The Australian Mist breed is ideal for families with children who want a sociable, calm, loving, playful and highly adaptable cat. It is also a short, thick-furred cat that will leave a lot of hair around the house when it is in shedding.
The Australian Mist cat is recognized as the first breed of cat originating in Australia and represents national pride, being even considered a national symbol in the feline world. This breed is the result of crossing Burmese, Abyssinian and other domestic cats. It is known for its short fur with a spotted or marbled pattern and for its affectionate and playful temperament. Although it is rarely found outside of Australia, a few breeders have managed to bring this breed to Great Britain and the United States, where there are quite a few specimens.
The founder of the Australian Mist breed, Dr. Truda Straede, began its development in 1977, wanting to create an ideal cat for indoor life that would be friendly and adaptable. His detailed plan was approved by Royal Agricultural Society a NSW Cat Control, and the first specimens were officially recognized in 1980. The first registered Australian Mist cat appeared in 1986. The breed's original name, "Spotted Mist", was changed in 1998 to reflect the diversity of coat patterns available.
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Australian Mist Cat - General Information
- Alternative names: Spotted Mist (original name, changed 1998)
- Personality: Friendly, affectionate, sociable, playful in youth, calm in adulthood, patient, adaptable, ideal for apartment life and families with children.
- Weight: 4-7 kg (males being larger than females).
- Length: Medium, with a compact and muscular body.
- Fur: Short, thick, with a velvety and "foggy" appearance due to the Agouti pattern.
- Colors and models: Colors include brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, gold, peach and caramel (accepting). The models are stained or marbled, with a "misty" aspect of the designs.
- Eye color: Green, in various shades.
- Lifetime: 12-16 years, sometimes even longer with proper care.
- Hypoallergenic: No, the Australian Mist cat is not considered hypoallergenic.
- Origin: Australia, the development of the breed being initiated in 1977 by Dr. Truda Straede.
Physical characteristics of the Australian Mist breed cat
The cat of the Australian Mist breed is the result of crossing 30 specimens of the breeds Burmese, Abysinian and domestic with short hair, from each borrowing some characteristics. The subdued colors and affectionate temperament came from the Burmese breed, the distinctive markings, energy and friendly nature were inherited from the Abysinian breed, and the physical robustness and easy-care coat were contributions from the domestic cat, resulting in what we know today as the Australian Mist breed .
The Australian Mist does not show extreme traits and can sometimes be mistaken for a European domestic cat. It is a moderate sized cat with medium bone structure, rounded head, large eyes and ears. The coat is short but durable and the tail is well covered with dense hair. Colors include warm shades of brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, gold and peach. The fur pattern consists of delicate spots or complex marbled spirals on a hazy background, with rings and stripes on the legs and tail, and the face shows characteristic lines.
The eyes are large, expressive, in a range of shades of green. The nose, chin and mustache pads are wide, giving the face a friendly and generous expression. This breed is very popular with first-time purebred cat buyers because of its balanced and natural appearance that reflects the essence of a genuine cat.
Personality and behavior
Australian Mist cats are renowned for their affectionate personalities, which combine the best traits of the breeds they come from. They are extremely sociable, intelligent and playful in their youth, becoming calmer in adulthood.
These cats are perfect for apartment living, loving to be around people and participating in their owners' daily activities. They are ideal for families with children due to their patient and tolerant nature. They have a tendency to overeat, so the diet must be carefully monitored to prevent obesity.
Australian Mist cat health and care issues
If you don't want to have too many cat hairs around the house, cats of this breed are a very good choice. The short coat of the Australian Mist cat requires minimal maintenance. Weekly brushing is enough to remove dead hairs, and an occasional wet wipe or piece of suede can maintain the fur's natural luster. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to prevent infections.
In terms of health, this breed is quite hardy, but can be prone to a few genetic problems, such as:
- Corneal dermatitis, which may require surgical intervention;
- Facial pain syndrome, manifested by excessive chewing or licking;
- Hypocalcemic polymyopathy, treatable by potassium supplements;
- Corneal dystrophy, a progressive inherited eye condition;
- Peripheral vestibular disease, which affects the cat's balance. (Ataxia in cats. Causes, symptoms and treatment)
The life expectancy of Australian Mist cats is approximately 12-16 years, but there are also cases where they can live up to 20 years with careful care.
How much does an Australian Mist cat cost?
The price for an Australian Mist cat is between €800 – €1000, but it is good to check carefully who the seller is and under what conditions the cat you want to buy was produced.
In conclusion, the Australian Mist cat is an example of harmony between beauty, personality and adaptability. Carefully created to blend perfectly into indoor life, this breed stands out for its affectionate nature, spectacular fur with unique patterns and friendly temperament, which make it ideal for families, including those with children.
