The first cat to have originated Down Under, the Australian Mist has a distinct misty look to its coat and striking green eyes. Playful, friendly and extremely affectionate this breed was developed as an indoor cat in response to the growing number of feral cats decimating Australia’s wildlife.
Image: kitty.green66 via Flickr
Appearance
The Australian Mist is a medium sized cat of nicely balanced proportions without any extremes. A short coat comes in a couple of patterns including: spotted or marbled, and also seven colours including: gold, lilac, chocolate, blue, brown, and peach with the colour being determined by the swirls and spots, and not by the ground color.
A large head is slightly rounded and features a slightly dipped nose. The eyes are primarily green and expressively large. The ears can be medium or large, wide at the base and taper to slight point. Whisker pads stand out proudly over a strong chin.
History
The Australian Mist came about in 1977 when Dr Straede decided to develop a distinctly Australian breed with characteristics borrowed from both the Abyssinian and Burmese breeds. A domestic shorthair was also thrown into the breeding line. The Burmese provides the dilution of colours, a little of the pattern, and a laid back nature. The Abyssinian provided the ticking for a more developed pattern, a couple more colours, with a lively curiosity and intelligence.
This breeding plan was then submitted to the then Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Cat Fanciers (currently known as NSW Cat Fanciers Association). The first generation were entered into the experimental breeding register in 1980. They were finally registered as a breed by the time the fourth generation rolled around in April, 1986.
Personality
Australian Mists are a very playful, friendly and affectionate cat. This cat gets along with everyone including young children and other pets such as dogs which makes them ideal for families.
Effervescent kittens that are not overly boisterous develop into an extremely affectionate breed that is happiest as an indoor cat.
The Australian Mist is not a shy cat and where other breeds will disappear when strangers visit the Australian Mist is completely the opposite; curious and friendly towards guests.
Did You Know?
The Australian Mist is the first cat to have originated from Australia and is still relatively unknown throughout the rest of the world. A few breeders have begun to introduce it into the UK, with the first Australian Mists taken overseas in 2007 and then again in 2009.
Originally known as the Spotted Mist, the breed was renamed the Australian Mist in 1998.
Dr Straede wanted to create a relaxed and calm breed specifically for the indoor environment in response to the growing number of feral cats decimating the wildlife in Australia.
Caring for Your Australian Mist Cat
This is a fairly robust breed with a short, easy maintenance coat although they will benefit from a light grooming once or twice a week.
An indoor cat, the Australian Mist can have a tendency to over-eat so monitor the amounts that you feed this breed to avoid obesity and weight related health issues.
If you have an Australian Mist cat in your life, please share your experiences below.
I’d never heard of this breed of cat, but what a beauty!
I think one of these beautiful cats was at one of my TICA shows once! They are very rare here in the States.