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Australian Mist
Origin
Australia
Height
8"-10"
Adult Weight
7-14 pounds
Life Span
12-16 years
TEMPERAMENT
Friendly, playful, affectionate, family-oriented
OTHER NAMES
Spotted Mist
Group
Medium-sized short-haired
Price
$700-$1,000
Personality and Temperament
The Australian Mist has the distinction of being the first pedigreed cat ever developed in Australia.
This stunning shorthair was initially created by crossing the Abyssinian with the Burmese. The Abyssinian contributed to the breed’s lively personality and ticked coat. The Burmese lent its easy-going nature and softly shaded colors. Foundation cats also included some domestic shorthairs, which contributed a wide range of genetics that ultimately led to the creation of a healthy cat breed that displays a beautiful range of colors.
Australian Mist cats have lovely short coats with spotted or marbled tabby patterns. Ticked fur gives these cats a soft, shaded appearance, leading to the use of the descriptive word “mist” in the breed name.
Renowned as a loving, even-tempered cat, the Australian Mist is understandably popular in its country of origin, and the breed is gaining even more popularity in show rings worldwide.
Care
The Australian Mist cat has no special nutritional needs. We recommend feeding a high-quality, high-protein food formulated for your cat’s life stage and activity level.
Brush the Australian Mist’s short coat once weekly with a fine comb or soft brush. Trim the nails every one to two weeks, and brush teeth daily with a pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrush.
Australian Mist cats are moderately active. Playful and curious, these cats appreciate interactive play with their human family as well as other pets in the home. Engage their bodies and minds with plenty of indoor enrichment, including scratching posts, cat towers, perches, and toys.
There are no known inherited health problems in Australian Mist cats.
Characteristics
Affection Level
80%
Activity Level
50%
Pet-Friendly
80%
Kid-Friendly
80%
Sociability
80%
Intelligence
80%
Playfulness
80%
Independence
50%
Vocality
50%
Grooming
50%
History
The Australian Mist is a relatively modern cat breed, developed in Australia in the late 1970s by Dr. Truda Straede. Originally known as the “Spotted Mist,” the breed was created to combine the best traits of several cat breeds: the Burmese, Abyssinian, and domestic shorthairs.
Dr. Straede’s goal was to produce a cat with a short, spotted coat, a friendly temperament, and an adaptable personality, perfect for indoor living. The Burmese contributed their affectionate and people-oriented nature, the Abyssinian added intelligence and ticking in the coat, and domestic shorthairs provided genetic diversity and resilience.
Over time, marbled coat patterns were introduced, and the breed was renamed the Australian Mist in 1998 to reflect the broader variety of coat patterns. The breed gained official recognition in Australia and is gradually gaining popularity worldwide for its gentle, playful, and social demeanor.
The Breed Standard
Body
The body is of medium-large length and size. The Australian Mist cat is firm and it muscular, with a broad, round chest. The body is heavier than it appears.
Head
The head is broad and of generous proportion. It is slightly rounded with a firm chin. Channels are permitted on intact males. In profile, the nose shows a gentle dip but no distinct break.
Eyes
The Australian Mist has large, lustrous eyes with straight upper lids and curved lower lids. The eyes are set wide apart, and slant slightly toward the nose. Yellow cast is acceptable in kittens and cats up to 18 months of age; adult cats display eye color in any shade of green.
Ears
The ears are medium to large with rounded tips and wide at the base, with a slight forward tilt. The outer line of the ears continues the modified wedge of the face.
Legs & Paws
The legs are proportionately strong, with the hind legs being slightly longer than the front legs. The paws display a neat, oval outline. Paw pad colors correspond with coat colors.
Tail
Their tails are fairly thick in proportion to the rest of their bodies with minimal tapering.
Coat
The coat is short and glossy with a warm undercoat and a resilient feel.
Color
Australian Mist cats come in seven colors: brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, caramel, gold, and peach. The underside is lighter and rufous (reddish) toning is present on the nose, cheeks, and ears. Kittens are paler than adults.
Spotted tabby and marbled tabby coat patterns are acceptable, according to Australian Mist breed standards. The spots may be of any shape or size with a random pattern, with both arrowheads and rosettes permitted.
The spotted tabby shows spots of any size and shape over the sides, flanks and belly.
The marble tabby shows random marbling with very little bull’s-eye effect and a horizontal flow wall the cat is stretched. Australian Mist cats with marbled tabby coats must also have spotted bellies.
For both coat patterns, random ticking creates the appearance of a misted veil and forehead marks form a detailed letter M.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Australian Mist cats cost?
A pet-quality Australian Mist kitten usually costs anywhere from $800 to $1,200.
Why are Australian Mist cats so expensive?
Although Australian Mist kittens are more expensive than non-pedigreed kittens, they are not as expensive as some other purebred cats. In general, pedigreed kittens cost more than mixed-breed kittens because responsible breeders spend a lot of time and money caring for their adult breeding Australian Mist cats to ensure they are producing kittens that are healthy, have good temperaments, and are good representations of the breed.
Are Australian Mist cats good pets?
Australian Mist cats are known for being very laid-back, friendly, and social, which makes them excellent pets. Australian Mist cats are gentle and calm, and love to cuddle and warm your lap. They do not do well when left alone for long periods of time, and prefer a household with lots of people around.
Are Australian Mist cats cuddly?
Australian Mist cats are known for being very cuddly. They love pets and cuddles, and snuggling in your lap. Keep in mind that all cats are individuals, regardless of breed, and some Australian Mist cats might enjoy cuddling less than most.