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Arabian Mau
Breed profile

Mau Árabe

A desert cat. Adapted to extreme heat. Short coat. Well-balanced temperament.

Origin: Península Arábiga Size: Mediano Lifespan: 13-17 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Mizuu editorial teamupdated on October 14, 2026Not yet reviewed by a vet. Are you a vet? Review itReport an error

Ideal for

  • Families with time for cuddling
  • Flats
  • Anyone looking for a sociable cat

Reconsider if

  • ×Homes where the cat is left alone for many hours

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Is the Mau Árabe a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats
Suitable for first-timers
Good with children
With other dogs
With cats
Tolerates being alone
Energy level
Shedding level
Grooming needs
Vocalisation / noise
Ease of handling
Tolerates heat
Tolerates cold

Estimated cost of ownership

40-65 €/month

Food 20-28 €, litter 10-15 €, vet and vaccinations pro-rated 10-16 €, antiparasitics 4-6 €, contingency fund 5-8 €.

History and origin

A natural breed from the Arabian Peninsula, descended from the desert cats that adapted to living alongside human settlements; recognised by the World Cat Federation in 2009.

Temperament and character

Typical temperament for its breed. Sociable or reserved depending on the individual. Early neutering (4-6 months) is the best preventive measure.

Living together

Children: good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if raised together from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.

Life stages of the Mau Árabe

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 13-17 años.

Kitten

0-6 months

Socialisation, vaccination and deworming; a hardy, adaptable natural breed.

Junior

6 months-2 years

Neutering, adult diet, exercise and dental routine.

Adult

3-10 years

Weight control, general check-up, protection from heat and annual review.

Senior

11+ years

Biannual check-ups, renal and cardiac monitoring, joint and dental health.

Care

Brushing: according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).

Litter tray: One litter tray per cat plus one extra (N+1 rule), in quiet spots away from food.

Feeding: quality wet + dry food.

Vet: annual check-up + blood work from 7 years of age.

Care in detail

Nutrition

Balanced, quality food with wet food to ensure hydration, especially useful in a breed adapted to the desert. No special dietary needs; portion control to prevent excess weight.

Grooming

Minimal: its short coat is kept in condition with just a weekly or fortnightly brushing. Dental hygiene and routine checks of nails and ears.

Training

A balanced, intelligent and adaptable cat. It quickly learns the litter tray and daily routines; it responds well to positive reinforcement and fits into family life without any trouble.

Exercise

Medium energy; active but not hyperactive. Daily play and a climbing spot are enough. It tolerates activity in warm climates better than most breeds.

Breed-specific health

Health tests recommended for this breed: Echocardiography for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); General blood work and renal profile before breeding; Regular dental check-ups; Skin examination (short-haired breed without extreme gene); Weight and body condition monitoring. Life expectancy 13-17 years.

Common diseases in cats

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

Dermatitis atópicaTiña (dermatofitosis)Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)GastroenteritisPulgasGarrapatas
See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Mau Árabe

Recommended tests and screenings

  • Echocardiography for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
  • General blood work and renal profile before breeding
  • Regular dental check-ups
  • Skin examination (short-haired breed without extreme gene)
  • Weight and body condition monitoring

Prevention

As a natural breed without extreme inbreeding, it is very hardy and healthy. Early neutering, routine vaccination and deworming, dental hygiene and protection from the winter cold.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up; blood work and cardiac auscultation from 7 years of age. It requires no specific screening beyond the general feline ones.

Warning signs

  • !Lethargy or rapid breathing (cardiac signs)
  • !Increased thirst/urination (renal function)
  • !Loss of appetite or weight
  • !Inflamed gums or bad breath
  • !Skin lesions or dryness in very cold weather

Frequently asked questions about the Mau Árabe

How long does a Mau Árabe live?

▾
The life expectancy of the Mau Árabe is 13-17 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Mau Árabe weigh?

▾
An adult Mau Árabe weighs between 4-7 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is mediano.

Where does the Mau Árabe breed come from?

▾
The Mau Árabe originates from Península Arábiga. A natural breed from the Arabian Peninsula, descended from the desert cats that adapted to living alongside human settlements; recognised by the World Cat Federation in 2009.

How much exercise does a Mau Árabe need?

▾
The Mau Árabe has media energy. **Brushing:** according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).

Is the Mau Árabe good with children?

▾
**Children:** good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if raised together from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.

Who is the Mau Árabe NOT recommended for?

▾
It isn't the right breed for: Homes where the cat is left alone for many hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Mau Árabe have?

▾
Health tests recommended for this breed: Echocardiography for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); General blood work and renal profile before breeding; Regular dental check-ups; Skin examination (short-haired breed without extreme gene); Weight and body condition monitoring. Life expectancy 13-17 years.

Is the Arabian Mau a healthy breed?

▾
Yes, it is one of the hardiest breeds. Being a natural desert cat, without extreme selection or inbreeding, it has few hereditary diseases and generally enjoys good health.

Does it cope well with heat?

▾
Exceptionally. It is adapted to the desert climate, so it withstands the summer heat better than almost any other breed. On the other hand, it appreciates shelter during cold winters.

Is it a good cat for beginners?

▾
Yes. It is balanced, sociable, low-maintenance and adapts easily to family life, which makes it ideal for anyone getting their first cat.

How much coat care does it need?

▾
Very little. Its short coat only requires a weekly brushing and it sheds little. It needs no grooming salon or frequent baths.

Does it get along well with children and other animals?

▾
Yes, it is tolerant and sociable. It lives well with respectful children, other cats and calm dogs if a gradual introduction is made.

Learn more about cats

Practical veterinary guides to support your Mau Árabe.

Feeding

Dry vs wet food

Litter tray

Types, placement and cleaning

Vaccinations

Official schedule

Living together

Introducing cats to each other

Senior cat

Care from age 10

Vet emergencies

When to rush in

Sources and references

Content compiled from official breed standards and leading veterinary sources.

Do you have a Mau Árabe?

Add them to Mizuu and we will remind you what is due for their breed and age: Echocardiography for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), check-ups and vaccines.

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Mau Árabe: temperament, health and care | Mizuu