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
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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing once a week, which works well for this short, single coat.3 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary'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 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary recommends daily play to keep it happy and busy.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Arabian Mau's teeth and ears?
Brush the teeth daily if possible; Furry Diary'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. Furry Diary 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.3
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.34
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.3
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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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 support@furrydiary.app 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
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.