The Australian mist is the first pedigreed cat breed to have originated in Australia. In 1977, Dr. Truda Straede of Nintu Cattery began breeding cats to develop a breed that would be content to reside indoors and thrive on the companionship of any family. Dr. Straede used Burmese cats, Abyssinian cats and domestic shorthairs to create the Australian mist, which took nine years to perfect and become accepted for full registration. At that time, the breed was called a spotted mist because all of the cats exhibited the spotted coat pattern. The marbled pattern was not introduced until 1998, at which time the breed name was changed to Australian mist. The Australian mist was introduced in the United Kingdom in 2007. By 2010, pet quality Australian mists became available for purchase by individuals from other nations, including the United States.
The Australian Mist is a medium-sized cat with a round face and large eyes. They are slightly more long than tall and are known for their stripes. Australian mists are evenly proportioned, and they weigh an average of 8 to 15 pounds. Their smooth, short coat comes in seven colors, which are peach, caramel, chocolate, blue, lilac, brown and gold, and in two different patterns, which are spotted or marbled. These colors and patterns overlay a warm, cream background, giving the striking appearance of an opaque pattern being seen through a misty veil. The final pattern can take up to two years to fully develop from birth. Australian mists have large eyes that come in various shades of green.
Personality
The Australian Mist is an affectionate and sociable cat that enjoys human companionship. They are very playful, especially as kittens, but become more mature with age. They don't mind being picked up and carried around and rarely scratch or bite. This cat breed can even be taught to walk on a leash. Their patience and playfulness makes them perfect playmates for children. Australian mists were developed to get along exceptionally well with all family members and to enjoy being indoor housecats. The result is an outgoing cat that loves children and other household pets. Australian mists bond closely with their human family members, craving lap time and companionship at every opportunity. They love to be handled. Australian mists are happy, easy-going, intelligent, playful and eager to participate in all household activities. For the perfect indoor cat that adores children and thrives on companionship and human interaction, look no further than the Australian mist. You will need to look much further, however, if you decide to purchase one. Although the cats are very popular in Australia, they have not yet been registered with any American cat breed organizations. This may change sooner than later, given the Australian mist's outgoing, happy, playful and affectionate demeanor.
Breed Characteristics
| Origin: | Australia, 1976 |
| Life Span: | 14 - 16 years |
Australian Mist Build Information
The Australian Mist is a medium-sized cat with a round face and large eyes. They are slightly more long than tall and are known for their stripes. Australian mists are evenly proportioned, and they weigh an average of 8 to 15 pounds. Their smooth, short coat comes in seven colors, which are peach, caramel, chocolate, blue, lilac, brown and gold, and in two different patterns, which are spotted or marbled. These colors and patterns overlay a warm, cream background, giving the striking appearance of an opaque pattern being seen through a misty veil. The final pattern can take up to two years to fully develop from birth. Australian mists have large eyes that come in various shades of green.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The Australian Mist is an affectionate and sociable cat that enjoys human companionship. They are very playful, especially as kittens, but become more mature with age. They don't mind being picked up and carried around and rarely scratch or bite. This cat breed can even be taught to walk on a leash. Their patience and playfulness makes them perfect playmates for children. Australian mists were developed to get along exceptionally well with all family members and to enjoy being indoor housecats. The result is an outgoing cat that loves children and other household pets. Australian mists bond closely with their human family members, craving lap time and companionship at every opportunity. They love to be handled. Australian mists are happy, easy-going, intelligent, playful and eager to participate in all household activities. For the perfect indoor cat that adores children and thrives on companionship and human interaction, look no further than the Australian mist. You will need to look much further, however, if you decide to purchase one. Although the cats are very popular in Australia, they have not yet been registered with any American cat breed organizations. This may change sooner than later, given the Australian mist's outgoing, happy, playful and affectionate demeanor.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
Australian mists require minimal grooming. Brushing the coat weekly removes the dead hairs and maintains a glossy sheen. Brushing the teeth at least three times a week prevents periodontal disease and helps to maintain optimal overall well-being.
| Grooming: | Regular grooming |
Australian Mist Common Health Conditions
The Australian mist is a healthy breed that lives an average lifespan of 14 to 16 years. There are no known genetic health conditions specific to the Australian mist. Some Australian mists may be prone to skin allergies.
Australian Mist Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Australian mist originated in Australia. Australian mists are sometimes called spotted mists or marbled mists, depending on the cats' coat patterns. Australian mists are highly affectionate and gentle, and they thrive on human companionship. An Australian mist weighs between 8 and 15 pounds. The Australian mist requires minimal grooming. Australian mists live an average lifespan of 14 to 16 years.