Explore the rich history and fascinating origins of Egypt’s iconic cat breeds.
Unveiling the True Origins of Egyptian Cat Breeds
When it comes to cats with roots in Egypt, only two breeds can truly claim that heritage: the Egyptian Mau and the Chausie. While breeds like the Abyssinian, Savannah, and Sphynx are often mistakenly linked to Egypt, their origins actually lie elsewhere.
A Deep Cultural Connection to Ancient Egypt
Cats have played a profound role in Egyptian culture for over 3,000 years. Originally domesticated from small wildcats around 1500 B.C., Egyptian cats were invaluable protectors of grain stores, hunting down rodents and even dangerous snakes that threatened households.
More than just pest controllers, cats were revered and considered sacred. Ancient Egyptians pampered their feline companions—royals adorned them with gold and jewels, and upon death, cats were mummified and buried with honor. The cat goddess Bastet, often depicted as a lioness or a domestic cat, is one of the most famous deities in Egyptian mythology and art, symbolizing protection, fertility, and motherhood.
Which Cat Breeds Are Truly Egyptian?
- Egyptian Mau: Known for its spotted coat and graceful build, this breed is one of the few with genuine Egyptian roots.
- Chausie: A hybrid breed developed from the Egyptian wildcat, blending wild ancestry with domestic traits.
Common Misconceptions: Not All “Egyptian” Cats Are From Egypt
Many people mistakenly believe the Abyssinian, Savannah, and Sphynx cats originate from Egypt, but their histories trace back to other regions. The Abyssinian likely descends from cats in the Horn of Africa, the Savannah is a hybrid involving the African Serval, and the Sphynx was bred in North America.
Whether you’re fascinated by the cultural legacy of ancient Egyptian cats or curious about the true origins of popular breeds, understanding these distinctions helps celebrate the unique history behind these extraordinary felines.
Egyptian Mau
Egyptian Mau: The Ancient Spotted Cat with a Modern Legacy
Though there are no formal written records tracing the exact history of the Egyptian Mau, it’s widely believed to have ancient origins rooted in Egypt’s street cats. Ancient Egyptian art often depicts heavily spotted cats with distinctive “mascara” markings around their eyes and striking barring patterns—features that perfectly match the modern Egyptian Mau’s look.
The breed made its first notable appearance in the United States in 1956 when exiled Russian Princess Nathalie Troubetskoy brought her prized Egyptian Maus to America, introducing this stunning feline to a new generation of cat lovers.
Today, many of Egypt’s street cats, commonly referred to as Nile Valley Egyptian Cats, closely resemble the Egyptian Mau, showcasing their natural heritage in the region. Interestingly, the popular Bengal breed is believed to have originated partly through cross-breeding with the Egyptian Mau, blending the Mau’s wild beauty with domestic traits.
Egyptian Mau Breed Snapshot
- Weight: 6 to 14 pounds
- Length: Up to 16 inches
- Personality: Playful, active, devoted, loyal, alert, and affectionately independent
- Coat: Medium-length shorthair
- Coat Colors: Silver, bronze, or smoke with unique dark spots only at the tips of the fur. Characteristic features include a dorsal stripe running along the tail to a dark tip, an “M” marking on the forehead, and signature “mascara” lines sweeping from the eyes across the cheeks.
- Eye Color: Striking green
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
If you’re drawn to cats with a rich history and a striking appearance, the Egyptian Mau’s blend of ancient charm and spirited personality makes it a captivating companion.
Chausie
Chausie Cat: The Wild-Eyed Hybrid with Ancient Egyptian Roots
The Chausie (pronounced chow-see) is a striking medium- to large-sized cat breed that blends domestic feline charm with the wild beauty of the jungle cat—a small wildcat species once revered by ancient Egyptians.
Though the Chausie is a modern breed developed in the United States during the 1990s, its jungle cat ancestry connects it directly to Egypt’s rich feline history. The domestic cats used in creating the breed include the Abyssinian and domestic shorthair, resulting in a unique mix of wild elegance and domestic affection.
Chausie Breed Snapshot
- Weight: Approximately 15 to 25 pounds
- Length: Around 20 to 22 inches
- Personality: Friendly, playful, energetic, and affectionate
- Coat: Short to medium length with a dense, soft undercoat and a slightly coarser, resilient outer coat
- Coat Colors: Brown ticked tabby, black grizzled ticked tabby, or solid black
- Eye Color: Any color, including striking blue or odd-eyed variations
- Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years
If you’re looking for a social, active cat with a wild heritage and a loving nature, the Chausie offers an extraordinary blend of both worlds.
Abyssinian
Abyssinian Cat: One of the Oldest Breeds with a Mystical Past
The Abyssinian is a small, shorthaired cat breed known for its elegant appearance and lively personality. Often mistaken as Egyptian due to their striking resemblance to cats seen in ancient Egyptian art, the Abyssinian’s true origins are believed to lie along the coast of the Indian Ocean and parts of Southeast Asia, according to the latest genetic research.
The breed’s name dates back to the 1800s when English cat enthusiasts imported cats resembling today’s Abyssinian and claimed they came from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia). These cats quickly became popular at cat shows in England, cementing their exotic reputation.
Abyssinian Breed Snapshot
- Weight: Up to 12 pounds
- Length: Up to 28 inches
- Personality: Friendly, engaging, lively, playful, and curious
- Coat: Short hair, solid or ticked patterns
- Coat Colors: Ruddy, red, blue, cinnamon, or fawn
- Eye Color: Vibrant green or gold
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years
If you’re looking for an active, intelligent, and affectionate cat with a rich history and a graceful look, the Abyssinian makes a wonderful companion.
Savannah
Savannah Cat: The Exotic Spotted Beauty with Wild Ancestry
While the Savannah cat’s striking spotted coat may remind you of cats in ancient Egyptian art, this stunning breed was actually developed in the United States during the 1980s. It’s a unique hybrid created by crossing domestic cats with the African wildcat known as the serval.
Like their serval ancestors, Savannah cats are tall and slender, with long necks, large ears, and beautifully spotted coats that make them truly eye-catching. This active breed requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, so they’re best suited for owners who can keep up with their energetic lifestyle.
Savannah Cat Breed Snapshot
- Weight: 12 to 25 pounds
- Length: 20 to 22 inches
- Personality: Affectionate, social, intelligent, and trainable; great with owners, other pets, and older children
- Coat: Short to medium hair
- Coat Colors: Tawny, black/brown spotted tabby, black/silver spotted tabby, or black smoke with solid or tabby patterns
- Eye Color: Amber or green
- Lifespan: Up to 20 years
If you’re ready for a loving, playful, and smart companion that’s as wild-looking as it is devoted, the Savannah cat might be the perfect fit for your home.
Sphynx
Sphynx Cat: The Hairless Wonder Often Mistaken for Ancient Egypt’s Mythical Guardian
Many people assume the Sphynx cat comes from Egypt because of its unique, hairless appearance, which resembles the cats portrayed in ancient Egyptian art. Some also confuse the breed with the mythical Sphinx — a legendary creature with the head of a human, the body of a lion, and wings of an eagle, famed for guarding Egyptian royalty. The Great Sphinx of Giza is the most famous statue inspired by this mythical guardian.
However, the Sphynx cat’s true origin is much more modern—and Canadian. These fascinating felines were first bred in Canada, where their wrinkled, nearly hairless skin feels like warm suede or chamois. Unlike typical cats, Sphynx cats don’t shed and don’t require brushing, but they do need regular baths to remove skin oils and keep their skin healthy.
Sphynx Cat Breed Snapshot
- Weight: Less than 12 pounds
- Length: 13 to 15 inches (head to tail)
- Personality: Playful, affectionate, friendly, energetic, and loving
- Coat: Nearly hairless with a soft peach-fuzz texture
- Coat Colors: Any color, including white, black, red, brown, lilac, and more
- Eye Color: Any color
- Lifespan: 8 to 14 years
If you’re looking for a warm, social, and unique feline companion that breaks the mold, the Sphynx cat is a captivating choice.