The Arabian Mau, an agile and sociable cat from the Arabian Desert.
The Arabian Mau, the Jewel of the Desert
The Arabian Mau is a natural cat breed originating from the Arabian Peninsula, where it has evolved in the deserts for thousands of years. It is a medium-sized cat, elegant and muscular, perfectly adapted to its desert environment. It is recognizable by its short coat, without an undercoat, with various colors and patterns, including tabby or spotted. Its eyes are large, green, and expressive.
This feline is appreciated for its friendly, sociable, very active, and adaptable temperament. It is loyal to its family and loves to interact, making it an excellent companion for dynamic households.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on November 11, 2025.
My personal tip : The Arabian Mau's short coat is very easy to maintain; occasional brushing is sufficient. It is a very energetic and playful cat that needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Offer interactive toys, cat trees for climbing, and opportunities for exploration. The Arabian Mau is very social and does not tolerate loneliness. It will thrive in a home where it receives plenty of attention and affection, and where it can interact with its family. It is also known to be a good hunter, so games that simulate hunting are greatly appreciated.
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Identifying the Arabian Mau : Characteristics of its Coat and Silhouette
The athletic silhouette and large eyes of the Arabian Mau reflect its desert origin.
The Arabian Mau is a medium-sized cat, with an elegant, muscular, and athletic body.
Size: Medium-sized cat, with a muscular, elegant, and slender body.
Coat: Short, dense, without an undercoat, which makes it suitable for hot climates. The texture is soft but resilient. Common colors and patterns include tabby, spotted, and bicolor. All natural colors are accepted.
Head: Round, with high cheekbones and a straight nose. The muzzle is well-defined.
Eyes: Large, oval, slightly oblique, with vivid green, amber, or gold color, harmonizing with the coat color.
Ears: Large, tall, set high and erect, broad at the base, and slightly pointed at the tips.
Tail: Medium-long, thick at the base and tapering slightly towards the tip, often carried high.
Dimensions and Key Information (Arabian Mau)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 30 cm
20 – 25 cm
20 – 30 cm
Weight
3 – 6 kg
2.5 – 5 kg
2.5 – 6 kg
Life Expectancy
10 – 15 years
10 – 15 years
10 – 15 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-6
These figures indicate that the Arabian Mau is a medium-sized, robust, and agile cat, and its growth is completed around 1 year of age.
Behavior and Personality : The Energetic and Affectionate Companion
The Arabian Mau is a cat with a friendly, sociable, very active, intelligent, and curious temperament. It is known for its boundless energy and its need for stimulation. Very attached to its family, it loves to play and interact, and is often described as very vocal and demonstrative in its affection. It adapts well to indoor living, provided it has enough space to expend energy and play.
It generally gets along very well with children and other pets, thanks to its open and sociable nature. Its hunting instinct is well-developed, so it will appreciate toys that allow it to satisfy this need. The Arabian Mau needs a stimulating environment and regular interaction to fully thrive.
Origin and History
The history of the Arabian Mau is millennia old, rooted in the deserts of the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. It is considered a natural breed, descended from wild desert cats that have lived in harmony with humans for thousands of years, hunting rodents and other small prey.
The breed began to be formalized in the early 21st century, with efforts to establish a breed standard and obtain official recognition. The Arabian Mau was officially recognized by the World Cat Federation (WCF) in 2007. It is valued for its genetic purity, its natural adaptation to the desert environment, and its balanced temperament.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Arabian Mau
What makes the Arabian Mau's coat unique?
The Arabian Mau has a short, dense coat with no undercoat, perfectly adapted to hot desert climates. It is often tabby or spotted, with all natural colors accepted.
What is the temperament of the Arabian Mau?
It is a sociable, friendly, very active, intelligent, and affectionate cat. It is loyal to its family, loves to play and interact, and is known for its vocal nature.
Does the Arabian Mau get along well with children and other pets?
Yes, the Arabian Mau is very sociable and generally gets along very well with children and other pets, provided it has been properly socialized.
Does the Arabian Mau need a lot of exercise?
Yes, it is an energetic and active cat that needs a lot of daily mental and physical stimulation. Interactive games and opportunities to climb and explore are essential.
What is the origin of the Arabian Mau?
The Arabian Mau is a natural breed whose origins date back thousands of years in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, where it evolved without human intervention.
