Official ICCF Breed Standard
Brief Historical Background
The Arabian Mau is an ancient natural cat breed that developed under the environmental conditions of the Middle East, primarily on the Arabian Peninsula. For centuries, these cats lived alongside humans while retaining their independence and natural traits. They adapted perfectly to the hot climate, harsh desert environment, and scarce food. Natural selection shaped the breed — only the strongest, most resilient, and intelligent individuals survived. In the 20th century, the breed began to attract breeders’ attention, and steps were taken to preserve it. In the ICCF system, the Arabian Mau is recognized as an indigenous breed reflecting the harmony between natural selection and human care.
General Appearance
The Arabian Mau is a medium-sized, well-balanced cat with a lean, muscular build. It gives the impression of a strong, agile animal perfectly adapted to life in a hot climate. The body is elongated, the chest deep, the legs of medium length and sturdy, the tail long and flexible. The head is slightly wedge-shaped, the muzzle elongated, the ears large and alert. The eyes are almond-shaped, expressive, and bright in color. The coat is short, close-lying, and lacks an undercoat, which aids in thermoregulation. The overall appearance combines strength, elegance, and natural beauty.
Important Proportions
According to ICCF standards, the Arabian Mau must retain balance and harmony. The head is wedge-shaped and proportionate to the body; the ears are large, high-set, and give an alert expression. Eyes are large, almond-shaped, and widely spaced. The body is medium in length, lean, and muscular, with a deep chest. Limbs are proportionate, with the hind legs slightly longer than the front, giving a dynamic silhouette. The tail is long, flexible, equal to or slightly shorter than the body. The coat is short, without an undercoat, accentuating the body’s lines. All proportions must reflect the natural, resilient type of cat adapted to harsh conditions.
Behavior and Character
The Arabian Mau has a vivid and independent personality that retains traits of its wild ancestors. It is intelligent, cautious, yet quickly bonds with its owner. These cats are loyal, active, and enjoy movement and open space. They are not aggressive but remain alert toward strangers. Energetic, curious, and playful, they adapt well to domestic life when properly socialized. They are affectionate companions with stable temperament, strong health, and exceptional endurance.
Head
The head of the Arabian Mau is wedge-shaped, medium in size, and proportional to the body, with smooth and defined lines. The forehead is slightly rounded, the transition to the nose is gentle and even. Cheekbones are moderately defined, forming balance and emphasizing the elongated muzzle. The cheeks are smooth, without fullness, reflecting the lean type. The chin is firm, straight, and aligned with the bite. The muzzle is elongated but not pointed, with clear lines forming a natural expression of strength and breed type.
Facial Part
The facial structure of the Arabian Mau gives a vivid, alert appearance that reflects its natural origins. The muzzle is long, dry, slightly tapered but not coarse. The nose is straight, medium in width, slightly widening at the base, with a neat, rounded tip. The chin is strong and level, matching the profile. The cheekbones are visible but not heavy; the transition from nose to forehead is smooth. The face should convey endurance, intelligence, and alertness without signs of coarseness or refinement.
Eyes
Eyes are large, almond-shaped, and widely spaced, giving a characteristic attentive and expressive look. The placement is slightly slanted, emphasizing alertness. Eye color is bright and saturated, ranging from yellow to green, always harmonizing with the coat color. Pupils are round and react smoothly to light. Eye rims are distinct, matching the general tone. The gaze is lively, intelligent, and expressive. Small, dull, round, or protruding eyes are faults.
Ears
The ears of the Arabian Mau are large, high-set, and wide apart, emphasizing its natural, alert expression. The base is broad, the tips slightly rounded, and the ears are open and attentive. The inner surface has light hair, not dense, reflecting adaptation to a hot climate. Ears tilt slightly forward, giving a watchful look. Small, narrow, or low-set ears that disrupt the breed’s balance are considered faults.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, lean, muscular, smoothly connecting the head and body. In males, it is thicker and stronger; in females, more graceful but firm. The line flows evenly into the shoulders and chest, creating a harmonious silhouette. The skin fits closely without folds. The neck must appear proportional and balanced, emphasizing the breed’s mobility and agility. Too short, coarse, or elongated necks disrupt harmony.
Body
The body of the Arabian Mau is medium in size, firm, and muscular, with a dry build. The chest is deep and capacious but not overly broad, reflecting stamina. The back is straight, the loin strong and flexible. Flanks are tucked up, the abdomen flat, showing natural health and mobility. The silhouette is slightly elongated, combining elegance and strength. The body should not appear massive or delicate. The overall impression is power, balance, and agility.
Tail
The tail is long, flexible, and harmoniously continues the body line. The base is medium thick, tapering toward a rounded tip. Fully covered with short hair, emphasizing flexibility. The tail must be mobile and free of stiffness or fusion. It balances the cat’s movements and completes its silhouette. Too short, stiff, or deformed tails are disqualifying.
Forelimbs
Forelegs are of medium length, dry and strong, with a well-developed bone structure. Shoulders are muscular, forearms straight, paws oval and firm, with dense pads. Toes are tightly grouped, claws strong and retractable. The stance is parallel and stable, ensuring light, precise movement. Weak wrists, overly short or long limbs disturb proportion and are faults.
Hindlimbs
Hind legs are powerful, slightly longer than the front, creating a dynamic outline. Thighs are muscular, knees firm, shanks straight. Paws are oval, compact, and padded. The rear legs provide a strong push and stability in motion. The stance must be straight and parallel. Weak joints, crooked limbs, or narrow stance are not allowed.
Gait and Movement
The Arabian Mau moves with a light, springy, and confident gait, reflecting its natural origin. Movements are smooth, elastic, and coordinated, combining grace and strength. The cat should move freely, without stiffness or heaviness. The body and tail work harmoniously, giving an impression of agility and energy. Jerky, clumsy, or overly exaggerated motion is undesirable.
Coat
The coat is short, close-lying, and lacks undercoat. It feels slightly firm, smooth, and resistant to heat. It should be shiny and emphasize the body’s contours. Soft, fluffy, or double coats are not acceptable, as they contradict the natural type. Minor texture variations by color are permitted, but the coat must always remain short and dense.
Acceptable Colors
All natural colors typical of Middle Eastern cats are accepted. Most common are tabby patterns—mackerel, spotted, and classic marble. Solid colors such as black, white, gray, and red are also accepted. Colors must be vivid, clean, and natural, without blurriness or artificial tones. Tabby markings should be clear and harmonious. Artificial or unnatural coat colors are disqualifying.
Size
Male Arabian Maus are medium to large, weighing 4.5–7 kg, muscular and well-boned. Females weigh 3.5–5 kg, lighter and more elegant. Both sexes must retain harmony and balance. Moderate size variations are acceptable if breed traits remain intact.
Faults
Faults include deviations from the ICCF standard that do not affect health but reduce type. These include overly short or long body, weak bone or excessive heaviness, narrow or round head, weak chin, small or low-set ears, dull or round eyes, short or immobile tail, flat feet, thin limbs, soft or fluffy coat, or lack of defined tabby pattern. Pale colors, faded markings, or excessive shyness are also considered faults.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include immobile or fused tails, severe kinks, shortened vertebrae, incorrect bite (overbite, underbite, or jaw asymmetry), strabismus, malformed eyes, deformed ears, long or fluffy coat with undercoat, albinism, or artificial coloration. Behavioral issues such as aggression, panic, or inability to be examined are grounds for disqualification. Cats with hereditary or congenital defects are excluded from breeding.
Important Notes
Within ICCF, the Arabian Mau is recognized as a naturally developed breed shaped by environmental selection. Breeding programs must preserve its natural traits. Only cats with ICCF documents confirming pedigree and standard compliance are eligible for breeding. Cats with faults, defects, or behavioral problems are excluded. Breeding aims to maintain natural coat colors, health, temperament, and correct type while avoiding inbreeding. ICCF judges assess both exterior and temperament—cats must be friendly, confident, and balanced.
Conclusion
The Arabian Mau is a unique breed fully formed by the natural environment of the Middle East and officially recognized by ICCF as an independent standard. These cats combine strong health, natural power, expressive appearance, and an independent yet friendly temperament. Key features include a wedge-shaped head, large ears, almond-shaped bright eyes, lean muscular body, long tail, and short coat without undercoat. Participation in ICCF shows and breeding is possible only with official documents confirming pedigree and standard conformity. Breeding focuses on maintaining natural type, authentic coloration, and robust health, making the Arabian Mau a symbol of harmony between nature and human care within ICCF.
