usually enough, and the cat sheds little. Keep nails trimmed and check teeth and ears.
Feed a complete diet in measured meals and make sure fresh water is always available, particularly in hot weather. Keep the cat indoors or in a secure enclosure, and give it tall cat trees, scratching posts and daily play sessions with wand toys. Puzzle feeders can use up spare energy.
Health
No inherited disease is well documented for the breed, and some breeders say they know of none, but formal screening data is scarce. Natural breeds from outdoor populations usually have a wider gene pool, which helps, but cats can carry parasites or infections, and kittens should be vaccinated and checked before they go to a new home. Ask for health and vaccination records. A vet can set up a routine of vaccines, worming and dental care. Call a vet if the cat is listless or off its food.
Is it right for you?
The Arabian Mau suits someone who wants a rare, low-maintenance cat with plenty of character and is ready to search for a breeder. It needs company and activity, and it may not suit anyone who wants a quiet lap cat. For an old natural breed with a spotted coat, see the Egyptian Mau. For a similar active shorthair, compare the Abyssinian.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026