Cat Breeds: Australian Mist

The Australian Mist was developed more than twenty years and have a large gene pool, derived from over 30 foundation cats, half Burmese, and a  quarter each Abyssinian and Australian Domestics. Burmese contributed the “laid back” nature, four of the colours and some of the pattern, as well as general size and confirmation. From the Abyssinian came the beautiful ticking to develop the pattern, two colours, and a touch of lively intelligence. Domestics contributed to the best spots, but primarily to vigour, improving teeth, kidneys, mothering qualities, and helping to stabalise litter sizes around the feline average of four kittens.The exciting marbled pattern, accepted as part of the breed in 1997 has “popped up” throughout the development of the breed and is growing in popularity.

These delectable short-haired cats were the brain-child of Dr. Truda Straede (Nintu Cattery) and were developed from the idea to full register over nine years from 1977. This wholly AUSTRALIAN breed of cat is now recognized by governing councils Australia wide.

There is nothing extreme about Australian Mist, they are of moderate size, medium boned, rounded of head, with large eyes and ears. The coat is short, but resilient, the tail is plumply furred. The colours are warm brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, gold and peach; the pattern is of delicate spots or intricate marbled swirls against a misty ground, with legs and tail ringed and barred, and the face lined. Eyes are large and expressive in a range of greens. The nose, chin and whisker-pads are broad giving the face a generous expression.

They make perfect pets for children of all ages, even very young ones, as they are tolerant of handling, and are not inclined to scratch. As kittens they are lively, but sober up a little on maturity. Their life expectancy is in the mid to late teens. Australian Mists thrive on human contact, making them happy to remain indoors between dusk and dawn or to be wholly indoor pets, an advantage as most councils regulations now have 24 hour curfews on cats. This helps to protect the native wildlife.

Some Mists can be trained to go for walks on a lead. Their tendency to crawl into the nearest lap with or without invitation and to constantly hang around to see what people are up to, makes them excellent companions for home workers. De-sexed cats and kittens fit in easily with all sorts of cats and dogs. These qualities create a truly companionable pet for any household and lifestyle, an Australian Mist will quickly become a member of the family.