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Mau arabe |
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TranslationFrancis Vandersteen |
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OriginThe Mau arabe is a cat breed from the Arabian Peninsula. |
| This medium-sized cat is characterized by its ancestral origins. |
A brief historical overview |
| The Mau arabe is a natural breed, but was only recognized in 2009. These cats have occupied the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years, living in deserts and on the outskirts of hamlets. These cats were forged by the extreme climatic conditions of the Gulf countries and selected naturally. With the economic and demographic development of these countries, cities were gradually built up and desert cats moved closer to inhabited areas in search of food. For a long time, these street cats were ignored by the locals, who preferred more popular breeds. 14 years ago, a German expatriate in the United Arab Emirates named Petra Müller took in these cats and, after a few years, set up a breeding program. The last four generations have been followed with the aim of gaining recognition for the breed from the various cat associations. In November 2007, 18 cats from the last four generations were presented to a WCF jury, who found that all of them shared the same physical characteristics as this new breed, now known as Mau arabe. Officially, the Mau arabe was accepted as a “new breed” by the WCF on January 1, 2009. Other cat associations do not yet recognize it. |
General appearance |
| The Mau arabe is a medium-sized, compact-looking cat. Its physique should represent that of cats living naturally on the Arabian Peninsula, and should therefore not go too far into extremes. Males are larger than females. |
Behavior / characteristics |
| The Mau arabe is an affectionate cat, overflowing with love for its master. Very good-tempered, they generally get along very well with other household pets and children. Intelligent and curious, they are also active cats who love to play and hunt, and are very agile. |
Head |
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Cranial region |
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Head |
The head appears round, but is slightly longer than it is wide, and the muzzle is clearly visible. The profile is slightly curved, with a pronounced chin. | |
Facial region |
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Eyes |
The eyes are oval-shaped and should give the impression that the cat is alert. Their color should match that of the coat. | |
Ears |
Large, set slightly to the side of the head. | |
Body |
Tail |
| Medium length, tapering to the tip. |
Limbs |
| The Mau arabe is high-legged and very muscular. The legs are long and the paws oval. | ||
Forequarters |
Hindquarters |
Coat |
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Coat and texture |
The coat is short, without undercoat and close to the body. To the touch, the coat should not feel too soft or silky, but rather firm. In kittens, a soft coat is tolerated. Permitted coats are: solid white, solid black, bicolor black, brown and gray mackerel tabby (with or without white). | |
English (United Kingdom) 
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