Breed information
Essentials
Colour: This fleet-footed breed is easily identified by its luxurious spotted coat. A pale background in silver, bronze or smoke is speckled with dark spots and distinctive 'frown marks' on the forehead.
Coat: Short, fine and silky, with a high sheen that looks after itself. However, most Egyptian Maus love the feeling of being brushed.
Life span: Around 15 years. The Egyptian Mau's endless energy usually means a long and active life.
Open Information Panel
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Click on the hotspots illnesses seen in a Egyptian Mau
Mouth and gum disease
Like most breeds, Egyptian Maus may suffer from gum and dental disease during their lifetime. Gum disease occurs when some (or all) of a tooth’s deep supporting structures become inflamed. This begins when food, bacteria and minerals accumulate along the gum line, leading to the build-up of a brown scale known as tartar. When this undermines the gum the condition is called gingivitis. Eventually, small spaces can form between the gums and the teeth creating pockets of space for bacteria to grow, resulting in what is known as periodontal disease. The bacteria from infected gums can spread around the body and damage the liver and kidneys. This condition can be prevented with basic routine care such as feeding cats dry food and brushing their teeth, helping them to lead a normal, pain-free life.
Fact
Dental lesion is the most common mouth problem we see in Egyptian Maus
Heart disease
Heart disease in cats refers to when the heart’s structures aren’t working as they should be. There are two categories of heart disease: congenital (meaning the cat is born with it) and acquired (meaning the disease develops later in life). Congenital heart diseases include defects in the wall of the heart, abnormal valves and blood vessels. Egyptian Maus are prone to a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure. Whilst this condition is not curable, it can be treated with lifelong medication.
Fact
Heart disorders are the fifth most common illnesses we see in Egyptian Maus
Feline asthma
Egyptian Maus, like other cats, can suffer from problems in the lower respiratory tract (the trachea and the lungs). Feline asthma, for example, occurs when allergies and irritants cause the lower airways (bronchi) and lungs to become inflamed and sensitive. Symptoms include coughing and wheezing. While asthma is not curable, it is manageable with various longterm medications including tablets, injections and even inhalers.
Fact
In our experience, Egyptian Maus are most likely to need treatment for feline asthma
Gastrointestinal tract disorders
The Egyptian Mau, like all cats, can suffer from problems affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is a long, winding tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus, with various twists and turns along the way. Signs of gastrointestinal disease include vomiting and diarrhoea. These symptoms can be caused by infections (such as campylobacter), poisoning or obstructions (caused by the cat eating something that can’t be digested), although these symptoms can indicate other more serious problems as well.
Fact
Gastrointestinal problems are the second most common illnesses we see in Egyptian Maus
Cystitis
Conditions that affect a cat’s bladder and urethra are collectively known as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which is more commonly referred to as cystitis. Egyptian Maus can suffer from these conditions, which can be caused by stress, not urinating enough, infections and bladder stones or crystals. Cats suffering from cystitis make frequent, painful attempts to urinate, and blood is often found in the urine. Treatment depends on the cause, but cats diagnosed with cystitis will usually require pain relief, access to plenty of water, special diets and perhaps some help to reduce stress.
Fact
We paid £3,438 to treat Lulu the cat for cystitis in 2016
