Egyptian Mau Cat
These felines are considered the only naturally occurring spotted domestic cat. The spots themselves may be large or small, but should be random and distinct from the background color. An “M” on the forehead and mascara lines from the eyes to the cheeks make a very dramatic statement on the Mau’s appearance. Spotting on the limbs and tail usually shows as bars and rings, and at least one ring of closely spaced spots should grace the chest area in a natural “necklace”.
The Mau should appear lean and elegant, with eyes of green and an overall appearance reminiscent of Egyptian paintings. It’s argued that the ancestors of these cats were worshipped as deities and often mummified and mourned upon their death. They were first imported into North America by an exiled Russian princess, Nathalie Troubetskoy in 1956.
Most cats stay relatively clean and rarely need a bath, but they do need to be brushed or combed to stimulate blood circulation and promote good health. A grooming glove or mitten can make this process as simply as daily petting.
