Breed overview
Arabian Mau
Shaped by life in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabian Mau is a natural breed built to thrive in heat, which makes it exceptionally well suited to Indian summers across a 15 to 30 degree range. It is lean, athletic and long-legged, with a short low-shedding coat and boundless energy for jumping, chasing and patrolling its territory. Independent yet affectionate, it appreciates a bond with its family but also values its own space. These active cats need plenty of daily play and climbing outlets. Hardy and long adapted to street life, they cost ₹30,000 to ₹80,000 and typically live 12 to 14 years.
- Origin
- United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
- Size
- Medium Breed
- Lifespan
- 12 - 14 years
- Buying price
- ₹30,000 - ₹80,000
- Ideal space
- Apartment
- Weather
- 15 - 30°C
- Coat type
- Short, Low-Shedding Coat
Top traits
Nutrition
Meal guidance, safe foods, and macro balance.
Nutritional Guide for Arabian Mau
Well suited to hot climates, the energetic Arabian Mau needs a meat-first diet with real chicken or salmon leading the ingredients rather than by-products. Kidney disease is a concern, so moisture is key: wet food and constant fresh water lighten the kidneys' workload, which matters in Indian heat. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids keep the short coat smooth, and measured portions prevent obesity. Adults typically need about 300 calories a day, and monthly feeding usually costs between ₹1,500 to ₹2,000.
At a glance
- Monthly food cost
- ₹1,500 - ₹2,000
- Calories per day
- 200 / 300 kcal
Recommended foods
- Dry Kibble
- Wet Food
- Cooked Chicken
- Cooked Turkey
- Fresh Salmon Rich
Essential nutrients
- High-grade animal protein (chicken, turkey, fish) to fuel the Arabian Mau's high daily activity and muscle repair cycles
- Taurine amino acid to prevent dilated cardiomyopathy and preserve retinal integrity in the Arabian Mau
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids to maintain the Arabian Mau's short-coated coat and skin barrier and support anti-inflammatory pathways
- Calcium and phosphorus minerals to sustain strong bone density and joint integrity throughout the Arabian Mau's active life stages
- Prebiotic dietary fiber to regulate bowel transit and support efficient nutrient absorption in the Arabian Mau's digestive system
Macro breakdown
- Protein45%
High-quality animal proteins from chicken, turkey, and fish support lean muscle mass and sustain the Arabian Mau's high daily metabolic energy demands.
- Fats35%
Essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil maintain skin elasticity, coat condition, and cardiovascular function specific to the Arabian Mau's physiology.
- Carbohydrates15%
Low-glycemic, easily digestible carbohydrates provide sustained energy release without overloading the Arabian Mau's sensitive digestive system or triggering blood sugar spikes.
- Fiber5%
Prebiotic dietary fiber promotes smooth intestinal transit, regular bowel health, and efficient nutrient absorption critical for the Arabian Mau's gut integrity.
Foods to avoid
- Raw Fish
- Onions & Garlic
- Chocolate & Caffeine
- Grapes & Raisins
- Dairy Products
Prohibited ingredients
- Onions and Garlic: a prohibited substance that poses toxicity risk and digestive harm to the Arabian Mau's sensitive physiology
- Chocolate: a prohibited substance that poses toxicity risk and digestive harm to the Arabian Mau's sensitive physiology
- Caffeine: a prohibited substance that poses toxicity risk and digestive harm to the Arabian Mau's sensitive physiology
- Bones: a prohibited substance that poses toxicity risk and digestive harm to the Arabian Mau's sensitive physiology
- Alcohol: a prohibited substance that poses toxicity risk and digestive harm to the Arabian Mau's sensitive physiology
Feeding guidelines
- Choose meat-first recipes with real chicken or salmon over by-products.
- Provide wet food and constant fresh water to ease the kidneys' workload.
- Include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to keep the short coat smooth.
- Measure portions to prevent obesity in this active breed.
Recommended brands
Health and wellness
Common issues, vaccinations, and daily care.
Healthcare and Preventative Guide for Arabian Mau
The Arabian Mau is a natural desert breed built for hot climates, making it exceptionally well suited to Indian weather with a tolerance of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Health concerns include upper respiratory infections, dental problems, obesity, and kidney disease. This high-energy, independent cat needs 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous play daily. Their short low-shedding coat requires minimal grooming. Ensure ample fresh water intake to protect against kidney stress in hot conditions. Monthly health costs average INR 500 to 700.
At a glance
- Energy level
- High
- Monthly cost
- ₹500 - ₹700
- Exercise
- 30 - 60 min/day
Common health issues
- Upper Respiratory Infections: The Arabian Mau can be predisposed to upper respiratory infections, requiring regular veterinary monitoring and prompt care to maintain long-term health and quality of life.
- Dental Problems: The Arabian Mau can be predisposed to dental problems, requiring regular veterinary monitoring and prompt care to maintain long-term health and quality of life.
- Obesity: The Arabian Mau can be predisposed to obesity, requiring regular veterinary monitoring and prompt care to maintain long-term health and quality of life.
- Kidney Disease: The Arabian Mau can be predisposed to kidney disease, requiring regular veterinary monitoring and prompt care to maintain long-term health and quality of life.
Recommended activities
- Provide large cat wheels for sustained running, matching their desert-bred endurance.
- Use wand toys with quick darting motions for high-energy hunting play sessions.
- Set up outdoor catios for safe fresh-air time, as this breed enjoys open space.
- Offer food puzzles that require athletic effort, combining exercise with feeding.
- Introduce fetch games with lightweight toys, as Arabian Maus often retrieve naturally.
Signs of stress
- Sneezing, nasal discharge, or eye watering can indicate upper respiratory infection.
- Increased thirst and decreased appetite may be early kidney disease signs.
- Rapid weight gain despite an active lifestyle suggests overfeeding or thyroid changes.
- Reluctance to eat or drooling signals dental pain requiring attention.
- Withdrawal or aggression in this normally social breed suggests pain or illness.
Vaccination schedule
| Growth stage | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| Age 6-8 weeks | FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) to build protective immunity for the Arabian Mau |
| Age 10-12 weeks | FVRCP booster to build protective immunity for the Arabian Mau |
| Age 14-16 weeks | FVRCP final booster and FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) to build protective immunity for the Arabian Mau |
| Age 16-20 weeks | Rabies to build protective immunity for the Arabian Mau |
General care tips
- Provide multiple fresh water sources throughout the home, refreshed twice daily in hot weather.
- Feed a kidney-supportive diet with moderate protein and adequate moisture.
- Brush teeth regularly and schedule annual dental cleanings to prevent tartar buildup.
- Keep this active cat engaged with daily play to prevent obesity-related health issues.
- Ensure vaccinations stay current to protect against upper respiratory infections.
Senior care
- Request kidney function panels at every vet visit after age 10.
- Transition to a renal-support diet if early kidney markers appear.
- Maintain dental health aggressively, as gum disease accelerates kidney decline.
- Provide indoor cooling spots during summer, even though they tolerate heat better than most breeds.
Grooming
Coat care, hygiene, and shedding notes.
Simple Grooming Notes for Arabian Mau
On a normal week, the Arabian Mau's coat does not ask for much, but skipping the basics still shows up quickly in Indian heat. Its middle-of-the-road size keeps the routine manageable as long as you stay consistent. A lively cat tends to pick up more dirt through the day, so short sessions after play work well. Most homes end up spending about INR 800 to INR 1,500 each month to keep the routine on track.
At a glance
- Shedding level
- Low Shedding
- Monthly cost
- ₹800 - ₹1,500
Hygiene checklist
- Brush the Arabian Mau once a week with a soft brush or grooming mitt to keep loose hair and dust under control.
- Wipe the coat after dusty play or a humid day so grime does not settle in and dull the fur.
- Check the ears regularly, because even an easy coat does not cancel out ear care.
- Trim the nails on schedule so the Arabian Mau stays comfortable on furniture, scratchers, and laps.
- Keep the teeth clean as part of the same routine, not as a separate chore you keep putting off.
Grooming benefits
- Keeps the Arabian Mau's coat looking tidy without much effort.
- Cuts down on loose hair, dander, and the dust that comes with Indian weather.
- Lets you spot small skin or ear issues before they become expensive.
- Makes the cat easier to handle because the routine stays simple and familiar.
- Helps the whole house stay cleaner with only a little weekly work.
Adopt and shop
Buying guidance, adoption guidance, and monthly costs.
Thinking about a Arabian Mau?
The Arabian Mau is a practical choice in many homes, but it still deserves proper planning before purchase. The size is easy enough to live with, provided the basics are not ignored. A balanced routine usually works well for a cat with this kind of energy level. Short-haired cats are usually practical, but practical still means regular care. Purchase costs usually range from INR 30,000 to INR 80,000, depending on lineage, breeder reputation, and city.
At a glance
- Market price
- ₹30,000 - ₹80,000
General overview
- The first thing to settle is the budget, since the Arabian Mau sits in the INR 30,000 to INR 80,000 range and the ongoing costs matter too.
- A steady routine matters more than a perfect one, because this breed settles best when life feels predictable.
- The Arabian Mau's coat is not difficult, but it still benefits from a little consistency and attention.
- Its medium build makes home planning fairly straightforward if the essentials are in place.
- It also helps to have a vet relationship ready early, especially because the Arabian Mau may need breed-aware advice as it settles in.
Buying guidelines
- Ask for pedigree papers and lineage details so you know exactly where the Arabian Mau comes from.
- The health paperwork matters just as much as the breed name, so look for vaccinations, deworming, and vet notes.
- Seeing the place yourself helps you judge socialization, cleanliness, and general care standards.
- Confirm the kitten has been microchipped, dewormed, and checked for common parasites before it goes home.
- It is worth asking for a written health guarantee so you know what support exists after the cat leaves the breeder.
Adoption guidelines
- For adoption, the cat's history matters just as much as its looks, so ask questions and read the records carefully.
- Choose a cat whose energy level fits your house, because a high-energy breed needs more interaction than a quiet one. A calmer breed usually adapts more smoothly when the home stays predictable.
- A calm transition space helps the Arabian Mau settle in without feeling pushed into the whole house at once.
- It is wise to book a vet visit early, even if the cat looks fine, so you know what you are starting with.
- Keep the adoption calm and practical: food, litter, scratching options, and patience matter more than a big welcome. The breed settles best when the new routine feels steady rather than rushed.
Monthly expense summary
- Monthly care₹2,800 - ₹4,200
- Food₹1,500 - ₹2,000
- Grooming₹800 - ₹1,500
- Health₹500 - ₹700
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the Arabian Mau.
What are the common health issues in the Arabian Mau?
The Arabian Mau can be prone to conditions such as Upper Respiratory Infections, Dental Problems, and Obesity. Not every cat will develop these, but routine veterinary checkups, a balanced diet, and a healthy weight go a long way in early detection and prevention.
Can I keep a Arabian Mau in an apartment?
Yes, the Arabian Mau is well suited to apartment living. It stays content indoors as long as it gets its daily activity and mental stimulation. Set aside a quiet resting spot and keep to a predictable routine so this cat feels secure in a smaller space.
How much activity does the Arabian Mau need?
Plan for about 30 to 60 minutes of activity each day for the Arabian Mau. This is an active breed, so interactive play, climbing towers, and puzzle or hunting games work best to prevent boredom and restlessness.
Is the Arabian Mau suited to the Indian climate?
The Arabian Mau adapts reasonably well to most parts of India, being most comfortable around 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Even so, provide shade and fresh water through the hottest months and avoid activity during the hottest part of the day. Basic heat precautions keep this cat healthy across Indian conditions.
What is the price of a Arabian Mau in India?
A Arabian Mau kitten in India typically costs ₹30,000 to ₹80,000, depending on lineage, breeder reputation, and city. Always choose an ethical breeder who shares health and vaccination records, and consider adoption as a rewarding alternative.
Does the Arabian Mau shed a lot?
The Arabian Mau has a shedding level described as low shedding. This makes grooming easier, though regular brushing still keeps the coat and skin healthy.
What is the temperament of the Arabian Mau?
The Arabian Mau is known for being Affectionate, Playful, Friendly, and Independent. With a high energy level, this cat does best when its social and mental needs are met through regular interaction and enrichment. They are best suited to an apartment and settle in well when their daily routine is consistent.
Is the Arabian Mau good with children and families?
The Arabian Mau generally does well in family homes, especially when socialised early. Its affectionate and playful nature suits households with children, though young kids should always be supervised around any cat.