The Arabian Mau cat, a native breed of the Middle Eastern deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, is a fascinating creature. With its sleek build, affectionate nature, and instinct for being a family companion, it’s a breed like no other. Available in various striking coat colors, from black and white to ginger, this breed is as bold as it is tough, piquing the interest of cat enthusiasts worldwide.
This guide covers the personality, care, and price of the Arabian Mau, how to adopt one, and its lifespan. Scroll down to see why the Arabian Mau might be the cat for you.
The Arabian Mau Cat
The Arabian Mau cat is a domesticated cat found in the Arabian Peninsula. It has been naturally selected for at least 1000 years, having traditionally lived in the harsh deserts of the Middle East. The Arabian Mau is a natural breed, one of God’s creations, designed to survive extreme temperatures, walk through deserts, and live alongside humans, the opposite of a designer breed. Centuries of adaptation resulted in its svelte physique, high alertness, and high energy levels. The Arabian Mau used to be a nondescript stray cat, but it is not worth any attention. Still, now it catches the eyes of enthusiasts worldwide, who are admiring its authenticity, toughness, and gorgeous look.
The Wild Cat of the Arabian Peninsula
The Arabian Mau is a breed of domestic cat that originated in the Arabian Peninsula. The word forcat in ancient Egypt is “Mau,” whence its name! In the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, these felines wandered about, hunting at night and sleeping through the scorching daytime, but now they have nowhere to call home. Recently (a decade or so back), the Arabian Mau has become prominent thanks to cat associations like the World Cat Federation. However, their nature is still primarily instinctive, only marginally influenced by breeding to suit humans, leaving a good deal of natural sense and independence in the breed.
Appearance and Coat Features
The Cat Arabian Mau has a slender, muscular body with long legs and defined muscles. The large, erect ears are one of its hallmarks that assist heat-loss adaptation in the desert climate. These cats come in an array of coat colors. For instance, the black and white Arabian Mau cat is an excellent case in point, symbolizing contrast and smoothness. Likewise, the Arabian Mau cat black has a rich, shiny coat that glimmers with sunlight, and the ginger Arabian Mau cat gained fame for the coat’s bright, warm shine. Even rarer variations, such as the Arabian Mau calico cat, display a stunning combination of white, orange and black patches, and its probable genetic diversity reflects the richness of its gene pool.
Arabian Mau Cat Personality
The Arabian Mau is a hermit-playful cat. This cat breed is curious and intelligent. They are not usually lap cats but have a powerful bond with their humans. Their nocturnal nature is a remnant of their desert ancestry, as those dry, hot climates were conducive for hunting when temperatures were cooler. As house pets, they need interactive toys and activities to avoid getting bored. They are loud (and opinionated!) with a distinct personality and a desire to be nearby but not super needy.
Arabian Mau Cat Demand and Price in the World
Decoding the Arabian Mau Cat Price: Several Key Factors. People can often adopt these cats for low costs in countries like the UAE or Qatar. But exotic kittens or rare color varieties, such as the black without or calico Mau, can fetch a considerable sum. Prices can vary from as low as $300 to well over $1,000, depending on health checks, age, and if the cat has been bred from a certified breeder worldwide. It is necessary to confirm legitimacy while purchasing, especially from out of state.
Arabian Mau Cat Colors
One of the most adored types is the Arabian Mau cat white, which has class plus purity. It is often perceived as elegance and poise. Black Arabian Mau cats symbolize all that is mysterious and strong, so it is no surprise that true cat lovers, especially those who prefer the sleek, exotic type, rate these cats very high on their lists of top cats. For example, the ginger Arabian Mau cat is lively, playful, and has a lot of spunk! One of the rarest calico cat breeds, Arabian Mau, which features complex patterns in its coat over an affectionate temperament, is among them.
The Lifespan of Arabian Mau Cats
Due to their natural ancestry and few inherited health issues, Arabian Mau usually develop for 12 to 15 years. In a worry-free atmosphere, with the proper care, some even reach 17. They are also hardy, contributing to a long life expectancy compared to their very low grooming requirement.
Arabian Mau Cats for Adoption
Adopt Arabian Mau cats are readily available for adoption within the rescue shelters of the UAE and other Gulf countries. These cats may have been rescued from streets or overpopulated areas and rehabilitated for adoption. Several international organizations are now working with rescues in the Middle East to provide adoption opportunities to cat lovers abroad. Although you cannot “order” a reserved pet by coat color (e.g., black-and-white or calico) via adoption, if you want to give a home to a well-deserving animal, this is a great place to do it.
Arabian Mau Cat Behaviour
Although still an instinctive wild hunter, the house cat’s behavior is suited to living amongst humans. These cats are intelligent, active, and require lots of mental stimulation. They love their high perches, they like watching out of the window, and they like interactive toys. Although they may be cuddly, they still want to be independent and will not enjoy being carried or handled a lot. New owners can find their nightlife startling, but they are just following their instincts for surviving in the desert!
With most cat dander, you might wonder how accurate the Arabian Mau cat’s hypoallergenic assertion is regarding aspects of the matter. Although no cat can ever be hypoallergenic, the Arabian Mau is considered to be one of the most hypoallergenic felines due to their short, coarse, non-undercoat-producing fur, resulting in less shedding and, therefore, less dander in the home. This could potentially make them easier for allergy sufferers to tolerate. Nevertheless, they respond differently with each person, so have one for a little while before adopting them.
Characteristics Of The Arabian Mau Cat
While the possible traits of the Arabian Mau cat abound, few stand out as much as the ability to adapt. Famed for their sleek coat and large ears, these cats are highly adapted to survive in the extreme heat. They are also known for having significantly developed hunting instincts, intelligence, and adaptability. They are typically sleek with their shiny fur and lean, athletic bodies. They are hardy but also affectionate and bond tightly with humans who respect their boundaries.
One thing to consider is that the Arabian Mau cat may not be the best fit for people with allergies.
Cat allergies can occur from this breed, although Arabian Mau generates less dander than most long-haired breeds. The reactions have more to do with their immune systems than the cat itself. Minimizing allergic reactions can be achieved with regular grooming, air purifiers, and hypoallergenic bedding. If you are interested in adopting this breed but have a history of allergies to pets, it is best to see a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Arabian Maus are playful and tolerant, making them good companions for respectful children.
They are not fully hypoallergenic, but may be more tolerable due to their short coat and low shedding.
Typically 12 to 15 years, with some living even longer in healthy, low-stress environments.
Yes, many rescue groups in the UAE and surrounding regions offer international adoption options.
They are highly active, especially at night, and need space and toys to stay stimulated.