Why, how, when... your answer is likely here
Q: Who are you and why are you helping Maus?
A: EMRO (The Egyptian Mau Rescue Organization) was founded by a Canadian and Canadian-Egyptian family (Ms. Lauris & Dr. Elkholy) in 2004, who had a Mau as a pet in Canada and discovered that it wasn’t easy to obtain a Mau from their Egyptian homeland. Plus they realized that Maus were not appreciated or respected in Egypt, and currently they run feral in deplorable situations (see Who We Are and History). EMRO was established as a non-profit organization to try to help the welfare of these ancient Mau cats in Egypt, make them more accessible to those interested in this wonderful naturally-spotted cat, and to increase the education about their historic past. An adoption center is being created for tame Maus to be adopted locally in Egypt, as well as internationally, and a sanctuary is being set up to help the feral Maus and for education on these ancient cats.
Q: Can I adopt a Mau?
A: Yes! Currently we have several available, from kittens to adults, and often new cats come in regularly, check our website (see Adopt a Mau). Costs vary, but we operate on a cost-recovery basis (cost of vaccines to travel, spay or neuter costs, travel crates, veterinary costs and actual travel costs). Prices vary, but it is estimated the average cost is about USD$300.00 to $400.00 total cost per cat. Price could be less if a person travels with the cat rather than shipping it, etc. PayPal is the easiest for payment purposes, although sending money directly to a local bank account is also an option. Check with us for options. Also, we require a brief adoption form to be filled out before cat is shipped anywhere.
Prices may be eventually reduced through corporate sponsorship or if we can get pharmaceutical companies to possibly donate some of the medical supplies or vaccines. These savings in turn, would be passed on to the potential adopter. Any monies go to help the rest of the Maus who require food and veterinary care, and on going maintenance. All costs are the costs locally to prepare a cat for travel or to sponsor one locally (animal supplies are rare and thus costly in Egypt). Tax deductible receipts are available upon request of adoption or sponsorship.
Q: Do you ship anywhere?
A: Yes, we can ship anywhere, although please check your local customs about receiving animals from out of country. For instance, in the United States, each State has vaccine requirements that may vary; in the United Kingdom, there may be a quarantine of 6 months before the cat can enter.
Q: Can I sponsor a cat?
A: Yes, please! Many Mau cats are not adoptable (e.g., feral, too old, health problems, etc.) and sponsorship helps to keep the cat fed and vet bills covered. We are asking $10 US a month for sponsorship, and in exchange you will receive a virtual "passport" of the animal with photo and information particulars about it, as well as monthly or quarterly updates and photos of the cat. It makes a great gift idea as well, for animal lovers! Your first name and country goes on the website as the sponsor of that cat.
Q: Where does the Mau come from?
A: Most Maus will come from the streets of Cairo, Egypt. EMRO works with local animal shelters, who often house Maus among all their adoptable cats, and some Maus are received through private homes of people who found abandoned or orphaned kittens and raised them.
Not all Maus will look like the typical Maus one finds in North America or Europe. Some will have a mix of white or a couple of bronze colours on them, making them look quite exotic. For those that look the most "typical" we state as Maus; those that have some other colours or white, are Mau mixes. All must have spots on their backs or tummies to qualify as at least a Mau mix. All will still have the Mau temperament, that is, of intelligence, sociability (depending upon their previous experiences with people) and loyalty.
Q: Do these Maus come with a pedigree certificate?
A: No. These are rescued shelter and street Maus. However, Maus are recognized world wide as a specific breed, due to their naturally-occurring spots. We hope, in time, to create a specific Egyptian lineage of the best spotted and healthy Maus for those who wish to have a "pedigreed" Mau, and also to ensure the survival of the best of the breed locally. These will likely be a little more expensive.
However, our main purpose is to save the existing Maus and re-home as many as possible, at the lowest possible price. All cats will be sent neutered or spayed, unless sent to a recognized and reputable cattery of Egyptian Maus, with the purpose of strengthening the Mau gene pool internationally. If you require a pedigreed Mau, please check our website for more Mau information and lists of breeders internationally.
Q: Can I get a silver Mau?
A: Maus usually come in 4 recognized colours: silver, bronze, smoke, and black. There is also the red Mau, which should not be bred due to recessive genes, but makes a lovely pet and is very beautiful as well. Silver is not very common in Egypt; bronze is by far the most common and naturally occurring colour. Some smoke and black coloured ones are also occasionally available.
Q: How soon can I get a Mau?
A: Depending upon what you are looking for. Kittens are not always available, silvers are very rare; you would usually have to go on a wait list for these. If you are interested in a bronze Mau or a Mau mix, they are the most readily available. What also determines readiness is where you live and what your country requires for vaccines, etc. for entry. Some Maus may be ready to ship within 10 days (vet check-over and health certificate showing vaccines), others may take a month or more.
Any other questions not answered here? Visit our Contact page for our phone numbers and email addresses so that we can get answer(s) for you!
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