The Arabian Mau Cat, also known as the Arabian Street Cat, is a cat breed known for its elegant appearance and intelligence. It thrives in outdoor environments, where it can explore and hunt. It is adaptable to different landscapes and settings, whether it be deserts or urban areas. While independent, it forms strong bonds with its human family and retains some ancestral instincts. It is highly regarded as a companion and guardian in households around the world. These cats are vocal and can communicate with their owners through sounds like chirps, trills, and meows.
History
The Arabian Mau cat is a breed that comes from the Arabian Peninsula, specifically Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates. They are believed to be descendants of the African Wildcat and were brought to the region by traders and explorers centuries ago. These cats were used on ships to control pests and protect food supplies from rodents. Recently, they have gained recognition beyond their native land and are now popular as pets worldwide. Organizations like TICA and WCF have acknowledged this breed.
Size
The Arabian Mau is a graceful and agile medium-sized cat known for its elegance. They stand at around 10-12 inches tall and weigh between 8-12 pounds for males and 6-8 pounds for females. They have a beautiful range of coat colors and patterns, including white, black, brown, red, silver, and tabby markings. Their fur can be either short or semi-long depending on their environment. With good care, they can live for 12-15 years or more.
Personality
The Arabian Mau cat is a unique breed known for its intelligence, agility, and independence. They have a curious and adventurous nature, making them great explorers. Arabian Maus adapt well to different environments and are ideal for active people or those with spacious homes. While they may seem aloof initially, they are very affectionate once they form a bond with their owners. However, they also enjoy alone time and maintain their independent streak. These cats are natural hunters and excel at catching mice.
Food
The Arabian Mau cat, known for its agility and appearance, needs a balanced and nutritious diet. Protein is essential for their muscle development and overall health, so high-quality commercial cat foods with chicken or fish as the main ingredient are recommended. Adding fiber-containing foods like cooked vegetables or grains can help with digestion, but too many carbohydrates can lead to weight gain. Consulting with a veterinarian who specializes in feline nutrition is important to create a diet plan based on the cat’s age, activity level, and health conditions.
Grooming
To keep Arabian Mau cats’ coats healthy and looking good, it requires diligence and thoroughness. Regular brushing with a stainless steel comb or slicker brush is crucial to prevent matting and tangling, starting from the tail and moving towards the head, focusing on areas like the armpits, belly, and hind legs where knots commonly form. Bathing should be done every 4-6 weeks with a cat-specific shampoo that moisturizes their skin while preserving natural oils.
Care should be taken not to bathe them excessively as it can cause dryness. During grooming, check their ears for dirt or signs of infection and clean them using a vet-recommended solution if needed. Trim their nails regularly with cat-friendly clippers, being careful not to cut too close to the quick. Consistency in grooming will keep your Arabian Mau healthy and looking its best.
Training
The Arabian Mau cat, known for its grace and agility, is a highly trainable breed that responds well to positive reinforcement techniques. Training this cat involves consistency, patience, and understanding. By utilizing reward-based training methods and establishing a routine, owners can effectively teach them basic commands such as sitting or coming when called. While they may exhibit an independent streak at times, their intelligent nature allows them to quickly learn new tricks with the right approach.
Health
The Arabian Mau cat is generally healthy but can face some health issues. They are prone to dental problems due to their smaller jaw structure, so regular dental care is important. Obesity is also common, but can be managed with a balanced diet and exercise. Eye problems like conjunctivitis can occur, so regular check-ups are necessary. By focusing on proper nutrition, dental hygiene, exercise, and veterinary care, owners can help their Arabian Maus live long and healthy lives.
Bottom Line
The Arabian Mau cat is a unique breed that may be well-suited for certain individuals seeking a feline companion. Known for their agility, independence, and intelligence, the Arabian Mau has characteristics that make them ideal for active and experienced cat owners. Their sleek coat requires minimal grooming, making them low-maintenance pets.
However, they do demand mental stimulation and physical exercise to prevent boredom-induced destructive behaviors. As natural hunters, these cats thrive in environments with ample space to explore and engage in hunting-like activities such as puzzle toys or interactive play sessions. While they may be affectionate towards their chosen humans, Arabian Maus typically prefer not to be constantly carried or cuddled, instead favoring interactive playtime.
Overall, if you are an experienced cat owner looking for an independent yet engaging feline companion who enjoys mental challenges and freedom of movement, the Arabian Mau could be the right choice for you.
