Silver Bengal Cat Vs Egyptian Mau: Which One Is Better?
The Egyptian Mau cat and the Silver Bengal cat are eye-catching and distinctive breeds. Although both of them are renowned for their endearing appearances and loving natures, there are several distinctions that prospective owners or those looking to adopt one of these breeds must be aware of.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
Silver Bengal Cat | Egyptian Mau | |
---|---|---|
Life Span | 10-15 years | 12-15 years |
Average weight | 8-12 pounds | 8-12 pounds |
Average length | 14-18 inches | 7-11 inches |
Traits | Loving, intelligent, energetic & vocal | Athletic, affectionate and friendly |
Grooming | Weekly | Weekly |
The Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a distinctive breed of cat that originated in Egypt, where it was worshiped and revered by the ancient Egyptians. Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of this breed first.
Breed Introduction
Lean, active, and with a history of at least 3,000 years, the Egyptian Mau is a cat with beautiful spots. The Mau has a lot of muscle and is powerful.
Historical Overview
Ancient Egyptian cats that resemble the modern Egyptian Mau have been found by archaeologists in their graves. The Mau, one of the earliest domestic cat breeds, may be connected to an African Wild Cat subspecies with spots.
Egyptian Maus’ American ancestry may be linked to the cattery owned by exiled Russian Princess Nathalie Troubetzkoy, who immigrated to the US in 1956. The Cat Fanciers Association initially approved this breed in 1968 for cat show competition.
Appearance
The Mau has ears that are slightly shaped and a triangular head with huge almond-like eyes. Her thin profile makes nothing on her stand out as excessive, except for the coat’s spotted tabby patterns.
The Mau’s medium-length, shiny, and velvety coat is in good condition. The tabby striping on the face, extremities, and tail contrasts with the body’s spots on the coat. On their rear legs, most Maus have a flap of loose skin extending from their flanks to their knees.
Price
Researching breeders and their reputation is usually advised before deciding to adopt. An Egyptian Mau kitten can average between $800 and $1,500. Adult Egyptian Maus might be less expensive.
Egyptian Mau Personality
These cats also enjoy water play and are intelligent enough to figure out how to open a faucet. Despite her high energy level, she enjoys sitting in your lap for a snuggle session. She gets along well with fun kids and other cat-friendly pets who can keep up with her busy and vigorous lifestyle. Still, she is apprehensive and guarded around strangers.
Character
These cats also enjoy water play and are intelligent enough to figure out how to open a faucet. Despite her high energy level, she enjoys sitting in your lap for a snuggle session. She gets along well with fun kids and other cat-friendly pets who can keep up with her busy and vigorous lifestyle. Still, she is apprehensive and guarded around strangers.
Health
As they get older, they are more susceptible to illnesses like patellar luxation or periodontal disease, neither of which are severe problems for this species. Attend routine veterinary appointments to maintain your Mau in good condition. It is also advised to frequently brush their teeth, trim their nails, and clean their ears.
Size & Weight
The Egyptian Mau is a breed of cat with a medium size. They usually measure 15 to 18 inches in length and weigh 8 to 14 pounds (3.6 to 6.4 kg) on average (38 to 46 cm). They are built athletically and bulkily.
Care & Maintenance
Be cautious while bringing home an Egyptian Mau kitten, as you should with any cat. A warm bed, a tidy litter box, and food and water bowls should all be provided. They are meticulous enough that you don’t have to do much in the way of grooming.
Still, they shed sufficient to be left off the list of “hypoallergenic” cats. But they are a breed that likes to be brushed. Doing this once or twice a week is a beautiful idea to manage their shedding and plan some particular bonding time.
Egyptian Mau Facts
Color Variations
The spotted coat of the Egyptian Mau cat is available in three hues: silver, bronze, or smoke, a black-tipped, pale silver tint. The breed can also be found in solid black, blue silver, blue spotted, solid blue, and solid blue; however, these colors are prohibited in the show ring.
In addition to their distinctive patches, Maus has distinctively large eyes that are sometimes described as “gooseberry green.”
Egyptian Mau Breeders: 5 Things To Remember
Egyptian Mau lifespan
An Egyptian Mau can live for 12 to 15 years on average, though some can live longer with the proper nourishment and care.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Silver Bengal Cat
Now comes the elegant-looking Silver Bengal cat. All the key characteristics of this breed are discussed in the section hereunder:
Breed Introduction
Silver Bengal cats are a specific color variation of the Bengal cat breed that have a coat color that is predominantly silver or grey with black or charcoal markings and may also have a glittery effect to their fur. They are known for their striking appearance and are popular among cat enthusiasts who appreciate their unique look and personality.
Historical Overview of Silver Bengal Cat
Bengal cats are a relatively recent breed that originated from crossing Egyptian Mau with Asian leopard cats in the 1960s to create a domestic cat with a pleasant temperament and the distinctive coat pattern of the Asian Leopard Cat. They were officially recognized as a distinct breed by TICA in the 1980s and have since gained widespread popularity.
Appearance
Silver Bengal cats are distinguished by their striking appearance which can include vivid green or blue eyes and highly contrasted coat patterns that can vary in size and intensity. They have a coat color that is predominantly silver or gray with black or charcoal markings and may also have a glittery sheen to their fur due to a genetic trait called “glitter.” Some Silver Bengal cats’ coats may contain rosettes or spots while others could have a more uniform hue. They often have lean, muscular bodies.
Price
Typically, a Silver Bengal kitten costs between $2000 and $5000 from a reputable breeder. It’s also important to note that the blue and silver colors are more expensive.
Character
These cats adore children’s company and enjoy playing a variety of games with them. The breeders have good things to say about them and claim that these cats are simple to domesticate for breeding.
Compared to other cats, these cats are much more affectionate, and they like being around other people. These cats can get along well with family members and don’t like to live alone.
Health
Silver Bengal cats are prone to health problems that can be fatal if left untreated. These issues include obesity, heart disease, and thyroid disease.
Obesity can be managed with diet and exercise, while heart disease can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise. Thyroid disease is common in Bengals due to their sensitivity to environmental changes.
Size & Weight
Size of silver Bengal cats can vary, with females weighing 6-10lbs and males weighing 10-15lbs. Some silver Bengals can grow as large as 22lbs. Proper resources, such as space, food, and grooming, should be considered before getting a Bengal cat.
Care & Maintenance
When caring for silver Bengal cats, grooming is important, including daily brushing, regular nail clipping, and teeth brushing. Normal healthy cats can have regular cat food and treats, but ensure it has essential nutrients.
Consult with a vet for special dietary requirements if your cat has any medical issues. Silver Bengal cats are active and playful, so provide toys like wand toys, bird teasers, or electronic cat toys.
Color Variations
The silver Bengal cat has a distinctive silver coat with black or dark grey markings, giving them a striking and exotic appearance.
Other colors include brown, which has a warm brown coat with black or chocolate markings, snow, which has a white or cream coat with darker markings, and charcoal, which has a dark grey coat with black markings.
Life Span
A silver marble Bengal cat can live 10–16 years on average if you take good care of it and follow a healthy diet. Given their reputation for good health, silver marble Bengal cats live considerably longer than other cat breeds.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Wrapping it up
In conclusion, the Egyptian Mau and the Silver Bengal cat are two stunning and distinctive breeds that make wonderful pets in the right hands. These excellent cats share many characteristics, including their boundless energy and love to play. So, will it be the Bengal or the Egyptian Mau? All the necessary information has been covered; now it’s up to you!