How to Groom an Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is a breed of cat that can be traced back to some of the earliest recorded history in ancient Egypt. The Mau, which is Egyptian for "cat," is the only breed that has a spotted coat by nature, with other spotted breeds being the product of selective breeding by humans. Known as the fastest of domestic feline breeds, the average lifespan of a Mau is more than 15 years. Grooming for the Mau can be done by following the grooming guidelines for any domestic shorthaired feline.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat claw clippers
  • Grooming brush
  • Grooming gloves
  • Pet wipes
  • Fine-tooth metal comb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your Mau regularly. Once a week is good, but more than once a week is better. Brushing breaks up dead skin, dirt/dust and stimulates the oils in the hair follicles to maintain a healthy coat. Brushing also gets rid of loose hair, which can help prevent your Mau from getting hairballs from the self-grooming that it constantly does. An alternative to the traditional brushing is a set of special grooming gloves. These are just as effective as the brush and can be a good alternative for those cats that are not fans of being brushed.

    • 2

      Inspect your cat for any parasites. Look around ears, neck, legs and belly for any ear mites, ticks or other parasites. Place your cat over a white surface and use a fine-tooth metal comb to comb against the grain of the fur. This will dislodge any fleas or flea eggs that may be harboring within the fur. To prevent parasites, there are several medications that you may safely give your Mau monthly, such as "Revolution," "Frontline" and "Advantage."

    • 3

      Bathe your cat to maintain a healthy coat. It is no secret that most cats hate being immersed in water. Fortunately, there are pet wipes that are much less traumatic for your Mau. Doing this regularly will get rid of excess dust and grime. For those looking to give a traditional bath, keep the water away from the cat's head to lessen the trauma to your Mau.

    • 4

      Clip your cats' claws. An artery called the "quick" is located in each claw, so it is important to not clip too much off the claw. You can usually see the quick by looking at the claw from the side. The claw will be noticeably darker where the quick begins. For those cats that hate this process, try wrapping them in a towel except for their head, and pull out one paw at a time. This should be done every two to four weeks.