The main difference between Arabian Mau and Egyptian Mau is that Arabian Mau cats are generally larger and have a firm and athletic body when compared to Egyptian Mau.
Arabian Mau and Egyptian Mau are two distinct cat breeds, each with unique characteristics and histories. The Arabian Mau has roamed the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula for over a millennium and is known for its adaptability and sociable nature. In contrast, the Egyptian Mau specifically traces its lineage to ancient Egypt.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. Arabian Mau
3. Egyptian Mau
4. Similarities – Arabian Mau and Egyptian Mau
5. Arabian Mau vs. Egyptian Mau in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Arabian Mau and Egyptian Mau
7. Summary – Arabian Mau vs. Egyptian Mau
Arabian Mau
Arabian Mau cats are a breed with deep roots in the Arabian Peninsula, where they’ve been wandering the deserts for over 1,000 years. Arabian Mau cats possess medium-sized, athletic bodies, averaging around 9-16 pounds in weight and standing at a typical height of 12-14 inches. Their coats are single-layered and glossy, showcasing a wide range of colors and patterns. The most common fur colors include combinations of white, grey, black, and brown, with tabby being the predominant pattern. These cats often have light-green eyes, although their eye colors can vary, often matching the color of their coats.
These felines display a distinctive round-shaped head with notably large, pointed ears. These ears are well-suited for the desert climate they hail from, effectively dissipating heat to keep them cool in the scorching desert heat.
Arabian Mau cats are known for their outgoing personality. They seek attention from their family members and have a penchant for exploration. While they are not particularly vocal, they tend to be more talkative compared to Egyptian Mau cats. They are sociable and easily get along with strangers, and they also enjoy the company of other pets, including dogs.
In terms of health and dietary preferences, the Arabian Mau is a hardy and inquisitive breed. They aren’t fussy when it comes to food, and their lifespan generally ranges from 12 to 14 years. These cats are considered to be generally healthy and resilient, with few documented breed-specific or genetic diseases.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is an ancient breed with roots tracing back to 1100 B.C. These cats have striking gooseberry-green eyes and a muscular build, though they are smaller than Arabian Maus. They typically stand at 7 to 11 inches in height and weigh about 8 to 12 pounds when fully mature. Egyptian Maus come in a variety of six coat colors: silver, bronze, smoke, black, caramel, and blue/pewter, with the latter three being the most rare. One of their most unique traits is their naturally dotted coat, with random spots and a black stripe running along their spine. They also have a wedge-shaped head, medium to large ears, and bright green, slightly almond-shaped eyes.
In addition to these distinctive features, Egyptian Maus have long and lean legs built for swift running and climbing. Notably, their hind legs are slightly longer than their front legs.
In terms of temperament, Egyptian Maus are renowned for being vocal and loyal to their owners, albeit on their own terms. They are easy to groom, which makes them a low-maintenance choice for cat enthusiasts. These cats are typically good with other cats, children, families, and seniors. But they may be wary of strangers and new pets in the house.
The average lifespan of an Egyptian Mau falls between 9 to 13 years. While crossbreeding has helped reduce common cat ailments, they may still face issues like patellar luxation or periodontal disease as they age.
What are the Similarities Between Arabian Mau and Egyptian Mau?
- Egyptian Mau and Arabian Mau cats share a loving and affectionate temperament towards their family members.
- Both breeds possess long and lean legs, which make them agile, adept at running fast, and skilled at climbing to high places.
- Both breeds are generally healthy and resilient, with few documented breed-specific or genetic diseases.
- These intelligent cat breeds excel in interactive games and enjoy playing with toys.
What is the Difference Between Arabian Mau and Egyptian Mau?
The key difference between Arabian Mau and Egyptian Mau is their size. Arabian Maus are generally larger than Egyptian Maus. Egyptian Maus are small to medium-sized, with a height of 8-10 inches, while Arabian Maus are medium-sized, standing at 12-14 inches. In addition, Egyptian Maus typically weigh 7-9 pounds, while Arabian Maus are larger, with an average weight of 10-15 pounds. Moreover, the hind legs of Egyptian Maus are slightly longer than their front legs.
When considering their behavior, Egyptian Maus are vocal, loyal, sensitive, and tend to be shy with strangers and wary of new pets. In contrast, Arabian Maus have a more outgoing personality and are sociable, getting along well with strangers and other pets, including dogs.
Below is a summary of the difference between Arabian Mau and Egyptian Mau in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
FAQ: Arabian Mau and Egyptian Mau
Which one is more friendly: Arabian Mau or Egyptian Mau?
Arabian Mau cats have a more friendly personality than Egyptian Mau. They always seek attention from family members. They also get on well with other pets in the house and act friendly towards strangers.
Which one is more active: Arabian Mau or Egyptian Mau?
Both are active and agile breeds. However, Arabian Mau tends to be somewhat more active than most other cat breeds.
How do you tell if my cat is an Egyptian Mau?
You can tell if your cat is an Egyptian Mau by looking for gooseberry-green or light green eyes, a naturally dotted coat with various color options, a medium-sized body with an athletic build, a round-shaped head with large, pointed ears, slightly longer hind legs giving them a tip-toe appearance, a vocal and loyal personality, sensitivity to loud sounds and abrupt movements, and shyness around strangers and wariness of new pets in the household.
Summary – Arabian Mau vs. Egyptian Mau
Arabian Mau originates from the Arabian Peninsula, while Egyptian Mau comes from ancient Egypt. However, the key difference between Arabian Mau and Egyptian Mau is their size. Arabian Maus are generally larger (about 12-14 inches and 10-15 pounds) than Egyptian Maus (8-10 inches and 7-9 pounds).
Reference:
1. “Arabian Mau cat.” Cat Breeds.
2. “Egyptian Mau Cat.” Daily Paws.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Egyptian Mau” By Soon Koon (CC BY-ND 2.0 DEED) via Flickr
2. “Arabian Mau” By Huda farhat – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia