6 Egyptian Mau Health Problems to Watch Out For

Egyptian Maus share a long history with humans, as their name would suggest, but their connection to ancient Egyptian cats has not been entirely confirmed. They’re known for being shy and cautious around strangers but outgoing, playful, and fearless when around people they’re comfortable with.

Maus are rare, so you might not know much about them or the health problems they are prone to. They live for an average of 10 to 15 years, so on the whole, they are considered healthy and robust. However, they are still prone to some health conditions you should know if you’re considering getting one.

The 6 Egyptian Mau Health Problems

1. Cystitis

Cystitis refers to inflammation in a cat’s urinary bladder. It can be tricky to determine between various diseases that affect the urinary opening, urethra, and bladder. Hence, diseases of the lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder) are grouped together and are known as feline lower urinary tract diseases (FLUTD). When all common causes of a disease have been eliminated, it’s called Pandora syndrome or feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC).

Cats suffering from cystitis make frequent, painful attempts to urinate. Additionally, blood can be found in the urine. There are different treatments available since each case will need to be investigated to identify the cause, but cats with cystitis typically require access to fresh water, pain relief, a change in their diets, and sometimes help with reducing stress.

Also Read: Pandora’s Syndrome in Cats: Causes, Signs & Treatment (Vet Answer)

2. Feline Asthma

Like other cats, Egyptian Maus can have asthma. Problems with the lower respiratory tract (lungs and trachea) occur when irritants and allergies cause the lungs and lower airways to become sensitive and inflamed.

The most common signs of asthma include:

Breathing that looks like it’s coming from the belly and not the chest
Coughing, which can include gagging or vomiting
Difficulty breathing
Wheezy, noisy breathing

While it isn’t curable, asthma can be managed with medication like injections, tablets, and inhalers.

3. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common heart diseases, with around one in seven cats developing it at some point, but some cats don’t show signs of having the disease. HCM is a condition that causes the heart muscles to become abnormally thick, which then weakens the heart.

If your cat does show signs of having developed HCM, they can be varied and include the following:

Abnormal gum color, such as blue, pale, or gray
Arrhythmias
Blue nail beds and foot pads
Blood clots that can cause cold rear limbs, trouble breathing, pain/vocalization, vomiting, and trouble walking
Difficulty breathing
Fainting or collapse
Fluid in the abdomen or lungs
Heart failure or murmurs
Inappetence
Lethargy and weakness
Sudden death
Tiring easily during exercise or play
Unstable or weak pulse

Unfortunately, there is no cure for HCM, but if you are concerned about your cat, speak to your veterinarian. They can assist with developing a nutrition and wellness plan to ensure your cat enjoys the longest life possible.

4. Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion is a build-up of fluid around the lungs that stops your cat’s lungs from easily expanding and filling with air. If it isn’t dealt with quickly, it can be life-threatening.

Generally, signs of this condition include:

Coughing
Difficulty breathing
Lethargy
Open-mouth breathing
Rapid or shallow breathing

If your cat has trouble breathing, take them to the vet immediately. It’s important that your vet not only treats your cat but also figures out what has caused this problem. Causes can vary from trauma to cancer, and determining what’s going on as soon as possible is essential.

5. Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

Pyruvate kinase deficiency is a rare disease; the pyruvate kinase enzyme generally found in red blood cells is lacking, and the cells die faster. With fewer red blood cells in circulation, anemia develops, and as signs of anemia can be quite mild, it can be easy to miss.

Signs to be on the lookout for include:

Elevated heart rate
Lethargy
Jaundice (rarely)
Muscle wasting
Pale mucous membranes
Weakness

The only treatment is a bone marrow transplant, which is life-threatening and expensive. Cats that receive one will tend to have a normal lifespan, but when left untreated, they will usually die due to liver or bone marrow failure around the age of 4.

6. Mouth and Gum Disease

cat mouth check by vet — Image By: mojahata, Shutterstock

Like many breeds, the Egyptian Mau can suffer from dental and gum disease. Inflammation in the gums can occur because food, minerals, and bacteria accumulate along the gum line. It leads to a build-up of tartar and can result in gingivitis.

Eventually, this results in spaces forming between the teeth and gums, allowing space for bacteria to grow and resulting in periodontal disease. The bacteria can spread from the infected gums around the whole body and damage the kidneys and liver. To prevent this, you should get into a routine of brushing your cat’s teeth and feeding them dry food.

Treatment for this condition depends on how advanced it is. The cat’s teeth might need to be removed, and more advanced stages might require bone-replacement procedures.

Conclusion

Overall, Egyptian Maus are incredibly healthy cats. However, there are no guarantees, but being as prepared as possible is always a good idea. Some conditions, like mouth and gum disease, can be prevented with proper dental care. It’s important to keep up with scheduled vet visits; preventative care is always easier than treatment.

If you are ever worried about your cat, contact your vet as soon as possible.

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