Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Egyptian Mau is considered one of the oldest domestic cat breeds, with origins tracing back to Ancient Egypt. Wall paintings and temple frescoes from the pharaonic period depict spotted, graceful cats closely resembling the modern Mau. These cats were revered as sacred animals and played a significant role in both daily life and religious ceremonies. The breed was reintroduced to Europe in the 20th century through enthusiasts who preserved rare specimens in Italy and Switzerland. Later, the Egyptian Mau spread to the United States and other countries, where official standards were established. The Mau is celebrated for its naturally occurring spotted coat — the only domestic cat whose pattern is entirely natural rather than the result of selective breeding.
General Appearance
The Egyptian Mau is an elegant, medium-sized cat with harmonious proportions and well-developed musculature. It combines grace with strength and agility. Its defining feature is the naturally spotted coat, with each cat’s pattern being unique. The body is slightly elongated and supple, with a broad chest and solid bone structure. The head is gently rounded with soft contours; eyes are large, almond-shaped, and vivid green. Distinctive markings include the “M” on the forehead and dark eye lines resembling eyeliner. The overall impression is one of strength, refinement, and a touch of wild beauty.
Important Proportions
The Egyptian Mau should display perfect balance in all body parts. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers, giving the silhouette an elegant, flowing appearance. Legs are of medium length, with the hind legs slightly longer, emphasizing the breed’s swift, athletic outline. The head must be proportionate, neither too massive nor too delicate. The tail is medium in length, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. Ears are medium-sized and well positioned. The ideal cat should appear balanced, flexible, and graceful, exuding both power and refinement.
Behavior and Character
The Egyptian Mau combines liveliness, energy, and affection. Deeply devoted to its owner, it adapts easily to domestic life while maintaining an innate independence. Intelligent and observant, it learns quickly and remembers commands with ease. Known for remarkable speed and agility, the Mau requires space to run and play. In human interaction, it is friendly, trusting, and enjoys attention, though it can be cautious around strangers. The Mau’s personality merges dignity with playfulness and loyalty, making it an exceptional companion.
Head
The head of the Egyptian Mau is gently rounded and wedge-shaped, with smooth, flowing lines and no harsh angles. The forehead is slightly curved, blending naturally into the neck. Cheekbones are moderately defined, enhancing the cat’s refinement without heaviness. The muzzle is medium in length, well defined, and neither pointed nor broad. The profile shows a slight rise from the nose bridge to the forehead without a distinct stop. The chin is firm but neat, harmonizing with the overall facial balance.
Facial Part
The facial structure is refined and symmetrical. The muzzle is slightly elongated and rounded, giving a soft yet noble expression. The chin aligns with the nose tip, forming a correct profile. Cheeks are gently rounded, the nose straight and of medium length, widening slightly toward the base. Distinctive features include dark eye-lining and the “M” marking on the forehead. The face should appear harmonious, elegant, and unmistakably typical of the breed.
Eyes
The eyes are large, almond-shaped, slightly slanted, and widely spaced, giving an alert and expressive look. The eye color is a vivid, luminous green with a glowing intensity. Kittens may have amber eyes that gradually turn green with maturity. The dark eyeliner-like outline around the eyes enhances their expressiveness. The eyes are a defining feature of the breed, symbolizing intelligence and liveliness.
Ears
The ears are medium in size, broad at the base, and taper slightly to pointed tips. They are set high and alert, sometimes angled slightly outward, giving an impression of constant attentiveness. The inner surface is well furnished with hair; small tufts at the tips are permissible. The ear placement should complement the head’s outline, maintaining balance and elegance.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, graceful yet muscular, smoothly connecting the head and body. It should appear proportionate, neither too long nor too short. When moving, the cat carries its head proudly and confidently, accentuating its regal bearing. The neck’s musculature provides strength without heaviness, maintaining harmony with the Mau’s overall refinement.
Body
The body is slightly elongated, muscular, and elegant. The chest is deep and moderately broad, the back strong with a gentle rise toward the hindquarters. Shoulders and hips are of equal width, ensuring balance and symmetry. The Mau’s body should express both strength and flexibility without coarseness or fragility.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, thick at the base and gradually tapering to a rounded tip. It is flexible and in proportion to the body. The tail fur displays distinct dark rings ending with a darker tip. The tail is expressive in motion, contributing to balance and communication.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are of medium length, fine-boned yet muscular. Shoulders are sloped, providing freedom of movement. Paws are compact, oval, with well-defined toes and firm pads—usually black or dark brown depending on coat color. Limbs must appear balanced and functional, allowing light, elastic movement.
Hind Limbs
The hind legs are longer than the front, creating a distinctive, powerful profile. Thighs are strong and muscular, hocks firm and well defined. The oval paws match the front ones in shape and compactness. This structure contributes to the breed’s exceptional leaping ability and speed.
Gait and Movement
The Egyptian Mau’s gait is smooth, springy, and swift. Its movements are coordinated, elastic, and light, reflecting natural athleticism. The breed is renowned for its speed and grace, appearing simultaneously poised and powerful. In the show ring, movement must be fluid and free, never stiff or heavy.
Coat
The coat is short, close-lying, and silky to the touch with a resilient texture. Each hair is slightly ticked, creating depth and brilliance. The hallmark of the breed is its natural spotted pattern, with clear, evenly distributed markings over the body. The coat should be glossy and clean, accentuating the cat’s elegance.
Acceptable Colors
Recognized colors include silver with black spots, bronze with dark brown spots, and smoke with black spots. All color variations must exhibit clear contrast between spots and background, with uniform pattern distribution.
Size
The Egyptian Mau is a medium-sized cat with well-developed muscles and graceful proportions. Males weigh 4–6 kg, females 3–5 kg. The body should be balanced, strong but not heavy, maintaining an impression of elegance and agility.
Faults
Faults include loss of harmony or deviation from breed type: angular or coarse head, narrow or heavy muzzle, weak chin, poor profile definition, small or dull eyes, ears set too low or too large, flat chest, weak back, overly long or massive body, poor muscle tone, or blurred coat pattern. Lack of contrast, irregular spots, or poorly defined “M” on the forehead are also undesirable.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include absence of the natural spotted pattern, presence of stripes or solid coloration, white patches unrelated to the base pattern, or altered coat color. Yellow eyes in adults, cross-eyes, heterochromia, or deformed skull structure are serious faults. Tail deformities, stiffness, or excessive shortness are also disqualifying. Aggressive or extremely timid behavior, artificial color modification, or any signs of disease, skeletal deformity, or coordination issues exclude the cat from breeding and shows. Only cats conforming fully to ICCF standards and possessing official pedigree documentation are eligible for exhibition and breeding.
Important Notes
The Egyptian Mau is one of the few breeds whose spotted pattern is naturally inherited rather than created through hybridization. Preserving the clarity and contrast of this pattern is a primary goal in breeding. ICCF judges focus particularly on coat texture, spot contrast, and eye expression. The dark “eyeliner” markings and “M” on the forehead are essential breed traits. Breeding programs must maintain balance and avoid excessive size that compromises elegance and agility. The Mau should remain active, intelligent, and affectionate while preserving its dignity and independence. Only cats with ICCF-certified lineage are allowed in breeding programs and exhibitions, ensuring the purity and preservation of the breed.
Conclusion
The Egyptian Mau unites ancient heritage with modern refinement. As one of the few domestic cats with a natural spotted coat, it stands out for its uniqueness and beauty. Within the ICCF system, the Mau represents elegance, strength, and natural grace. Emphasis is placed on color contrast, expressive eyes, and balanced proportions. The breed combines vitality, playfulness, and devotion to its owner. Participation in ICCF shows and breeding programs requires official documentation verifying pedigree and conformity to standard. Strict control of breeding and standardization ensures preservation of true breed type. The Egyptian Mau symbolizes elegance, cultural heritage, and perfection—an enduring emblem of natural beauty and harmony maintained by dedicated ICCF breeders worldwide.
