Pet Wiki

Arabian Mau

Lively, devoted and sociable.

SizeMedium
Lifespan12 to 14 years1
CoatShorthair, no undercoat
OriginArabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, UAE)23
Recognised breedShort profile
friendly and outgoing
energetic and playful
very easy coat care
14

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.14

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.52

Colourswhiteblackblack and whiteredred and whitebrown tabbygrey tabby with whitemackerel and spotted tabby5

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Arabian Mau. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • 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

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.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal. An occasional brush spreads skin oils, plus routine claw, ear and tooth care.1

Home where they are happiest

Cat trees and enrichment help an active cat settle indoors.1

Company who they like around

Prefers not to be alone for long and suits a household that can give daily attention.1

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 2008.32

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 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 2008.3

  2. 2

    Recognition required a two-year study covering four generations of cats.3

  3. 3

    Its short coat with no undercoat is an adaptation to the desert heat.2

  4. 4

    The word 'mau' is an Egyptian word for cat.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Arabian Mau' is derived from the breed's geographic origin on the Arabian Peninsula and the Egyptian word 'mau', which means 'cat'.2

Name ideas for your new friend

SaharaAmberZaraOasisDuneMirageSultanLaylaScoutRayaBashfulTaz

A day in the life told by an Arabian Mau

I started my day with a big stretch and a pounce on my favorite toy mouse. After a quick breakfast, I spent the morning chasing sunbeams across the floor and batting at a puzzle toy. When my human came home, I meowed a happy hello and followed them to the kitchen. In the evening, I climbed my scratching post and watched the birds outside the window. Later, I curled up on my human's lap for a snuggle before settling into my cozy bed for the night.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

WCF
Approved in August 2008, eligible for international shows from 1 January 20092
Emirates Feline Federation
Recognised2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Arabian Mau, and at what times?

Feeding schedules vary by age, activity and the food you choose. Ask your vet for a routine that suits your cat's needs, and always follow the label on the food.

What should an Arabian Mau eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete, balanced cat food that matches its life stage. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chives, xylitol, alcohol, yeast dough, coffee, caffeine, avocado, citrus, milk, dairy, macadamia nuts, raw meat, raw eggs, bones and salt. Keep these away from your cat.6

Does an Arabian Mau need baths?

Baths are rarely needed for this short-haired cat. Only bathe when it is very dirty or sticky, and always use a cat-safe shampoo. For most cats, a gentle wipe is enough.7

How often does an Arabian Mau need brushing?

An occasional brush is enough to spread skin oils and keep the coat healthy. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing once a week, which works well for this short, single coat.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Arabian Mau's claws, and how often?

Trim the very tip of each claw using a cat nail trimmer, avoiding the pink quick. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every three weeks, while general guidance says every ten days to two weeks. Ask your vet for the best schedule for your cat.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does an Arabian Mau need?

This lively cat needs plenty of daily play, puzzle toys and climbing space. It often becomes more active in the evening, so plan interactive sessions then. Pet Wiki recommends daily play to keep it happy and busy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Arabian Mau's teeth and ears?

Brush the teeth daily if possible; Pet Wiki's plan suggests every two days as a good start. For ears, check them weekly and gently clean with a vet-recommended solution if needed. Your vet can show you the best technique. Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Arabian Mau live?

The Arabian Mau typically lives between 12 and 14 years. With good care, regular vet checks and a loving home, it can enjoy a long, healthy life.1

Is an Arabian Mau good with children and other pets?

Yes, it is lively, devoted and sociable, and usually gets on well with most people. It enjoys family life, but its keen hunting instinct means it may chase small pets. Supervise introductions with other animals.14

Can an Arabian Mau be left alone?

This cat prefers not to be alone for long and suits a household that can give daily attention. If you must leave it, provide plenty of toys, climbing space and enrichment to keep it occupied.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Arabian Mau - PetGuide petguide.comused for weight, lifespan, temperament, care
  2. Arabian Mau - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, coat, facts
  3. UAE's desert cats recognised as breed - The National thenationalnews.comused for history, recognition facts
  4. Arabian Mau Facts - VioVet viovet.co.ukused for temperament
  5. WCF breed standard: Arabian Mau wcf.deused for body, coat, colours
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.