How Big Do Egyptian Maus Get? Average Weight & Growth Chart

Updated on Jan 19, 2024

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Size and Growth Chart
When Do They Stop Growing
Factors Affecting Size
Ideal Diet for Healthy Weight
How to Measure Your Cat

The Egyptian Mau is an ancient, attractive cat breed with a unique coat and green eyes. They are a high-energy pet that loves to play and forms strong bonds with their family members. However, before seeking a breeder, many pet owners want to know how big they will get. If this sounds like you, keep reading for a look into the size of this interesting cat breed at different stages of their life, along with a discussion of factors that can affect their growth. On average, Egyptian Mau can grow up to 12-14 inches in length and 8-14 pounds in weight.

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Egyptian Mau Overview

The Egyptian Mau is a distinctive breed of domestic cat that originated in Egypt, and many believe them to be one of the few naturally occurring spotted breeds. They have a short coat adorned with random spots on the body and stripes or bands on the tail and legs. They are one of the fastest cat breeds, capable of reaching speeds up to 30 miles per hour, and their distinctive green eyes are part of the breed standard.

Egyptian Mau Kitten — Image Credit: Anastasiia Chystokoliana, Shutterstock

Egyptian Mau Size and Growth Chart

The rate at which your cat matures and progresses through the different stages of life can vary for each individual. That said, you can expect your Egyptian Mau to be a kitten until they reach about 6 months of age, which is when they will become an adolescent.

As you would do with a dog, it’s important to socialize your cat with people, places, and other animals while they’re still a kitten to help them feel more comfortable as an adult. They will be adolescents from 6 to 12 months, and you will likely notice them growing quickly and testing boundaries.

Once they reach 2–3 years of age, they will be adults in prime physical condition. Their personalities will be more established, and they often form strong bonds with their human companions. When they reach 7 years old, they will transition to the senior stage. This is when they will likely become more sedentary and can face health issues, which means they will need more frequent vet visits.

Age in Months	Weight Range in Pounds	Length Range in Inches
0–2	.3–.5	3.5–5
2–4	.5–2	4–6
4–6	2–4	6–8
6–12	4–6	8–12
12–24	6–12	12–14
24–36	8–14	12–14

When Does an Egyptian Mau Stop Growing?

Egyptian Maus typically stop growing in terms of their physical size and development by around 2–3 years of age. However, it’s important to note that while their physical growth might slow, their personalities and behaviors can continue evolving as they age. After this point, any changes in their size will likely be due to factors like weight gain or loss rather than natural growth.

Egyptian Mau cat in gray background — Image Credit: MDavidova, Shutterstock

Factors Affecting the Size of an Egyptian Mau

1. Genetics

Genetics plays a significant role in determining a cat’s size. The genes inherited from the parents contribute to the cat’s growth rate, bone structure, body proportions, and overall size. If an Egyptian Mau comes from a line of large cats, they will also likely be large.

2. Sex

For many cat breeds, including Egyptian Maus, the males tend to be larger and heavier than the females due to hormonal differences that influence growth and development. Male Egyptian Maus are often more robust and have more muscle mass than females.

3. Nutrition

A balanced and appropriate diet is crucial for healthy growth. Kittens require specific nutrients to support their rapid growth during the first year. Overfeeding or underfeeding can lead to growth irregularities, such as being overweight or underweight, which can cause health problems for your cat.

4. Health

The overall health of a cat can impact their growth. Cats with underlying health issues might not grow as expected, while cats in optimal health are more likely to reach their genetic potential for size faster.

5. Early Life Care

Proper care during kittenhood, including adequate nutrition, a clean environment, and timely vaccinations, can contribute to healthy growth and development, while neglect or inadequate care during this crucial stage might affect their size later in life.

silver egyptian mau cat in pink background — Image Credit: Jolanta Beinarovica, Shutterstock

Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight

1. High-Quality Cat Food

Choose a premium cat food that’s appropriate for your cat’s life stage and has high-quality animal protein listed as the first ingredient. Avoid foods with excessive fillers or artificial additives. Ensure that the cat food provides a balanced blend of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Protein is especially important for cats because they are carnivores, so look for a food with a minimum of 30-40% protein content.

2. Portion Control

Follow the feeding guidelines on the cat food packaging, and consider your cat’s needs. Adjust portions based on your cat’s age, activity level, metabolism, and weight goals. If you are unsure about portion size, consult your vet for advice.

3. Limited Treats

Treats should only comprise a small portion of your cat’s daily caloric intake. Opt for healthy, cat-specific treats, or just use their regular kibble as treats during training. Many experts recommend limiting treats to less than 10% of a cat’s daily caloric intake.

4. Fresh Water

Always provide fresh, clean water for your cat. Hydration is important for overall health and can aid in weight management. If you struggle to get your cat to drink enough water, a fountain can help, as the moving water stays fresh longer and the sound can attract them, causing them to drink more.

Egyptian mau cat resting in the shade — Image Credit: lazicsasa87, Shutterstock

How to Measure Your Egyptian Mau

Length

To measure your cat’s length, use a cloth measuring tape or a piece of string that you can later measure with a ruler.
Have your cat stand or lie down comfortably on a flat surface.
Gently extend the tape or string from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, following the natural curve of their body, and mark the length with a pencil.
Write down the length, using a ruler to measure the string if you’re using that.

Height

To measure your cat’s height, use a cloth measuring tape or a piece of string that you can later measure with a ruler.
Have your cat stand comfortably on a flat surface.
Measure from the ground to the highest point of their shoulder.
Write down the height, using a ruler to measure the string.

Weight

Use a digital kitchen scale or a pet-specific scale to weigh your cat.
Place the scale on a flat and stable surface.
Place your cat on the scale and record their weight.
If your cat is hesitant to stay on the scale, weigh yourself first and then weigh yourself while holding your cat. Subtract your weight from the combined weight to get your cat’s weight.

egyptian mau cat outdoor — Image Credit: naturepicture_rika, Shutterstock