Egyptian Mau Cat
The only naturally spotted domestic cat — and the fastest, at 48 km/h (30 mph). Those gooseberry-green eyes, that cheetah-like spotted coat, that distinctive "worried" brow expression. Complete guide: the loose belly skin flap that enables a longer stride, the "scarab beetle" marking, and a breed that looks like it walked out of an ancient Egyptian tomb painting.
📋 Breed Overview
📖 About the Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau was developed from spotted street cats brought from Cairo, Egypt to Italy by Russian Princess Nathalie Troubetskoy in the 1950s. The name "Mau" is the Egyptian word for cat. Only naturally spotted domestic cat breed — all other spotted breeds (Bengal, Ocicat, Savannah) were created by humans through hybridization or selective breeding. The Mau's spots are present from birth. They reach 48 km/h — fastest domestic cat — thanks to hind legs longer than front legs (like a cheetah) and a loose belly skin flap that extends their stride. Gooseberry green eyes are the breed hallmark.