6 Incredible Egyptian Mau Colors & Patterns
By Ed Malaker
Updated on
The Egyptian Mau is an attractive cat that makes a great pet due to their playful personality, good health, and attractive appearance. Their amazing coat means they stand out in any crowd, and it is available in several colors. If you are thinking about getting one of these cats, read on to learn about the different coat colors and patterns so you can find the one that you like best.
The 3 Egyptian Mau Colors
1. Silver
The silver Egyptian Mau has a pale coat with dark silver spots and stripes. The contrast between the light background and the dark markings creates a striking appearance. The nose leather and paw pads usually have a black outline.
2. Bronze
The bronze Egyptian Mau has a warm, rich background coat with dark bronze spots and stripes. Similar to the silver variety, the contrast between the base coat and the markings is an important breed characteristic.
3. Smoke
The smoke pattern in Egyptian Maus is more subtle than the previous two varieties. The coat appears solid, but if you part the fur, you’ll see that the undercoat is lighter than the outer coat, creating a shimmering effect when the cat moves.
The 3 Egyptian Mau Patterns
1. Spotted
The Egyptian Mau has a naturally occurring spotted pattern. The spots are random in size and distribution and can appear on the body, legs, and tail. The cat often has a distinctive scarab beetle pattern on the forehead, with two dark lines resembling the beetle’s outline.
2. Ticked
The Egyptian Mau’s coat can have a ticked pattern, where each hair is banded with multiple colors, giving the cat a speckled appearance that’s most noticeable with pale background coats, particularly on silver and bronze cats.
3. Striped
Egyptian Maus have stripes or bands around their legs and tails. They can also have a dorsal stripe down their back and frequently have mascara lines on their face, along with the tabby “M” on their forehead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Markings on an Egyptian Mau’s Face Significant?
Yes, Egyptian Maus often have distinctive facial markings, including a dark “M” shape on the forehead and mascara-like markings extending from the eyes to the back of the head. Many people notice that these lines seem to form an outline of a scarab beetle, which the Egyptians worshiped.
Can an Egyptian Mau Have More than One Coat Color?
No, Egyptian Maus must have a single dominant coat color to be part of the standard set for the breed. They do not display patterns like calico or tortoiseshell and shouldn’t be any colors besides those listed here.
Do Egyptian Maus Change Color as They Grow?
Yes, kittens may have a less distinct pattern that becomes clearer as they mature. Their coats may also darken or lighten slightly as they age.
Are Egyptian Maus Hypoallergenic?
While no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, some people with allergies may find Egyptian Maus more tolerable due to their short, fine coat that harbors fewer allergens.
Are Egyptian Maus Rare?
Egyptian Maus are not as common as many other breeds, contributing to their special status among cat enthusiasts. However, it can also make it harder to find a breeder and drive up purchase costs.
What Is the Origin of the Egyptian Mau?
The Egyptian Mau has roots in ancient Egypt, dating back thousands of years. They are considered one of the few naturally spotted cat breeds in existence.
Can I Show an Egyptian Mau in Cat Shows?
Several cat associations, including the Cat Fanciers Association, The International Cat Association, and the Australian Cat Federation, recognize the Egyptian Mau as a unique breed and will allow you to enter your pet into competitions.
Summary
The Egyptian Mau has a unique coat pattern specific to the breed. They have lines on their face that resemble mascara or a scarab beetle, which was popular with ancient Egyptians. They often have a stripe down their back, with stripes or bands on the tail and legs, and the body will have several irregular spots. The fur will also have a ticking pattern, which means each strand has color bands of different shades.
You can find them in three coat colors—silver, bronze, and smoke—and three coat patterns—spotted, ticked, and striped. Their short, sleek coat is easy to maintain and harbors fewer allergens than those of cats with longer fur.
Featured Image Credit: naturepicture_rika, Shutterstock
