Welcome to Thomkatz Egyptian Maus

The Egyptian Mau is a living relic and holds the distinction of being one of the oldest domestic breeds of cats. The first documentation of the Egyptian Mau was depicted by hieroglyphs on a temple in Cairo around 2200 BC.  It is believed that Egyptian Mau  were domesticated from African wild cats between 4000 and 2000 BC. 
 

The Mau is one of only two naturally spotted domestic cats. The native cats of Bahrain are also recognized as being naturally spotted cats. But unlike the Egyptian Mau, Bahraini cats exhibit all colors. Efforts are being made by the Bahraini Cat Club to have their native cats recognized as a breed. Cats from Bahrain are also known as Dilmun cats.
 

The Egyptian Mau played a major role in the history of Egypt.  In life they were worshiped as gods and mummified and entombed when they died. 
Their history in the United States began around 1956 when exiled Russian Princess  Nathalie Troubetskoy imported several Egyptian Mau with her to this country.  It is believed that the princess may have used outcrosses to breed her cats, although there is no documentation to this fact.
 

In the early 1970's (or 1980's) Jean Mill brought in two bronze Mau found in a zoo in India to help broaden the tiny gene pool.  Due to controversy about these two cats, they were classified as "Indian Mau."  In spite of the controversy behind the cats, the blood of Millwood's Toby and/or Millwood's Tasha are currently found in most all Egyptian Mau lines.   
 

In the 1980's Cathy Rowan was successful in bringing in 13 more Egyptian Mau from Egypt. In the 1990's, Len Davidson was able to import an additional four Egyptian Mau to the United States. In the late 1990's, another line was brought to France and offspring from the European cats have since made their way to the United States.
 

Today, Egyptian Mau Rescue groups are trying to preserve this unique breed and they have aided in the importation of a number of cats out of Egypt.  Unfortunately - the cats that were once worshiped as Gods are now considered a menace. Many of the Egyptian cats are plagued with diseases such as FIV and FeLv. Even though rescue groups have made it easier to import Egyptian Mau from Egypt, one has to be selective of the cats used in breeding programs.
It will take careful management and breeding practices both here and abroad in order to preserve this magnificent breed.