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2023 Author: Alex Livingston | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39
If you are interested in the exotic breed of Egyptian Mau cat, then you are probably also wondering how long it will live, on average, and what factors of health could affect its longevity.
The Mau is an active, well-balanced, medium-sized cat with a strength and strong musculature that belies its grace and, in general, its average life span of these felines is between 13 and 16 years old.
Why do some cat breeds have a longer lifespan than others? Genetics can play an important role in determining longevity.
Both pedigreed cats and mixed breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that they could be of genetic nature. According to experts, the Egyptian Mau had a somewhat limited gene pool in the early years of the breed's existence. The lack of genetic diversity in cats can, in fact, lead to the inheritance of genetic diseases from one generation to the next.
In the case of the Egyptian Mau, these Health problems they included cardiomyopathy (heart disease), luxating patella, dystocia (birth difficulties) and asthma.
In the 1980s, hybridization efforts, organized with new genetic lines, led to much better health outcomes for the Egyptian Mau. However, there are still some health issues that could affect the lifespan of your Egyptian Mau.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency
The erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency) is an inherited genetic condition which, in some cat breeds including the Egyptian Mau, causes anemia.
Cats with this problem manifest weakness, lethargy, weight loss, jaundice and an enlarged abdomen. The PK deficiency test it is recommended for the Egyptian Mau and some other breeds, as it will tell Mau breeders if a cat is affected, normal, or a carrier.
So make sure to request test results for PK deficiency when you adopt Egyptian Mau kittens. Unfortunately, this is a serious disease that can cause death for bone marrow and / or liver failure from 4 years of age. The only known treatment is a bone marrow transplant risky (and expensive) bone.
Urolithiasis
Urolithiasis is the formation of crystals (or stones) in the urinary tract. These can cause pain and difficulty urinating, as well as life-threatening urinary blockages. Urolithiasis is common in many cats and, in the case of the Egyptian Mau, the breed is at high risk of formation of uroliths of ammonium urate.
Urinary uroliths tend to be more common in neutered males of breed that are between 4 and 7 years of age. While the genetic marker for this condition has not yet been identified, the very high incidence of the disease in the Egyptian Mau suggests a ' genetic origin.
Cats prone to urinary tract stone formation should follow one therapeutic veterinary diet designed to prevent the formation of uroliths. Their litter box habits should be monitored, as immediate veterinary treatment for urinary blockages is needed. A total obstruction can lead to death in 3 days.
Other possible problems
Some Egyptian Mau lines are prone to Umbilical hernias, although they are easily cured when the kitten is spayed and shouldn't cause any further problems in the future.
Other Egyptian Mau may have the sensitive skin and become a lot itchy, especially around the head and neck. Although little is known about this condition, it may be hormonal in origin and spaying often relieves it.
Today many problems have been eradicated, the only thing left is one allergic reaction to certain types of feed. It is also worth noting that not all genetic diseases have been eliminated. Therefore, when buying an animal, be sure to ask the breeder about the incidence of health problems in its hereditary lines and what tests have been carried out for those of a genetic nature.
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