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Temperament and Quality are my highest priorities

Thetys Egyptian Maus

Newkingdom Khasa (bronze) and Thaiantia Anaxibia (silver)

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It is believed that the Mau’s original birthplace was Ancient Egypt, and, indeed, they are highly visible in the artworks of the time; the Egyptian Mau even seems to have been a favourite of the cat Goddess, Bast. They are a very active, beautiful, fascinating, striking and extremely intelligent breed that places enormous importance on both its human and animal family, and is extremely devoted and loyal to them. The Egyptian Mau also holds the distinction of being the only naturally spotted breed of domestic cat and the fastest. Their regal looks combine a randomly spotted pattern, banded legs and tail, gooseberry green eyes, a slightly ‘worried’ look, and distinctive mascara lines with cheetah-like speed and grace. Egyptian Maus are relatively new in New Zealand but are already sparking a huge amount of interest.

Of the five colours of Mau I concentrate on the stunning Silver, but will be hoping to have some of the more unusual Smokes too. I have been very lucky to have worked with some of the top breeders in the United Kingdom and this is where my foundation cats have come from.

I believe I was the first breeder of the gorgeous Bronze in Australasia, however New Zealanders never really recognised the fantastic cheetah-like look of this fabulous animal, and most of the kittens went to Australia. Given that I don’t breed for the sake of it, I have decided to retire my Bronze stud and queen, who are now living extremely happy pet lives in my home.

I positively encourage any potential owner to visit my home and see my cats in the normal surroundings. Kittens are generally born right in my bedroom (the queens generally like me around to act as midwife—not an uncommon occurance in breeding generally), and from day one they are gently and lovingly handled.

A Brief History…

The Mau (the Egyptian word for cat) has been clearly identified in the artwork of ancient Egypt; in the minds of many experts there is no question that today’s Maus are descended from a spotted subspecies of the African Wild Cat, Felis Lybica Ocreata, that the ancient Egyptians domesticated. The Mau’s role in the mythology, religion and daily life of Egyptians shows the level of respect and affection in which they were held. Cherished pets, worshipped as deities, protected by laws; they were even mummified upon death.

In 1956 an exiled Russian princess, Nathalie Troubetskoy (with the assistance of Richard Gebhardt), brought the Egyptian Mau to North America and it was given formal recognition by The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) for championship competition in 1977. Slowly and steadily since then the breed has been gaining tremendous recognition and attention.

Further excellent information can be obtained from the Egyptian Mau Club site in the United Kingdom (www.egyptianmaus.co.uk). I maintain my membership of this club, and am also a registered breeder with Catz Inc. in New Zealand. I try to show at least one of the cats each year, so check the shows on the Catz Inc. site to see if there is one near you—they’re very friendly and it’s a great day out.