Orlovia
The Arabian Mau is a rare and young pedigree that found its way from the desert into our living rooms less than 20 years ago. You can still see her origins. Nevertheless, she has adapted very well to our climatic conditions and life as a house cat.
History and Origin of the Arab Mau
The Arabian Mau has adapted perfectly to their original living conditions. Coming from the desert area around Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, she needed a sophisticated heat plan. Their thin fur helps protect against overheating, and their long ears dissipate some of their body heat. In this way, the Arabian Mau survived dry phases and maximum temperatures for around 1000 years.
In 2004 the first scheduled breeding took place in Dubai. Just five years later, the Arabian Mau was recognized as an independent breed by the WCF.
Since it is now at home all over the world – and therefore also in mild climate regions – the body’s own protective mechanisms are no longer of any significant importance.
Essence and Character
The Arabian Mau has different character traits that harmonize well together despite their contradiction. On the one hand, there is the desire for human interaction. Arabian mice enjoy tenderness. This is particularly true of the males.
On the other hand, the Arabian Mau also has a childish, playful disposition. She loves it when she can let off steam and go on a journey of discovery.
Although cats are basically nocturnal animals, many velvet paws get used to the rhythm of their family’s life. However, the Arabian Mau does not give up their nocturnal activity phases so easily because they were forced to be active at night in their homeland due to the unbearable heat.
The Appearance of the Arabian Mau
The Arabian Mau has a strong, athletic build. Because of her long legs, she still looks slim. The weight of the Arabian Mau can vary greatly between individuals. The maximum weight is eight kilograms.
The face of the Arabian Mau is slender, the head shape is round and the eyes are oval. The eye color is recognized in all color directions and depends on the coat.
The large ears, which are close together, are striking.
The fur is firm and short. The pedigree cat does not have an undercoat. Coat color can be solid (white, red, brown, grey, black), mixed color, and pattern.
Attitude and Care
The Arabian Mau is a very friendly animal that gets along well with other animals. Since the Arabian Mau needs a lot of play, keeping multiple cats is recommended anyway. The cats then pass the time among themselves and make their owner less responsible. However, when adult cats meet, friction can arise because the Arabian Mau does not readily share its territory with strangers. For this reason, conflicts with neighboring cats can also arise outside the home.
In principle, however, the Arabian Mau is a social animal that also gets along well with children. Therefore, the cat can be the pet of an individual as well as that of a large family or an elderly couple. The Arabian Mau adapts flexibly to their social environment.
Above all, it is important that she can live out her play instinct and has species-appropriate employment opportunities. If you invest enough time, you can even train your Arabian Mau in a similar way to a dog. For example, she can learn to follow commands and tolerate boundaries. However, the activities do not always have to be challenging. She also enjoys cuddling units.
In terms of care, the Arabian Mau is very uncomplicated. Breed-related diseases are not known. Nevertheless, she should go to the vet for check-ups at regular intervals. There she will also be provided with all the medication she needs (for example parasite protection).
Outdoor cat or indoor cat?
The Arab Mau is listed as a free roamer. Access to an outside area also best suits their temperament. However, she can also be a happy indoor cat. It is important that there are enough climbing and playing facilities.
Since there are all sorts of dangers lurking in outdoor keeping, the life expectancy of the Arabian Mau can be significantly reduced (from 20 to 15 years or less) by free-roaming. But this phenomenon also applies to all other cats.
In addition, the Arabian Mau is reported to have territorial traits. Because she tolerates her closest surroundings, you don’t notice that much in her own home. Outside, however, conflicts with neighboring cats can arise.