Silver Bengal Cat Vs Egyptian Mau: Which One Is Better?

Silver Bengal Cat Vs Egyptian

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

visual of egyptian mau and silver bengal cat

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. 

See Also: Silver Bengal Cat Vs British Shorthair: Which One Is Better?

Egyptian Mau cat

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.

Did you know? According to legend, the distinctive spotted patterns on an Egyptian Mau’s coat resemble those of a cheetah in the wild.

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.

Did you know? On their foreheads, Egyptian Maus will either have an “M” or a “scarab beetle” marking. The latter group typically originates from the United States.

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.

Egyptian Mau cat characters

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.

Did you know? Owning an Egyptian Mau is thought to be lucky and prosperous by many. Cats were revered and thought to bring prosperity and happiness to their owners in ancient Egypt.

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

  • Ancient cat breed known as the Egyptian Mau was developed in Egypt.
  • They can run up to 30 miles per hour and are the fastest domestic cat breed.
  • On its forehead, this breed has a recognisable “M” marking.
  • Their eyes are a distinctive “gooseberry green.”
  • Egyptian maus are cunning animals with a powerful appetite for prey.
  •   They are a medium-sized breed with short, silky fur and an athletic, muscular build.
  •  It wasn’t until the middle of the 20th century that the Egyptian Mau was acknowledged as a distinct breed.
  • They are kind and devoted to their human family.
  • The breed is generally in good health, but it could be susceptible to urinary tract and dental problems.
  • Throughout history, the Egyptian Mau has been depicted in both art and literature.

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 cat colors variation
Did you know? Maus have a 73-day gestation period, which is unusually long. Siamese cats may require a day or two longer than other cats, but 65–67 days is the maximum normal period for them.

Egyptian Mau Breeders: 5 Things To Remember

  • We as a community value Egyptian Mau breeders who are knowledgeable about the background, standards, and potential health problems of the breed.
  • The health of the cats and kittens depends on ethical breeding practices, and responsible kitten placement is crucial.
  • It’s great when breeders give prospective owners access to pedigree and registration papers because these documents are essential.
  • Breeders can provide advice and direction on how to properly care for kittens, and it’s important to continue to support kitten owners.
  • It’s wonderful when breeders get actively involved in the Egyptian Mau community by taking part in events like shows, clubs, and rescue initiatives to help the breed’s awareness and education.

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

  • Intelligent and active
  • Low-maintenance
  • Affectionate

Cons

  • May meow frequently
  • Purebred are rare
  • Can be expensive

Silver Bengal Cat

Now comes the elegant-looking Silver Bengal cat. All the key characteristics of this breed are discussed in the section hereunder: 

See Also: Silver Bengal Cat vs American Shorthair: What’s the Difference?.

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.

silver bengal cat

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.

Did you know? The Egyptian Mau is the fastest domestic cat. Its unique skin flap that extends from the flank to the back knee and its longer hind legs all help it run faster.

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

  • Elegant appearance
  • Joyful & athletic
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons

  • High adoption fee
  • Illegal in some regions
  • Seeks owner’s attention

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!

FAQs

It is definitely possible for these two breeds to coexist peacefully in the same household with the proper introduction and socialization.

Egyptian Maus have a spotted tabby coat and a distinctive “M” marking on their forehead. In contrast, silver Bengal cats have a unique spotted or marbled coat.

Both breeds may be hard to find and relatively expensive, depending on the region.

Although both breeds can survive in apartments, silver Bengal cats might need more room to play and run around.

With perseverance and consistency, both breeds can be taught to perform tricks and walk on a leash.

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