Cat Breed Comparison
Egyptian Mau vs Savannah: Key Differences
Egyptian Mau and Savannah are often confused. Compare their size, weight, lifespan, origin, temperament, and health — and learn how to tell them apart at a glance.
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Egyptian Mau | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium to Large |
| Weight | 6–12 lbs (2.7–5.5 kg) | 7–18 lbs (3.5–8.2 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 12–15+ years |
| Origin | Egypt | United States (1986, serval × domestic cross) |
Visual Differences
Telling a Egyptian Mau from a Savannah
Maus are smaller (6–12 lbs), fully domestic, with gooseberry-green eyes and a flank-to-knee skin flap that helps them sprint. Savannahs are taller and heavier in later generations, come in brown, silver, and black, and have no restriction on eye color.
Egyptian Mau Key Markers
- Randomly spotted coat pattern — the only naturally occurring spotted pattern among all domestic cat breeds; spots vary in size and shape but are distributed randomly across the body, with the belly displaying a distinctive "vest button" pattern of elongated spots
- Characteristic scarab "M" marking on the forehead — a distinctive design of tabby markings that resembles the ancient Egyptian scarab beetle, formed by frown lines on the forehead
- Large, alert gooseberry-green eyes — the only acceptable eye color in the CFA standard for adult Egyptian Maus; kittens are born with amber eyes that shift to green by around 8 months of age; the eyes are large, round, and slightly slanted, giving an alert, inquisitive expression
Savannah Key Markers
- Tall, lean body on long legs. The legs and neck are exceptionally long and the cat stands high off the ground. Despite the big silhouette, most Savannahs weigh less than a similarly sized domestic cat.
- Huge, tall ears set right on top of the head, wide at the base with rounded tips. The ears are the breed’s most obvious marker.
- Hooded eyes that are flat across the top instead of rounded, giving an exotic, hawk-like gaze. Eye color ranges from gold to green.
Temperament & Personality
Egyptian Mau
- Extremely athletic and fast — loves to run, leap, and climb; needs space to sprint and tall cat trees for climbing; the breed has been clocked at 30 mph
- Loyal and devoted to their family — forms deep one-person or one-family bonds, follows owners around, and seeks physical contact on their own terms
- Reserved with strangers — typically wary of unfamiliar people and new situations; takes time to warm up and may hide initially
- Intelligent and curious — learns tricks, opens doors, and engages with puzzle feeders; the breed needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom
- Musical, communicative voice — produces a distinctive soft, melodious chortle and meow combination; the Mau is not as loud as the Siamese but is very communicative with owners
- Playful throughout life — retains hunting instincts and enjoys chase games, fetch, and interactive toys well into senior years
- Temperature sensitive — the short, fine coat offers modest insulation; Maus prefer warm environments and often seek sunny spots or blankets
Savannah
- High energy and athletic: jumps to the tops of doors and refrigerators, so cat trees, window perches, and daily play are non-negotiable
- Curious to the point of mischief: opens doors, turns on faucets, and flushes toilets
- Loyal and social with family, greets people at the door and gives frequent head bumps
- Affectionate on its own terms, prefers to be near you rather than on you; not a lap cat
- Many Savannahs love water and play fetch like a dog
- Check local laws before buying: the serval ancestry makes Savannahs illegal in some states and countries
Health Notes
Egyptian Mau
- Urate urolithiasis (urinary bladder stones) — Egyptian Maus have a documented genetic predisposition to urate (uric acid) bladder stones, caused by a defect in uric acid metabolism; a high-moisture, low-purine diet is recommended; affected cats require veterinary management including dietary changes and sometimes surgical removal of stones
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — reported in the breed; regular cardiac screening (echocardiogram) recommended for breeding cats
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — a degenerative retinal disease that can lead to vision loss; responsible breeders screen breeding cats
- Dental disease — narrow muzzle structure can contribute to tooth crowding and gingivitis; regular dental care is particularly important for this breed
- Leukemia sensitivity — some veterinary sources note that Egyptian Maus may have higher sensitivity to feline leukemia virus (FeLV); vaccination and indoor-only lifestyle are strongly recommended
Savannah
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency. TICA lists it among recommended health screenings for Savannahs; a DNA test identifies carriers before breeding.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). A genetic eye disease that progresses to blindness. TICA recommends PRA screening for breeding Savannahs.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). TICA notes a history of HCM in the breed, with no specific test available yet, so regular veterinary cardiac checks are the practical route.
- Weight gain after spaying. TICA warns that spayed females tend to gain weight, so portions need monitoring after surgery.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell a Egyptian Mau apart from a Savannah?
Maus are smaller (6–12 lbs), fully domestic, with gooseberry-green eyes and a flank-to-knee skin flap that helps them sprint. Savannahs are taller and heavier in later generations, come in brown, silver, and black, and have no restriction on eye color.
Are Egyptian Mau cats hypoallergenic?
No — Egyptian Maus are not hypoallergenic. They produce normal levels of the Fel d 1 allergen, though their short, fine coat sheds less heavily than thick double-coated breeds.
Are Savannah cats hypoallergenic?
No — Savannahs produce normal cat allergens, and their short coat does not reduce them. Allergy sufferers should not assume the short hair means a reaction-free cat.
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Breed Profiles & More Comparisons
Egyptian Mau
The only naturally spotted domestic cat breed — a medium-sized, muscular cat with a distinctive scarab-marked forehead and gooseberry-green eyes. Maus are the fastest of all domestic cats, capable of reaching 30 mph. Athletic, loyal, and reserved with strangers, they form deep attachments to their people and remain playful throughout life.
Savannah
A tall, lanky cat with a serval cross in its family tree: bold dark spots, huge high-set ears, and a long neck over a lean body. Curious, athletic, and loyal, it will walk on a leash, play fetch, and follow you room to room, but it wants its personal space.