Australian Mist
Australian Mists are friendly and affectionate medium sized cats, known for their distinctive spotted or marbled short coat. Highly social, they enjoy interacting with their family and form strong bonds with their owners. Developed as indoor cats, they are intelligent, adaptable and calm, making them ideal for homes with children, the elderly, other pets, and apartment living.
| Recommended for | Families, singles, and apartment living |
| Breed Classification | Shorthair |
| Other names | Spotted Mist, Australian Spotted |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 years |
| Size | Medium |
| Temperament | Calm, affectionate, and friendly |
| Intelligence | Highly intelligent and quick learners; enjoy mental stimulation and interactive play |
| Tendency to vocalise | Generally quiet with soft vocalisations |
| Maintenance Level | Moderate grooming needs, requiring regular brushing and regular exercise to stay healthy |
| Health Risk | Generally a healthy and resilient breed with a low incidence of genetic diseases; uncommon health issues include dental disease, obesity, kidney issues and arthritis. |
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Breed history of Australian Mists
The Australian Mist is wholly Australian and is considered to be the first locally bred pedigree cat. Overseen by Doctor Truda Straede, development of the breed commenced in 1977 and took 9 years to progress from the Experimental Register to being accepted onto the Full Register.
The breed is a combination of the Burmese (50% of the original genes), Abyssinian and Australian Domestic shorthair (25% each of the original genes). The Burmese provided the Australian Mist with its loving, friendly nature and delicate coat colours, the Abyssinian gave its intricate two-colour pattern, and the Australian Moggy contributed genetic vigour and a manageable litter size of usually four kittens.
Originally the breed was known at ‘The Spotted Mist’ and only the spotted tabby coat pattern was accepted, but in 1998 the Marbled (classic tabby pattern) also gained acceptance and the name changed to ‘The Australian Mist’.
In early 2007 two breeders imported the first Australian Mists into the UK, and the breed is now recognised by the GCCF (The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) and can compete at cat shows. However, they are still relatively unknown outside Australia, making them a rare find in other countries.
Physical description of Australian Mists
Described as having a moderate appearance with no extremes, the Australian Mist is a medium-sized cat with a sleek, well-muscled build, broad face and plump cheeks. They have large, almond-shaped eyes that are typically green or gold, their ears are medium-sized and rounded, and the tail is long, slightly tapered and plumply furred.
One of the most distinctive features of the Australian Mist is its short, silky coat with its unique misted pattern over a spotted or marbled base. The coat comes in a variety of soft, earthy colours, and each colour is layered with a “misted” effect that is created by ticking, or bands of colour, on individual hairs, giving the breed its name and distinctive soft look.
| Weight range | Males: 4.5 to 6 kg; females: 3.5 to 5 kg |
| Height range | 24 to 28 cm (9.5 to 11 inches) at the shoulder |
| Colours | Brown, blue, lilac, gold, peach, cinnamon, with a spotted or marbled pattern |
| Coat length | Short |
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Australian Mist personality and temperament
The Australian Mist is a friendly, affectionate, and easygoing breed. Their calm, friendly nature makes them great for families looking for a sociable and affectionate cat. They enjoy spending time with their families, forming strong bonds, but are not overly clingy, making them fabulous indoor cats.
They bound with energy as kittens, but this slows down significantly when they reach adulthood. Adult Australian Mists are generally calm and docile. They can happily spend all day indoors and be content with their human’s affection and love. They are generally tolerant of touch and do not mind being picked up; they are also very unlikely to scratch or bite.
The Australian Mist is for perfect for owners looking for a cat to snuggle. They tend to seek the warmth of the nearest lap, curling up in it as soon as the person sits down, regardless whether it belongs to a trusted human or stranger.
They get along easily with people and other pets, make a great companion for the elderly or those with mobility issues, and are a safe playmate as a family cat. Ideal for families, singles, and apartment living, they thrive in homes where they can interact with their humans.
Australian Mists with kids and other pets
Australian Mists generally get along well with children, especially those who are old enough to understand how to interact gently. Their calm, friendly nature makes them great for families looking for a sociable and affectionate cat and are wonderful companions to both young and old.
They are highly social and tend to get along with other pets, including dogs and cats, as long as they are introduced properly.
Australian Mist training and exercise
Australian Mists have moderate energy levels and enjoy playtime, but they are not overly demanding. However, they do need regular physical and mental stimulation to stay engaged and happy. They are best suited for homes where they can explore, climb, and enjoy interactive play with their owners. While they love attention, they are also content to entertain themselves when needed.
Daily play sessions will keep them physically and mentally engaged. Interactive play, such as using feather wands and puzzle feeders, provides mental stimulation. They also enjoy climbing, so cat trees or shelves are great for them to burn energy and satisfy their natural instincts.
While they enjoy outdoor exploration, they are content as indoor cats and generally do best when kept inside, where they can stay safe. If allowed outdoors, they should be supervised or provided with a secure outdoor enclosure to prevent roaming.
Australian Mists are intelligent, adaptable, and so docile that you can train them to go for a walk on a lead.
| Energy level | Moderate |
| Exercise requirements | Plenty of opportunities for interactive play and physical and mental challenges |
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Australian Mist feeding and nutrition
The Australian Mist thrives on a balanced diet that supports its active and playful nature. High-quality, protein-rich food is ideal for this breed, helping to maintain muscle mass and overall health. A combination of wet and dry food is recommended to ensure hydration and digestive health. Look for food that includes essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to support their coat and general well-being.
Portion control is important to prevent overfeeding, as Australian Mists have a healthy appetite. Their food intake should be divided into two or three meals a day to help maintain a healthy weight. Always provide fresh water, and consult your vet for dietary recommendations based on your Australian Mist’s age, activity level, and health.
Australian Mist care and grooming
The Australian Mist has a short, silky coat that requires minimal grooming. Brushing once a week is usually sufficient to remove loose hairs and reduce shedding. Occasional baths can help maintain the coat’s sleek look, and regular ear cleaning and nail trimming should be included in their grooming routine. Dental care is important, so regular teeth brushing or providing dental treats is recommended.
Their short coat provides some protection but doesn’t offer much insulation in extreme heat or cold. They are best suited to environments with moderate weather and should be protected from excessive heat or cold. Extra warmth may be necessary for them in cooler climates.
Health issues for Australian Mists
- Kidney Disease can affect Australian Mists, particularly as they age. Symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss. Early detection through regular vet visits is key to managing this condition, as older cats may be more susceptible.
- Dental Disease is another concern, particularly gingivitis, which causes gum inflammation and tooth loss. Regular brushing and routine dental check-ups are essential to prevent this condition from progressing.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition that causes thickening of the heart muscle, has been seen in Australian Mists. Early signs are often subtle, so routine vet check-ups, including heart screenings, are important to detect this condition early.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic condition that can lead to vision loss and blindness. Though not common in Australian Mists, it remains a potential concern, and symptoms may include night blindness and dilated pupils.
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
What do Australian Mist owners claim for the most?
- Renal (kidney) Disorder
- Urethral Disorder
- Trichobezoar
- Vomiting
- Alimentary Foreign Body
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MORE INFORMATION
Australian Mist Breed Council: https://www.australianmist.info/
Australian Mist Cat Association UK: https://www.australianmistcatassociation.co.uk/
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