Egyptian Mau is exceptionally rare, ancient breed. Fastest domestic cat (48 km/h). Naturally spotted coat, distinctive green eyes. Intensely athletic, curious, emotionally sensitive. Bond deeply with select family; reserved with strangers. High energy, prey drive, sensitivity to stress suit experienced owners. Unsuitable for sedentary lifestyles or first-time owners. Challenging in hot Australian climates.
Breed Type
Pedigree
Weight (M)
3–4.5 kg
Weight (F)
2–3 kg
Lifespan
12–18 years
AU Price
$1,000 - $2,500
Annual Cost
$1,650/yr
Indoor/Outdoor
Critical — fastest cat; heat sensitivity
Egyptian Mau Overview
Egyptian Mau Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Egyptian Mau temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
Reserved, independent, intensely loyal to chosen family. Curious but cautious. Extremely sensitive to routine changes, noise, strangers. May hide if stressed. Bond deeply but express affection subtly. Highly vocal; enjoy hunting games. Not ideal with children or other pets. Affection moderate; show love through proximity.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Egyptian Mau scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Egyptian Mau Right for You?
❌
Apartment Living
2/5
❌
First-Time Owner
2/5
⚠️
Indoor Only
Yes — recommended
❌
Outdoor Risk
Critical — fastest cat; heat sensitivity
Separation Anxiety: Moderate — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Egyptian Mau Size & Appearance
Egyptian Mau Health & Lifespan
12–18 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Heart thickening; sudden death risk
Est. treatment: $600–$1,500Protein buildup; organ failure
Est. treatment: $800–$2,000+Bladder stones; painful
Est. treatment: $400–$1,200Sensitive digestion; premium diet
Est. treatment: $100–$250Heat stroke risk in Australia
Est. treatment: $200–$500Stress-related illness
Est. treatment: $150–$400Pet Insurance for Egyptian Mau
Avg Annual Insurance (Australia): $480
Est. Monthly: $25–$35/month AUD; breed-specific exclusions
Recommended Australian Cat Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow (bowwowmeow.com.au)
• PD Insurance (pdinsurance.com.au)
• Petinsurance.com.au (PetSure)
• Budget Direct Pet Insurance
• Petcover
• Woolworths Pet Insurance
• HCF Pet Insurance
TIP: Insure before 6 months to avoid pre-existing condition exclusions.
Compare insurance policies for your Egyptian Mau
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →Egyptian Mau Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| PURCHASE PRICE | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Food | $1,320 |
| Vet/Health | $380 |
| Grooming | $80 |
| Insurance | $480 |
| TOTAL/year | $1,650 |
| LIFETIME COST (15 yrs) | $24,750 |
| Desexing | $200–$500 |
| Vaccinations (kitten) | $150–$250 |
| First vet check | $80–$150 |
$24,750
Estimated lifetime cost (12–18 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Egyptian Mau Grooming Guide
Grooming Frequency
Weekly
Brushing
1–2× per week
Professional Groom Cost
$40–$70
Coat Type
short — Naturally spotted; sleek, muscular; distinctive green eyes
Shedding
★★☆☆☆/5
Care Essentials
• Litter box
1 per cat + 1 extra; scoop daily
• Hairless breeds
weekly bath + sun protection
Egyptian Mau Exercise & Enrichment
Energy Level
★★★★★/5
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
• Interactive toys
wand, feather, laser pointer
Outdoor Risk Assessment
Critical — fastest cat; heat sensitivity
Note
Australian outdoor cats face serious threats — snakes, foxes,
Training Your Egyptian Mau
Trainability: ★★★☆☆/5
Vocality: ★★★★☆/5
Cats can learn: sit, high-five, fetch, recall, harness walking
Method: Clicker training + high-value treats (chicken, tuna)
Sessions: 3–5 minutes max; always end on a success
Socialisation Tips:
• Handle paws, ears, mouth from 3–7 weeks
• Introduce to carrier, car, vet smells early
• Positive exposure to children and gentle dogs
• Feliway diffuser helps in multi-pet households
Egyptian Mau Feeding Guide
Avg Annual Food Cost (Australia): $1,320
Limited-ingredient protein (30–35%) for sensitive digestion. Premium feed $110–$160/month AUD.
General Feeding Tips:
• Mix wet food + dry kibble for hydration and dental health
• Cats are obligate carnivores — high-protein diet essential
• No grapes, onion, garlic, chocolate, xylitol, raw dough
• Fresh water always available (consider cat fountain)
• Avoid all-dry diets — linked to urinary tract issues
• Measure portions to prevent obesity (40% of cats are overweight)
Finding a Reputable Egyptian Mau Breeder
REGISTRIES / FINDING AN ETHICAL BREEDER:
• ANCATS
• CCCA
• RightPaw
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
• Registered with ANCATS, CCCA, or ACF
• Health-tests parents (HCM, PKD, FIV/FeLV as appropriate)
• Allows kitten visit — you meet the mother
• Kittens raised underfoot in family home (not caged)
• Provides vaccination certificate, microchip, desexing agreement
• Screens buyers with questions
RED FLAGS — AVOID:
• Kittens always available without waitlist
• Multiple breeds always available
• Refuses home visit
• No health certificates or registry papers
• Selling via Facebook/Gumtree without ANCATS/CCCA/ACF credentials
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ACF, GCCF, TICA, or a state feline body
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (queen)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a kitten mill)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Cat Registries:
ACF (acf.asn.au) · GCCF of NSW · Feline Control Council of QLD · CATS Victoria · TICA (tica.org)
Adopting a Egyptian Mau in Australia
RESCUE & ADOPTION:
• Mau rescue (rare)
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA
ADOPTION COST: $150–$350 AUD (includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
BENEFITS:
• Often past the demanding kitten stage
• Lower upfront cost
• Temperament known by carers
• Gives a cat a second chance
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest cat adoption platform
Note: Many Australians find wonderful pets via RSPCA and council shelters.
❤️ Thousands of cats need homes. Rescue cats come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Egyptian Mau — Frequently Asked Questions
How fast are Egyptian Mau cats?
Fastest domestic cats, reaching 48 km/h.
Are Egyptian Mau cats suitable for apartments?
No, poor apartment cats due to extreme energy.
Why are Egyptian Mau cats so expensive?
Extremely rare globally; only handful of breeders; $2,500–$5,000+.
What health issues?
HCM, amyloidosis, urolithiasis, sensitive digestion.
Do they have high prey drive?
Yes, extremely; hunt birds, lizards, rodents.
Good with children?
No, reserved, sensitive; stress easily.
Can they go outdoors?
Not in Australia; heat sensitivity, heat stroke risk.
Temperament?
Reserved, sensitive, intensely loyal. Wary of strangers.
Sensitive digestion?
Feed limited-ingredient diet; some need prescription food.
Best climate in Australia?
Poorly suited to heat; cool climates (VIC, TAS) preferable.