While the breed standard calls for an even-tempered feline, many Egyptian Maus are anything but that. It tends to be the Egyptian Mau’s nature to be fearful and gun shy, hiding under furniture when company arrives; breeders must take great strives to over compensate for this with a lot of early, hands on socialization during kitten-hood. Many Mau kittens need this treatment to become loving, well adjusted cats. Those cats who do not receive this sort of care are known to growl, scratch, and hiss when a new or uncomfortable situation comes about. The cats that do receive proper socialization, however, make the best living companions.
Unlike many breeds that only deal with their humans when they’re hungry, the Egyptian Mau is always seeking company. The average Mau is quite clingy to his owners; some will take to only one member of the family, while others will take over the entire household. Whichever way it goes, once the Mau has bonded, he is your lover for life and will actively participate in anything that you are doing (whether you want him there or not). As the Egyptian Mau is incredibly intelligent, they have been known to break open closed doors by either slamming against them, or by twisting the doorknob. Privacy is a rare luxury with a Mau in the house, and often times you will hear them chortle a “welcome home” song, a “let me in” plea, or just a general speech about their day