The Arabian Mau is a natural shorthaired cat breed that descends from wild desert cats, which adapted well to the extreme heat of the Arab countries.
Breed History
The breed comes from the Arabian Peninsula. Desert cats have lived there for more than 1,000 years: in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. They used to live out in the desert itself, but as cities grew, the Arabian Mau started coming into settled areas, where there was more food and better shelter. Still, for a long time people paid no attention to these cats, since imported breeds were in fashion.
An official breeding program for the Arabian Mau was started only in 2004 by Petra Müller, president of the Middle East Cat Society (MECATS) in the UAE. By 2008, there were already 4 generations of Arabian Maus (18 cats), and the breed was recognized by the World Cat Federation (WCF).
We also recommend reading about the Egyptian Mau.
Arabian Mau Personality and Traits at a Glance
| Affection for family | ★★★★★ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★☆ |
| Vocality | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Good with kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendliness toward strangers | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Ease of grooming | ★★★★☆ |
| Gets along with other pets | ★★★☆☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
Arabian Mau Breed Overview
Arabian Maus are medium-sized cats weighing about 9–18 lb. Males are usually bigger than females and look solid and powerful.
Here’s a detailed description of the breed according to the WCF:
- Head: may look round but is actually slightly longer than it is wide, with well-defined whisker pads. The profile is slightly curved and ends in a prominent chin;
- Ears: large, upright, pointing slightly outward;
- Eyes: oval; the color goes with the coat (usually green or yellow);
- Body: muscular and strong;
- Legs: long, with oval paw pads;
- Tail: medium length, tapering to the tip;
- Coat: no undercoat, short, lying close to the body; in adult cats the coat isn’t very silky to the touch but rather coarse.
Personality
Arabian Maus are very friendly. Their main personality traits are exceptional devotion and love for their owner. This cat will always be a loyal companion to the person who takes care of her. She also gets along well with children.
The Arabian Mau is a very active and curious breed. These are excellent hunters, quick and agile. If the cat goes out in the yard, she can easily catch a bird or a small rodent and bring it home. So if you have a hamster or a pet rat, it’s best not to get an Arabian Mau.
If your pet lives indoors, give her room to roam, including up near the ceiling. The Arabian Mau loves to jump high. And this cat will always guard her territory from potential rivals.
Care and Health
Despite her attachment to people, the Arabian Mau is a fairly self-sufficient pet. These cats lived in the desert for a long time, finding their own food and taking care of themselves. These historical roots made today’s Arabian Maus hardy, clean, and not picky about food. But that’s exactly why they may be prone to overeating and obesity. So feed these cats a balanced dry food or natural food rich in protein and fat. No sweets, salty food, or fried food.
Since the breed developed naturally, the Arabian Mau’s health is excellent too. Kittens are born strong, with robust immune systems. These cats live about 14 years on average.
Caring for these pets is standard too: weekly brushing (more often during shedding), and cleaning the ears and teeth as needed. Arabian cats are used to heat, so even in summer it’s best not to bathe them often. Time outdoors in fresh air is good for them, ideally on a harness and leash or in a secure catio.
Color
The photos below show what an Arabian Mau looks like.
The traditional Arabian Mau color is red and white tabby (spotted or mackerel), with any amount of white allowed. The breed standard also includes other colors:
- White: pure white with no yellowing, looking very clean and silky;
- Black: completely black with no “rust,” with a glossy sheen (very rare);
- Black and white: two clear, clean colors in various combinations;
- Brown tabby (spotted or mackerel): brown tabby with dark brown stripes on the back, a typical pattern for Asian cats;
- Gray and white tabby (spotted or mackerel): any amount of white, a standard Asian pattern.
How Much Does an Arabian Mau Kitten Cost?
How much will an Arabian Mau kitten cost you? There’s no established US price, since the breed is almost never sold here. The cost depends on the kitten’s sex, class (pet, show, breeding), and pedigree, and if you buy from the Middle East, you’ll also need to budget for international transport, which can easily add $1,000 or more.
Where to Buy an Arabian Mau
In reality, finding an Arabian Mau cattery in the US is almost impossible. The breed is recognized only by the WCF, not by CFA or TICA, so there are no US breeder directories for it. The largest population of Arabian Maus, more than 100 cats, has been kept in Dubai by Petra Müller and MECATS. Outside the Arab countries, the breed is still barely bred.
If you decide to buy a kitten from abroad, check reviews of the seller, and make sure you understand the paperwork for bringing a cat into the US. Many street cats in the Gulf region are Arabian Mau types, and rescue groups there sometimes arrange international adoptions.
