Arabian Mau

Is an Arabian Mau right for you?

The Arabian Mau has been shaped by natural selection in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula for over a thousand years, without human intervention. The result: an exceptionally hardy, independent, energetic cat that isn't shy about making noise. Not a calm lap cat, but a self-sufficient survivor.

The question to ask before choosing this breed: can you offer daily play and exploration space to an energetic, curious cat that makes its own decisions? If yes, the Arabian Mau will be a sturdy, low-maintenance companion.

Before you adopt

This breed is still rare and largely uncommon outside the Middle East; finding a breeder in Turkey can be difficult. Because it has a short history of selective breeding, there is no well-known list of hereditary diseases — this isn't a health guarantee so much as a sign the breed hasn't been extensively studied yet. When choosing a kitten, make sure basic health checks (eyes, heart auscultation) have been done.

Temperament

The Arabian Mau is energetic, curious, and independent. It bonds with its family but isn't the type to sit in a lap constantly; it makes its own decisions and loves to explore. Males are often observed to be somewhat calmer and more affectionate than females.

It doesn't hesitate to communicate vocally; it clearly signals its needs, its desire for attention, or its displeasure. It's intelligent with a strong prey drive, responding well to interactive toys and hunting-style play.

Its tendency toward nighttime activity is thought to be a remnant of its desert ancestors avoiding daytime heat and moving at night. It can sometimes be competitive with other cats, and unmet play needs can turn into boredom-driven behavior problems.

Health issues and lifespan

Sources generally report a lifespan of 12-16 years, with some noting well-cared-for individuals living longer. The breed's most notable trait is a broad, naturally diverse gene pool shaped by natural selection: the hereditary disease burden seen in heavily line-bred modern breeds has not been reported in this one.

• No known hereditary disease: Sources report no well-documented common genetic disease in this breed. This may also reflect how few controlled health studies it has been the subject of; still, don't skip general feline health screening (annual exams, dental checks).
• Cold sensitivity: Its undercoat is nearly absent, an advantage in heat but a source of vulnerability to chill on cold winter nights. In Turkey's colder regions, make sure it has a way to stay warm in winter.
• Obesity: Despite its energetic look, without enough play and exploration space it can gain weight, especially after spaying/neutering; portion control matters.
• General dental and gum care: As with other shorthaired breeds, regular brushing is recommended.

Feeding

An adult Arabian Mau (3.5-6 kg) needs the energy equivalent of about 55-75 g of dry food per day; given its energetic build, protein content should stay high.

• Kitten (2-12 months): Kitten food, three to four meals a day.
• Adult: High protein, varied meat-based food. It can be a hearty eater; watch for overfeeding.
• Senior (8+ years): If activity drops, calories should be reduced accordingly; joint support can help.

Given its active, curious nature, food puzzles both provide mental stimulation and slow down fast eating.

Grooming and coat

One of the easiest breeds to groom.

• Short, undercoat-free coat; weekly brushing is enough.
• Quite capable of self-grooming, and sheds little.
• Bathing is rarely needed.
• Trim nails every two to three weeks, brush teeth several times a week.
• Check its large ears regularly and clean gently if debris builds up.

Living space and enrichment

1. Plenty of mental stimulation. Hunting-style toys, wand toys, food puzzles; boredom in this breed can turn into behavior problems.
2. Vertical and exploration space. A cat tree, shelves, safe observation points; its curious nature wants room to roam.
3. Active play twice a day. Fifteen to twenty minutes, with toys that satisfy its hunting drive.
4. A way to stay warm. Because the undercoat is sparse, provide a warm bed or blanket in winter.
5. Safe outdoor access, if possible. This is a breed originally accustomed to outdoor living; controlled outdoor access — an enclosed balcony or a secure fence — increases its satisfaction.

History

The Arabian Mau is a natural cat population that has existed on the Arabian Peninsula — including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates — for over a thousand years, with distant ancestry tracing to the African wildcat. It was shaped more by the desert climate's natural selection than by deliberate human breeding: its lack of undercoat and its large ears are natural adaptations that ease heat loss.

The World Cat Federation (WCF) officially recognized the breed in Germany in August 2008 and allowed it to compete in shows from January 2009. The Emirates Feline Federation also added it to its own registry. TICA recognized it as a natural breed in 2016.

It remains a rare breed outside the Arabian Peninsula; conservation and promotion efforts are carried out largely through regional breed associations.