Mau

Mau is an enemy in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. Mau is its Japanese name; its official name was never released in the English localization of Zelda II.

Maus are found in the Island Palace, Maze Island Palace, Ocean Palace and Hidden Palace. They are animate versions of the cat headed statues that decorate the walls of the palaces. They attack in a slow pattern, appearing from off the screen in either direction and approaching Link. They move through either flight or levitation. As they move forward Maus change their elevation. They also spit balls of energy at Link as they move.

Although Maus aren't individually tough, they frequently appear in large swarms. Generally, areas with Maus will spawn them infinitely. The energy balls simply damage Link, but contact with the Maus itself causes him to lose experience points. Maus never drop magic vials or P bags, only exp.

Etymology
Maus were very likely named after the cat breed Egyptian Mau. The Mau is an ancient breed of cat from which many more modern cats have been bred.