Egyptian Mau breed guide

Intensely devoted to their owners, Maus expect to count as integral members of the household. They sense moods well and have a knack for turning up with a soft purr when you feel down.

Strong-willed, they have definite ideas about who may handle them and may be cautious or reserved with strangers, while with their own people they are affectionate, loyal, outgoing and fearless.

CFA calls Maus shoulder riders, refrigerator vultures and furry alarm clocks and says they take part in every aspect of your life. They enjoy interactive games, may train you to play fetch and like walks on a harness and leash.

A loose skin flap from flank to hind leg gives them remarkable freedom to twist and jump. They are quiet cats with low, melodious voices that may chirp or chatter in greeting.

Maus shed only minimally, but a weekly combing of a few minutes controls shedding and hairballs and keeps the coat shiny. Regular bathing is not needed unless the cat is shown. CFA warns that human shampoos may not be safe for cats.

CFA calls the Mau a healthy natural breed that can live a long life with proper care. Breeders test for heritable conditions such as pyruvate kinase deficiency, which can cause anemia.

Urolithiasis, the formation of stones in the kidneys and urinary tract, may occur and genetic testing is not yet available for every condition, so CFA advises asking about any health history in the lines.

Nathalie Troubetskoy, a Russian princess living in Rome, was captivated by one of these cats, sought out others and started a breeding program. When she emigrated to the United States in 1956, three Maus went with her.

CFA accepted the breed for registration in 1970 and advanced it to championship in 1977.