At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
shorthair, no undercoat
A medium, muscular cat standing on long legs with oval paws, a tapering tail and big ears set a little to the side. The short single coat hugs the body and feels firm rather than silky.51
Personality what they are like
Lively, devoted and sociable. It usually gets on with most people, enjoys being part of family life and has a keen hunting instinct during play.34
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Plenty of daily play, puzzle toys and climbing space keep it busy; it often becomes more active in the evening.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Minimal. An occasional brush spreads skin oils, plus routine claw, ear and tooth care.3
Home where they are happiest
Cat trees and enrichment help an active cat settle indoors.3
Company who they like around
Prefers not to be alone for long and suits a household that can give daily attention.3
The story where it all began
This natural breed has lived in the Gulf region for over a thousand years, first in the desert and later in towns and cities. Petra Mueller of the Middle East Cat Society studied the cats over several generations, gave them their name and led the push that brought WCF recognition in 2008.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It was the first new breed accepted by the World Cat Federation in more than ten years; the news was announced at a cat show in Dubai in 2008.2
- 2
Recognition required a two-year study covering four generations of cats.2
- 3
Its short coat with no undercoat is an adaptation to the desert heat.1
- 4
The word 'mau' is an Egyptian word for cat.3
Recognised by the official bits
- WCF
- Approved in August 2008, eligible for international shows from 1 January 20091
- Emirates Feline Federation
- Recognised1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Arabian Mau. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Arabian Mau - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, coat, facts
- UAE's desert cats recognised as breed - The National thenationalnews.comused for history, recognition facts
- Arabian Mau - PetGuide petguide.comused for weight, lifespan, temperament, care
- Arabian Mau Facts - VioVet viovet.co.ukused for temperament
- WCF breed standard: Arabian Mau wcf.deused for body, coat, colours
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.