Compare
Arabian Mau vs Egyptian Mau
Two lively short-coated Maus; the Egyptian Mau is spotted, more athletic and devoted to one or two people, the Arabian Mau a rarer natural breed.
Verdict
These two are close. Both are medium-sized, short-coated, lively cats with minimal grooming needs and a moderate voice. The Egyptian Mau is the athlete, with the top energy score, a naturally spotted silver, bronze or smoke coat, and a strong bond with one or two people. It has a CFA record and a short health watch-list. The Arabian Mau is a very rare desert-adapted natural breed, a little more independent and a little better with children, with little documented health data.
Choose the Arabian Mau if
- You want a rare natural breed adapted to desert life.
- You want a short coat with little undercoat.
- You prefer a cat with a more independent streak.
- You have children, as it scores slightly higher with them.
Choose the Egyptian Mau if
- You want a fast, athletic cat with a spotted coat and green eyes.
- You want a cat that bonds closely with one or two people.
- You want a breed recognised by the CFA since 1977.
- You will ask your vet about pyruvate kinase deficiency and urinary stones.
Where they are alike
Both need daily play, and both score only a middling 3 for getting along with other pets. Both have short coats that shed lightly to moderately.
Side by side
| Arabian Mau | Egyptian Mau | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Arabian Peninsula | Egypt; the modern breed was developed in Italy and the United States |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | — | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, close-lying coat with no undercoat | Medium-short, resilient coat with ticking; finer and silkier in the smoke colour |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA | Championship breed since 1977 |
| How common | Very rare | Rare |
| Affection | 3 | 4 |
| Energy | 4 | 5 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 | 3 |
| Good with other pets | 3 | 3 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 2 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 3 | 3 |
| 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. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The short coat sheds moderately, and weekly combing helps with loose hair. |
| Suits | An owner who values a rare natural breed with minimal grooming and a lively, independent streak. | An active household that wants a fast, athletic cat and a strong bond with one or two people. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a documented health record, an easy-to-find kitten, or a quiet lap cat. | A home with noisy, chaotic children, or one that wants an easy-going cat for long absences. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch | — |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026