Australian Mist Cats

Australian Mist cats are common in Australia, but extremely rare in other parts of the world. It’s the only Australian breed registered in the USA. First, the breed was registered by the RASCC (Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Cat Control) Experimental Register in May 1980. The original name of the breed was Spotted Mist, but in 1998 the name was changed to the Australian Mist because the marbled coat pattern was accepted by the breed standard. The World Cat Federation accepted the Australian Mist cat in 2004, which was the first overseas recognition of the breed. In 2007, the United Feline Organization in the USA accepted the Australian Mist for registration at Championship status.

Actually, Australian Mist cats combine the genes of the Burmese and Abyssinian cats. Adding local domestic shorthair cats to the foundation stock provides for the stability, health and longevity of the breed. The majority of domestic shorthair cats have a gene responsible for the classic tabby pattern. Australian Mist cats are characterized by a broken tabby pattern, typical of the Bengal cat, an ancestor of the Abyssinian cat. The Burmese blood is responsible for the blue, brown, lilac, caramel, chocolate, gold and peach coat colors in the Australian Mist cats.

Australian Mist cats are medium in size and well-balanced. They are short-coated, like their ancestors, and have a spotted or marbled coat pattern seen as if through a misted veil. The legs and tail of these cats are barred; the face has light markings. The face, chin, whisker pads and nose of the Australian Mist are broad, creating an open and rounded look. The eyes of these cats are large and expressive, coming in all shades of green.

This breed is very hardy, healthy and low-maintenance. It can make both a good pet and a show champion. A cat of this breed can become a tolerant playing companion for a child or a lap pet for the elderly. Kittens of the Australian Mist are very playful and lively; adult cats retain their lively nature, but adapt to the lifestyle of the family. They are suited to both fully indoor and indoor-outdoor life. It’s nice for a cat of this breed to have a secure yard for playing during the daytime, but living in an apartment is not a problem for Australian Mist cats.