Egyptian Mau vs African Serval - Breed Comparison

Egyptian Mau vs African Serval - Breed ComparisonAfrican Serval is originated from South Africa but Egyptian Mau is originated from Egypt. African Serval may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Egyptian Mau. African Serval may live 5 years more than Egyptian Mau. Both African Serval and Egyptian Mau has same litter size. Both African Serval and Egyptian Mau requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

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South Africa
Egypt
Weight Male:
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 20 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
The Mau
Colors Available:
Spotted and striped with black against a golden/tawny shade
Silver, tan - spots on coat, black
Coat:
short
Short and silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

african servalThe African Serval is a wild cat that hails from Africa. You’ll see them on Africa’s savannas where there is tall grass and reeds, preferably near water.

If you want to own a serval cat, you have to check whether you require licenses and permits as they are particularly difficult to rehome once you have owned one. Humans have kept them since ancient times, but they are not domesticated cats as such.

Breeding servals arrived in the United States many decades ago. Breeders have also crossed serval cats with domestic cats to produce hybrids, one of which is the Savannah cat.

egyptian mauThe Egyptians have always been interested in cats, and it is believed that in 1953 a noblewoman left Egypt with a tabby cat, returning to Italy.

Later, another cat was also brought to Italy and the pair were mated. The Egyptian Mau is a natural breed.

In 1956, a kitten of the pair was brought to the United States and the Egyptian Mau was developed. A breeding program was started in the United States. The breed Egyptian Mau was recognized in 1958 in the United States and 1992 in Europe.

Description

african serval kitten - descriptionThe Serval is a medium to large-sized cat that stands at between 54–62 cm in height and weighs in the region of 9–18 kg.

Some people think its a cat that looks similar to a Cheetah and this is because it also has a small head. It is known for its large ears which are black at the back with a large white dot. The attractively patterned coat is both spotted and striped with black against a golden/tawny shade.

These wild cats make a number of different noises - high pitched cries to growls, spitting sounds and purring. Another well-known feature with the cat is its particularly long legs. The tail has some black rings and it is black-tipped. The eyes of the Serval are a brown/greeny color.

The Serval cats will only come together for mating and then they resume their solitary lives. Gestation lasts for roughly 73 days after which up to 6 kittens can be born. In captivity, a Serval can live to be about 20 years of age.

Temperament:

The Serval is an active cat night and day. They are solitary animals not known for strong social interactions with humans but they can be playful with the few humans he gets to know.

People need to always know that owning a wild pet like this comes with risks. Not only that, a Serval wants to mark its territory and while you may provide a litter box, it's not to say he will use it.

They are able to bond with humans to some extent, more so if they were hand-fed from early on. They bond with one person and can form an affectionate relationship with that one person.

egyptian mau kitten - descriptionThis is a medium-sized, long, athletic cat that is well muscled. It weighs between 3 to 5kg. The Mau is heavily muscled and strong. It has a triangular-shaped head with large almond-shaped eyes.

The coat of the Mau is medium in length and is glossy and soft. There are spots on the coat but the cat is particularly well known for the dark stripe that runs from its head to its tail. The coat comes in several different colors such as silver, black, tan and blue. All Maus have green eyes.

Temperament:

These cats are known for being loyal and friendly and they love warm weather and enjoying a spot in the sun.

They are talkative cats too and also love to sit on high perches and survey the world from these high positions. They are excellent climbers and you’ll need to supply these cats with a climbing tree. Its an intelligent breed and he will get along well with children in the home as well as be friendly towards other pets.

Characteristics

african serval cat - characteristicsThe African Serval is a wild animal and should be left in the wild.

However, if you do decide to bring one into your home as a pet, they aren’t recommended for homes with young children or for a first-time pet owner.

Their play is rough and they like to use their teeth and claws during play. If the child gets hurt, then in typical unfair human fashion, the Serval is the one who suffers. They are capable of making good pets though but it is not recommended.

egyptian mau cat - characteristicsThese are social cats with their own human family but the Egyptian Mau does tend to be a bit reserved around strangers.

They make excellent pets and companions and if he is happy, you’ll hear him making little noises to express his contentment.

What also makes him so attractive as a pet is that he is a short-coated cat that is considered to be low maintenance.

Before you decide to take on any animal as a pet and before you bring the Egyptian Mau into your home, do thorough research on this rare cat breed. If you do decide to take him in, find out all you can on how to provide for him so that he receives the best care and love in your home.

Health Problems

african serval kittens - health problemsMake sure that before you take in a Serval as a pet you have access to a good veterinarian who is experienced in helping exotic pets.

Also, the African Serval, when domesticated, will need the same cat vaccines that you would give your regular kitten.

egyptian mau kittens - health problemsEgyptian Maus are strong, robust cats and they don't have any particular health problems.

Obesity is a major disease with this cat and all other cats and it's worth noting, as obesity contributes to a great number of illnesses in cats. Excess weight can lead to diabetes and arthritis and well as other life-threatening diseases.

Two things that play an important role in his health are ensuring that he has access to excellent, nutritious, meaty food, as cats are carnivores.

You also want to ensure that he gets all his vaccines and de-wormings. If you notice that your cat seems to be under the weather, get him to the vet as soon as possible.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

african serval cats - caringThe Serval is a wild cat so in the wilds it eats prey such as frogs, birds and reptiles. They are known for leaping high into the air to catch prey but they will also burrow into holes to get prey out.

You should try to provide your Serval pet with some whole prey. Do research on the food of Servals because you will need to offer your wild pet a feline supplement. There are also formulated pelleted food, but this shouldn’t form the bulk of his food but rather be a supplement to his meats. Choose a variety of meats such as chicken, mice, turkey, beef, duck as well as rabbits and birds.

Space:

If you keep a serval, it is imperative that it has large outdoor areas to roam in. They’re nocturnal animals, so they become more active at night. They’re used to living near streams in the wild so some kind of pool will be required for him, possibly even a fish pond where he can catch his own fish.

egyptian mau cats - caringThe beautiful coat of the Egyptian Mau is easy to care for and a weekly brushing will ensure it stays shiny and healthy.

If he will let you, try to look inside his mouth to ensure the teeth and gums are healthy.

Remember, if there are any grooming activities for this cat that you feel you can’t cope with, professional groomers will do it for you.

Provide your Egyptian Mau with a climbing tree and scratching post as the cat loves to jump and climb.

He is an active, intelligent cat and needs to be stimulated with exciting toys, particularly when you’re not around to entertain him.

Cats such as the Egyptian Mau are clean and they want their litterbox to be kept clean. Invest in scoop and rake and rid the litter box every day of cat droppings. There also comes a time when you will have to replace all the sand or grit as well.

It will be fantastic if you can provide this cat with a water fountain and a type of pool as they love playing in water.

Make sure your Mau has constant access to fresh, cool drinking water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. African Serval vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. African Serval vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. Chausie vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. American Bobtail vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  5. American Curl vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  6. American Keuda vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  7. American Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  8. American Polydactyl vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  9. American Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  10. American Wirehair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  11. Applehead Siamese vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  12. Ashera vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  13. Asian vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  14. Asian Semi-Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  15. Australian Mist vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  16. Balinese vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  17. Bengal vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  18. Bicolor vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  19. Birman vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  20. Blue Russian vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  21. Bombay vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  22. Brazilian Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  23. Bristol vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  24. British Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  25. British Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  26. Egyptian Mau vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Egyptian Mau vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Egyptian Mau vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Egyptian Mau vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Egyptian Mau vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Egyptian Mau vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Egyptian Mau vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Egyptian Mau vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Egyptian Mau vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Egyptian Mau vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Egyptian Mau vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Egyptian Mau vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Egyptian Mau vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Egyptian Mau vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Egyptian Mau vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Egyptian Mau vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Egyptian Mau vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Egyptian Mau vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Egyptian Mau vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Egyptian Mau vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Egyptian Mau vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Egyptian Mau vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Egyptian Mau vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Egyptian Mau vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Egyptian Mau vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison