History:

The Arabian Mau is a naturally occurring cat breed originating from the Arabian Peninsula, where it has existed for over a thousand years. Evolved to survive the harsh desert environment, this hardy feline is descended from African wildcats and has been a companion to Middle Eastern households for centuries. It was officially recognised as a formal breed by the World Cat Federation in 2008. Arabian Maus are deeply rooted in regional culture and folklore, known for their independence, hunting prowess, and adaptability. Today, they are celebrated for their resilience, intelligence, and affectionate yet spirited personalities, making them beloved pets in their native region and beyond.

Size: Medium-sized cat

Height: 20–25 cm

Weight: 4–6 kg

Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Breed Appearance:

The Arabian Mau has a sleek, athletic, and muscular build suited to its desert origins. Its body is medium to large, with long legs and oval paws that enable swift movement. The head is rounded with a slight wedge shape, complemented by a straight profile, prominent cheekbones, and expressive, slightly slanted eyes that can range from green to amber. The ears are large, upright, and slightly forward-tilted, aiding in heat dissipation. Its coat is short, close-lying, and without an undercoat, making grooming easy and suited for hot climates. Arabian Maus come in various colours and patterns, including white, black, brown tabby, and patched combinations.

Health & Care:

Arabian Maus are generally robust and healthy, a testament to their natural evolution without human interference. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, though weekly brushing helps control shedding. They rarely suffer from breed-specific genetic disorders. Basic care, such as regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, and dental hygiene, ensures long-term health. Due to their energetic nature, they need ample physical activity and mental stimulation to stay fit and content. Providing toys, climbing areas, and interactive play is important, as is a high-protein diet to support their active lifestyle and lean muscle mass.

Living Conditions:

Arabian Mau are adaptable and can live in both apartments and houses, but they thrive in environments that offer space to explore, climb, and observe. Originating from outdoor life, they appreciate access to secure outdoor enclosures or windows where they can sunbathe and watch the world. They are affectionate with their families but retain some independence. They typically bond strongly with one or two people and enjoy companionship, but can entertain themselves when needed. Social and curious, they do well in multi-pet households if introduced properly. Their alert, territorial nature makes them excellent natural guardians of their domain.

Grooming:

With a short, low-shedding coat and no undercoat, Arabian Maus are easy to groom. Weekly brushing is sufficient to remove loose hairs and keep the coat shiny. They are naturally clean cats and rarely require bathing unless particularly dirty. Like all breeds, routine nail trimming, ear checks, and dental care are important. Thanks to their desert heritage, they are generally low-maintenance in terms of hygiene and grooming, making them ideal for owners who want a self-sufficient, clean feline companion with minimal grooming needs.

Advantages:

• Arabian Maus are hardy, low-maintenance cats with a naturally strong immune system, making them ideal for those seeking a healthy and resilient pet.

• Their short coat requires very little grooming, and their self-sufficient nature means they can handle moderate periods of alone time without stress.

• Highly intelligent and observant, they are quick learners who enjoy puzzle toys, interactive play, and exploring their surroundings with curiosity.

• Affectionate yet independent, they bond closely with their family without being overly clingy, offering a balanced companionship.

• Adaptable to different living environments, Arabian Mau can thrive in both urban and rural settings, often acting as vigilant and loyal household members.

Disadvantages:

• Arabian Maus retain a strong prey drive and may be prone to chasing smaller pets, requiring supervision and careful introductions in multi-pet homes.

• Their high energy and need for mental and physical stimulation may lead to boredom-related behaviours like scratching furniture or climbing if under-stimulated.

• Though affectionate, they can be reserved or cautious around strangers and may take time to warm up to new people or environments.

• They are territorial by nature and may exhibit dominance or defensive behaviour if they feel their space is threatened, especially by unfamiliar animals.