The charming Australian Mist, also known as Spotted Mist, is, as its name suggests, a “Made in Australia” cat.
More precisely, it is originally from Sydney.
Coquettish, robust, intelligent and affectionate, it has everything to please. This breed will make an excellent pet.
The Australian Mist is, so to speak, a real cream. If you like affectionate animals, this cat is for you. It is even said that he loves his masters so much that he even tends to drool when he sees them.
Very cuddly and affable, he will get along wonderfully with children, even the youngest, and will not be reluctant to share their games.
Their extreme sociability also makes them a wonderful companion for the elderly or those with reduced mobility.
Australian Mist Cat Breed Informations
- Size: medium (+/- 9 inches)
- Weight:
- Male: 8 to 15 pounds
- Female: 7 to 10 pounds
- Hair: short
- Grooming: Once per week
- Colors: chocolate, blue, cinnamon, lilac and fawn
- Patterns: spotted, marbled
- Life span: 15 to 18 years
- Gestation period: 65 days
- Similar breeds: Abyssinian, Burmese, British Shorthair, American Shorthair
Origins of the Australian Mist Breed
Its appearance dates back to the late 1970s, when Truda Straede decided to create an indoor breed with a soft character and spotted coat, as Australia did not have its own breed of cat at that time.
She crossed Abyssinians (for the ticking and beauty of their coat), Burmeses (for coat colors not present in the Abyssinian, but also for their soft character), and other local domestic cats with short hair and spotted tabby coat.
She thus gave birth to short-haired cats with spotted tabby coat.
Then called Spotted Mist because of the latter, the breed was accepted in an Australian registry of experimental breeds in 1980, then officially recognized in its native country as a breed in its own right in 1986 by ANCATS (Australian National Cats), after four generations of cats.
It took its definitive name in 1997, when the blotched tabby coat was also accepted.
In 2004, the efforts of breeders to make the breed known outside its country of origin finally paid off, as it was recognized by the World Cat Federation (WCF), one of the most important international cat associations.
It is thus the first Australian cat breed officially recognized worldwide.
It was then 10 years before TICA (The International Cat Association), another major international organization, did the same on May 1, 2014.
Characteristics of the Australian Mist
The Australian Mist has a medium length and size. Its muscular and hard body must always be balanced otherwise it will be penalized by the standard.
The cat develops a medium bone structure and powerful muscles. Despite its size, it is heavier than it seems.
The Australian Mist has a large and quite expressive head. It is round and reveals a well defined muzzle and a broad nose.
The medium sized ears have a rounded tip and a broad base. The eyes are large, set wide apart and oblique in shape.
Also expressive, they reveal a beautiful green which can be declined in all possible shades.
He has a short coat of different colors, namely chocolate, blue, cinnamon, lilac and fawn.
However, only blotched tabby and spotted tabby patterns are accepted by the standard.
Character of the Australian Mist
The Australian Mist has the character traits of its ancestors. He is as affectionate as the Burmese and also very robust like him.
He develops an intelligence as fine as that of the Abyssinian.
He is a truly gentle and tender animal that loves people.
He is also a sociable and affectionate cat who likes to follow his master. He is also intelligent and calm.
He is patient and gets along very well with children or other household pets. He likes to be in the presence of humans.
He is a real “cat-dog” because he is so devoted to his owners. He is a very sociable cat with a stable character. He loves to be cuddled.
The Australian Mist cat is an easy-going indoor animal. He adapts very well to small spaces and shows no signs of discomfort or stress.
Care of the Australian Mist
This cat breed does not require any special care. Its fur being short, it is not necessary to brush it daily. It has no undercoat. A simple brushing from time to time is more than enough. Moreover, it is a very clean feline.
He has a robust health just like the Burmese from which it descends. He is not subject to known genetic and hereditary diseases.
As with any cat, it is important that your Australian Mist undergoes regular veterinary checks to detect any health problems quickly.
Your veterinarian can help you define a follow-up that will keep your cat healthy throughout its life.
In addition to annual veterinary visits, your little companion will need to have her nails checked and trimmed regularly.
If you don’t know how to do this, don’t hesitate to ask your vet for help on the safest way to proceed.
Adding a scratching post and a cat tree in the house can also play a major role in promoting healthy scratching and keeping her nails in good condition.
Also carefully examine the ears of your Australian Mist every two weeks for signs of dirt build-up or possible infection.
Also discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of starting regular brushing of the teeth to suit your Australian Mist.
Because Australian Mist adapts well to living indoors, it may also be prone to obesity.
So watch out for snacks and treats, and consider adding a smart food feeder to help the cat control portion sizes.
Some health problems that can affect that breed include urinary tract disease, eye problems and tapeworms.
Nothing that cannot be detected and treated with regular visits to a veterinarian.
It is for all these reasons that we affirm that Australian Mist is a very healthy specimen.
He has a very good life expectancy of about 15 to 18 years on average.
Conclusion on the Australian Mist Cat Breed
If you are looking for a cat that will snuggle up to you, this is an excellent breed to consider.
As the Australian Mist was created to be an indoor cat, it will adapt very easily to any configuration. Just make sure you provide him with enough toys and furniture to keep your furry companion from getting bored.
Because of the very tolerant nature of this breed, it will adapt very well in the middle of an active home, including children.
It is often pointed out that he is a cat that likes to be handled. And the icing on the cake, he rarely scratches! Your furniture will thank you!
The Australian Mist and You
How about you? Maybe you have an Australian Mist at home? Is it as cuddly and nice as they say? As I have never had the chance to be with one, I will be happy to hear your opinions and feedback on this charming animal! To your comments!
Australian Mist Photo: Wikimedia – CC BY-SA 2.0