Bengal cats and Egyptian Mau cats are fairly similar. They’re both pretty exotic, which makes them highly sought after, and they are also much rarer than other breeds, which makes them expensive.

That said, they do have many differences. Their appearance may be exotic, but it isn’t similar. Bengal cats are typically larger than Egyptian Maus but this does differ a lot from cat to cat. Bengals are also more social and interactive, while Egyptian Maus tend to be more reserved around strangers.

We’ll explore the differences between each breed below, helping you choose the best option for you.

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• Visual Differences
• Bengal Overview
• Egyptian Mau Overview

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Bengal Overview

Coat

One of the most striking features of the Bengal cat is its coat which gives it an exotic look. They feature bold and distinct spots, though the exact color can vary a bit. This exotic coat is due to the Bengal cat’s relation to the Asian leopard cat, which has a similar coat pattern.

This coat is probably what leads most people to become interested in this feline.

Temperament

While both the Bengal and Egyptian Mau are intelligent and active, the Bengal’s energy levels can often be described as extremely high. Bengals are notorious for their boundless curiosity and love for play. They often enjoy interactive games, puzzles, and toys that stimulate their minds and bodies.

This high energy level can make Bengals a bit more demanding in terms of playtime and engagement. We only recommend this feline for those who want a very interactive cat and have plenty of time to play with them. They can be a bit much for some families.

Social Interaction

These felines are extremely social and form strong bonds with their family. They’re known for their highly affectionate nature and high social needs. Once again, these cats are best for those with plenty of time on their hands, as that means they can effectively meet this social need.

Many owners adopt more than one cat to help keep them company. However, there is no guarantee that the two cats will get along. Therefore, we highly recommend that you only adopt a Bengal if you have extra time on your hands.

Family-Friendliness

These cats can be a great option for families, but their exuberant energy can lead to problems with very young children. They need to be closely supervised, as they may try to play with things they really shouldn’t.

Training

Bengals are very trainable, thanks to their intelligence and curiosity. They can learn many tricks and how to walk on a leash. Enrichment activities are required to keep them entertained, though. Again, these cats generally need more interaction and time than others.

That said, they are still independent like most cats. They aren’t particularly obedient, though they can be trained to some extent.

Egyptian Mau Overview

Coat

Egyptian Maus also have a very recognizable coat. They feature natural “scarab” markings on their sides, as well as a distinctive “M” shape on their forehead. They’re only available in a few select colors, though, like silver, bronze, and smoke.

Their coat pattern arguably isn’t as striking as the Bengal, though.

Temperament

Egyptian Maus are known for their loyalty. They are active and playful but not quite as active as the Bengals. They still enjoy playing, though, so we recommend them to owners who are looking for a more active feline.

They don’t require quite as much interaction, so they’re a good option for those with less time on their hands.

Social Interaction

These felines are known for forming strong bonds with their owners. They’re very loyal and affectionate, requiring a decent amount of attention from their owners each day. However, they are a bit more aloof with strangers, and they may show more favoritism.

That said, they can still work well in a family setting. They’re rather playful, making them a good choice for children. They’re also extremely adaptable, allowing them to work well in many different family situations.

Training

Like the Bengal, the Egyptian Mau is intelligent and can be trained to respond to commands. While they might not have the same level of exuberant energy as Bengals, they still benefit from mental stimulation and playtime. You should plan on providing plenty of toys to keep them entertained.

Again, it is important to realize that these are still cats. They aren’t as obedient as a dog. However, they can still be trained in some basic commands, though you can’t expect them to listen to you all the time.

Are Bengal Cats Part Egyptian Mau?

Yes, Bengal cats were bred by mixing a spotted Egyptian Mau with an Asian leopard cat, which is a wild feline. This produced a domestic cat with a vibrant, unique coat. Furthermore, they have many of the characteristics of the Egyptian Mau, including their intelligence and sociability.

In the end, these cats aren’t hugely different, which can make choosing between them difficult. One big difference is their availability and cost, though—Bengal cats tend to be rarer, as they are newer and thus more expensive.

Why Are Egyptian Maus and Bengals So Expensive?

These felines vary a bit in price, but they are both still thousands of dollars. For the most part, this is due to their rarity. Neither cat is particularly common in the United States, which makes them expensive. There aren’t many breeders that specialize in them, but their demand is high. Therefore, the demand is simply higher than the supply, leading to increased prices.

All of that said, cat owners interested in either of these breeds often consider the higher price worth it for a chance to own one of these exotic felines.

Which Breed is Right for You?

Both of these cats are rare, so it is often a matter of which one is available near you. Often, you won’t have a breeder that produces both breeds within driving distance, though you could still travel to pick up your kitten.

Bengal cats are better for those who want a more interactive breed. They require a bit more work, including extra attention and playtime. They’re very social and need plenty of attention from their owners. However, this also means that they’re friendly with strangers.

On the other hand, while Egyptian Maus are also affectionate and interactive, they usually don’t have quite as much energy as a Bengal cat. These felines form strong bonds with their owners, but they may have a harder time interacting with strangers.

See also:

• Egyptian Mau Cat vs Maine Coon Cat: Key Differences (With Pictures)
• Toyger Vs. Bengal: Main Differences (With Pictures)

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