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Questions to Ask an Egyptian Mau Breeder Before You Buy (2026)

🐱 Part of: Adventure Cat Breed Hub

Egyptian Maus are one of the rarest naturally spotted breeds in the world. Fewer breeders means more variation in quality, longer waitlists, and less room for error when choosing a cattery. Here's every question you should ask before committing to a deposit.

🐾 Looking for vetted Egyptian Mau breeders? PackedPaws is building a curated directory of health-tested, TICA-registered Egyptian Mau catteries. View the Egyptian Mau Breeders Directory →

Health Screening Questions

Do you screen breeding cats for HCM annually?
Who performs the screening — a board-certified cardiologist or a general vet? (Cardiologist is the standard)
Can I see current cardiac screening results for both parents? (Results should be dated within 12 months)
What genetic panels do you run on breeding cats?
Have any cats in your breeding program ever been diagnosed with HCM or other hereditary conditions?

See: Egyptian Mau Health Problems

Health Guarantee

What health guarantee do you offer?
What does it cover and for how long?
What is the process if a kitten develops a genetic condition?

Breeder Practice Questions

Are your cats TICA or CFA registered? Can I see the registration papers?
At what age do you release kittens? (12–16 weeks is standard)
Are kittens vaccinated and microchipped before going home?
Do you require a spay/neuter contract for pet-quality kittens?
Can I visit your cattery in person or see a video call of where kittens are raised?
Do you have a waitlist? How long is it currently?
How many litters do you produce per year?
How many breeding cats do you have?

Kitten Socialization Questions

How are kittens socialized — exposure to children, dogs, handling, different people, noise?
Are kittens raised underfoot in the home or in a separate cattery space?
Have any kittens been introduced to a harness or carrier?
Which kitten in the litter would you recommend for an active/adventure household?
What is each kitten's individual personality like?

Egyptian Maus are sensitive and owner-focused — early socialization matters more with this breed than most. See: Egyptian Mau Temperament and Are Egyptian Mau Cats Good Outdoor Cats?

Red Flags to Watch For

❌ Reluctance to share health screening or genetic test results
❌ No TICA or CFA registration
❌ Kittens available immediately with no waitlist
❌ Kittens released before 12 weeks
❌ Unable or unwilling to show you where kittens are raised
❌ Price significantly below market ($800 or less)
❌ Pressure to decide quickly or pay a deposit before you've asked questions

What a Reputable Breeder Will Ask You

A good Egyptian Mau breeder will ask about your experience with sensitive breeds, your living situation, other pets, and your plans for the cat's lifestyle. This breed is not for everyone — a responsible breeder knows that and screens accordingly.