Arabian Mau Cat Breed Overview
The Arabian Mau is a natural breed from the Arabian Peninsula, known for its resilience and adaptability to desert life. It has a medium to large, muscular body with short, dense fur, often in various colors and patterns. These cats are energetic, intelligent, and social, making them great companions. Arabian Maus are independent yet affectionate, thriving both indoors and outdoors.
Weight: 8 – 16 lbs
Color: Comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, gray, and tabby patterns
Coat: Short, smooth, and close-lying
Temperament: Active, energetic, and curious; they are social and affectionate but can be independent
Kitten Price Range: $500 – $800
Meet the Arabian Mau, a desert-born dynamo with the heart of an adventurer! These cats are all about action—think of them as the feline version of an athlete. With sleek, muscular bodies and bright, curious eyes, they’re always ready to explore. They’re super smart, so don’t be surprised if they figure out how to open doors or outsmart you in a game of hide-and-seek!
Despite their independent streak, Arabian Maus have a soft spot for cuddles. They love attention, and you’ll often find them nuzzling up for a good scratch. Their short, shiny coats come in all sorts of colors, from classic tabby stripes to sleek solids. Oh, and they’re great conversationalists—expect lots of meows and chirps as they “talk” to you throughout the day!
Adaptability
Affection
Child Friendly
Dog Friendly
Energy Level
Grooming
Intelligence
Health Issues
Shedding
Social Needs
Stranger Friendly
Vocalization
Body
The Arabian Mau is a medium to large-sized cat, with a sleek and muscular frame built for agility and endurance. Its strong, lean body reflects its origins as a desert-dweller, allowing it to move swiftly and gracefully. Despite their athletic physique, Arabian Maus are also sturdy, giving them a resilient look.
Head
The head of the Arabian Mau is slightly rounded with well-defined cheekbones, giving it a balanced and elegant appearance. The nose is straight, and the muzzle is neither too broad nor too pointed, adding to its natural and symmetrical look.
Eyes
Their large, almond-shaped eyes are one of their most striking features, giving them an intense and curious expression. Eye colors typically range from green to amber, but can sometimes be golden or hazel, enhancing their already captivating gaze.
Ears
One of the most distinguishing features of the Arabian Mau is its large, slightly pointed ears. These wide-set ears give the cat an alert and attentive expression, perfect for hearing the faintest of sounds, a key trait from their wild ancestors.
Coat
The Arabian Mau’s coat is short and smooth, with a texture that feels sleek to the touch. Because it is naturally adapted to desert life, the coat is lightweight, which helps in keeping the cat cool in warmer climates. They don’t have an undercoat, which makes grooming easy and low maintenance.
Color
Arabian Maus come in a variety of colors and patterns. You’ll find them in everything from solid shades of black and white to vibrant tabbies, and even bicolors or spotted patterns. This wide range of colors makes each Arabian Mau unique.
Legs & Paws
The legs of the Arabian Mau are long and slim, built for speed and agility. Their paws are oval-shaped and well-proportioned, with tough pads that have evolved to handle various terrains. These cats are quick runners and agile jumpers, traits that have been honed over generations.
Tail
The Arabian Mau’s tail is of medium length and tapers to a slight point at the end. It’s typically held high, showcasing the cat’s confident and inquisitive nature, and helps with balance during their swift, graceful movements.
The Arabian Mau is a natural breed that hails from the Arabian Peninsula, with a history deeply intertwined with the region’s desert environment. These cats have roamed the streets and deserts of countries like the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia for over 1,000 years, adapting to the harsh conditions of the Middle East.
Their origins trace back to feral cats that thrived in desert climates, developing resilience and survival skills over time. Their ancestors were known to live close to human settlements, often relying on small prey, such as rodents and insects, while also scavenging from what people left behind.
In the 21st century, the breed began gaining recognition when cat enthusiasts and breeders, particularly in the UAE, noticed their unique characteristics and hardy nature. A woman named Petra Müller played a key role in bringing attention to the Arabian Mau, working to standardize the breed and promote its recognition. Thanks to her efforts and those of others, the Arabian Mau was officially recognized by the World Cat Federation (WCF) in 2008.
Although they evolved as street cats, Arabian Maus have adapted well to domestic life, making the transition from desert survivors to beloved companions in homes around the world. Their rich history as independent, resourceful cats still shines through in their personality, even in more comfortable settings.
The Arabian Mau is generally a healthy and robust breed, thanks to its natural evolution in the challenging conditions of the Arabian Peninsula. These cats developed strong immune systems and physical resilience by surviving in harsh desert environments, which makes them less prone to many hereditary diseases that can affect more selectively bred cats.
Common Health Conditions
While the Arabian Mau tends to be a healthy breed, they can still be susceptible to some common feline health issues, such as dental problems, obesity (if overfed and under-exercised), and urinary tract infections. However, these issues are not breed-specific and can be managed with proper care, regular vet check-ups, and a balanced diet.
Weight and Diet
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for Arabian Maus, as they are naturally active cats with high energy levels. They thrive on a well-balanced diet of high-quality cat food, rich in protein. Providing the right nutrition, along with enough playtime and exercise, helps prevent obesity, which can lead to further health complications.
Lifespan
Arabian Maus typically enjoy a long, healthy life, often living up to 14-16 years or more with proper care. Their naturally strong constitution and lack of serious genetic disorders contribute to their longevity.
Vaccinations and Preventive Care
As with any cat, regular veterinary care is essential. Vaccinations, parasite control, and routine health checks should be maintained to ensure they stay in top condition. They should also have access to clean water and a clean environment to prevent infections or dehydration, especially if they live in hotter climates.
In summary, Arabian Maus are a hardy breed with excellent overall health, but they still require regular care, a balanced diet, and enough activity to stay in peak condition.
Caring for an Arabian Mau cat involves a balance of attention, exercise, and proper health management to keep them happy and healthy. Their desert origins make them low-maintenance in some ways, but they still thrive on love and engagement. Here’s how to properly care for your Arabian Mau:
1. Diet and Nutrition
Arabian Maus are naturally active cats, so their diet should reflect their energy needs. Feed them high-quality cat food that is rich in protein to support their muscular build. Avoid overfeeding, as these cats can be prone to weight gain if they aren’t getting enough exercise. Ensure they always have access to fresh water, especially in warmer climates, to stay hydrated.
2. Exercise and Playtime
These cats are lively, energetic, and need plenty of exercise to burn off their natural curiosity and energy. Provide them with interactive toys, scratching posts, and spaces to climb. Regular play sessions are important to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. They enjoy exploring and might appreciate some supervised outdoor time in a secure yard or on a harness.
3. Grooming
The Arabian Mau’s short, sleek coat requires minimal grooming. A weekly brushing is typically enough to remove loose hairs and keep their coat shiny and healthy. They are good at self-grooming, so you won’t need to worry about excessive maintenance. Bathing is rarely necessary unless they get particularly dirty.
4. Health Care
Routine vet visits are essential to monitor their health and keep vaccinations up to date. Since the Arabian Mau is generally a healthy breed, regular check-ups, flea and tick prevention, and dental care will help prevent any common issues. Brush their teeth regularly to avoid dental problems, and keep an eye on their weight to avoid obesity.
5. Mental Stimulation
Intelligent and curious, Arabian Maus need mental stimulation to keep boredom at bay. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and games of hide-and-seek can help keep their minds sharp. They also love exploring new environments, so a window perch or a cat tree near a window can provide hours of entertainment.
6. Affection and Socialization
While independent, the Arabian Mau is also affectionate and enjoys spending time with their human companions. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy being in the middle of household activities. Socialization from an early age will help them be confident and friendly around people and other pets.
7. Safe Environment
Arabian Maus are naturally inquisitive and adventurous, so ensure your home is cat-proofed. Keep dangerous items, such as small objects and toxic plants, out of reach. If allowing outdoor access, make sure the area is secure and safe to protect them from potential hazards.
By providing your Arabian Mau with proper nutrition, regular playtime, affection, and routine health care, you’ll ensure they thrive and enjoy a long, happy life as a beloved family member.