Development of the `modern´ Mau
the prinses and baba

The American beginning

An in Rome exiled White Russian princess discovered the Egyptian Mau and became fascinated with them. Despite her efforts, the princess was able to secure two Maus from the stock in Italy: Gregorie, an 11 year old black male, and Lulu, a silver female. Sometime later, using all of her extensive contacts in diplomatic circles, the princess imported a smoke male from Syria - Geppa. The first litter of post-war Maus was born in 1953 with a second in 1954. 1956 she immigrated to the United States with three cats of her breeding: Jojo, Liza and Baba, which were used for the foundation of her cattery, Fatima. In 1958 she registered her cattery name, Fatima, and 10 Egyptian Maus. Three distinct colors silver, bronze and smoke were accepted for show purposes. Self blacks were also seen in her litters and were used for breeding purposes only, not for show. Many breeders have reported the existence of `blue´ Maus over the years. Some breeders tried to recognize this color too, so CFA awarded the blue AOV status in 1997.
Some of the early catteries in promoting the breeds besides the princess´ cattery Fatima were Polka Dots, Far East, Sangpur,....... but they were still rare on shows. The cats that come primarily from the Princess´ lines are currently referred to as `Traditionals´. Known mostly for their uncanny intelligence and exquisite head type, the traditionals have recently been mixed with what is now known to be the `Indian Lines´ to produce cats with lovely traditional heads, and spots of exceptional contrast and pattern.

The `Indian Line´

In 1980, Jean Mill imported two cats, Toby and his sister, Tasha. They were born in Egypt and rufous bronze. TICA accepted this line in the early 80´s, shortly thereafter CFA. They are now referred to as the `Indian Lines´. The introduction of new blood effectively doubled the gene pool, which was much needed. The genetic problems were beginning to plague the breed when the gene pool was self-limiting. The expansion of the gene pool has had several benefits which indicate that this breed is revitalized. .

 
toby the first indian line male
The European beginning

euro ch Zaynzalbar Amon van de Schooiertjes een van de eerste mau's in europa

After World War II, Maus were nearly died out and not longer bred. But years afterwards the Mau was brought back to Europe from three breeders living in Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands. Without knowing from each other they imported Maus from the U.S., mainly Traditional Lines. From the free associations was this breed recognized soon, the FIFé followed some times later.
Since these cats were shown at European exhibitions, the breed became more popular, and Maus were also brought from the U.S. to France and Germany. Because of the genpool is still small in Europe, cats are frequently imported from the U.S. until today. Meanwhile the Indian Line made also its entry in Europe. There are only a few breeders keeping these cats as what they are - a "Natural Breed". This means, the first cats were taken out of the original population and - until today - it is not allowed to mix it with any other breed, what makes breeding Maus still more difficult. It is the reason why the Egyptian Mau still remaines a rare breed in Europe, though it got more popularity already.