Australian Mist Cat Breed

History

The Australian Mist was first developed in 1976 by Dr. Truda Straede as the first pedigree breed in Australia. She crossbred a variety of cats, including the Burmese and Abyssinian among other shorthaired cat breeds, to create a shorthaired cat breed with distinct spots on its coat. The Burmese breed provided the greatest input at 50%, followed by 25% Abyssinian and 25% other shorthaired cat breeds. As many Australian states do not permit domestic cats to roam outdoors, the Australian Mist was bred to be a purely indoor-only cat.

Australian Mists were originally called the ‘Australian Spotted’ until 1998 when the marbled coat pattern was also accepted under the breed standard. They are currently recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) and The International Cat Association (TICA). They also hold championship status with the World Cat Federation. However, they have yet to be registered by the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA).

Furthermore, in 2005, Dr. Truda Straede released a book on the success of breeding Australian Mist cats, entitled “History, Development, Analysis, and Understanding of the Australian Mist Breed Standard.”

In 2007, two breeders imported the first Australian Mists into the UK. Their fanbase is growing steadily but they remain rare in the UK.

Personality

Australian Mists are gentle, loving, patient, and calm, making them great companions for people of all ages, including children and the elderly. As they were bred to be indoor-only felines, they are incredibly human-orientated and make the perfect lap cats. However, like many breeds, they also have an independent, playful streak.

As soon as you let an Australian Mist into your life, you will be lent a ‘helping paw’ with every task! These cats love to be around their humans whether they are working, relaxing, or doing household chores. They particularly love to help out when you are cooking because they are incredibly food-orientated! Be careful about leaving food out on the counter because these clever cats will quickly find a way to get to it! They may even work out how to open cupboards to get to the tasty treats inside.

Australian Mists are not known to be overly vocal, but they will tell you when they dislike something. These cats know their own minds! They are very playful and often try to engage their owners in a game of fetch. So, regular mental and physical stimulation is important for this breed in the form of cat posts, feeder puzzles, toys, and perches. They are very tolerant of handling and are not inclined to scratch unless handled roughly.

Australian Mists don’t like being left alone for long periods, so they are best suited to homes where someone is around for most of the day. Alternatively, you can make sure they have another feline or cat-friendly canine to keep them company.

Coat & Care

Australian Mist cats have a short, fine coat that’s glossy and smooth in texture. This makes them fairly easy to groom compared to many longer-haired breeds. A once a week grooming session with an appropriate slicker brush is all that’s needed to keep the coat in tiptop condition. A greasy coat is a potential sign of an illness so always speak to a vet if you’re concerned. These cats shed moderately, particularly in the natural shedding seasons of Spring and Autumn. So, you might want to brush more often during these times to keep on top of the amount of fur that ends up on your carpet.

It’s worth bearing in mind that Australian Mists have ferocious appetites. So, it’s important to keep them on a nutritious diet and a strict feeding schedule to prevent obesity. These cats don’t require regular bathing, especially as they are generally indoor-only felines. In fact, overbathing can cause the skin to dry out and become irritated. Cats are very good at keeping themselves clean, so regular bathing is not strictly necessary.

In an ideal world, a cat’s teeth should be brushed daily to stave off dental issues like periodontal disease. However, twice weekly brushing is sufficient to prevent plaque build-up. Use a cat-specific toothpaste recommended by your vet and a suitable, sturdy finger brush, making sure you brush all the teeth. Never use toothpaste designed for humans because these often contain ingredients that are toxic to cats.

You should check and trim the nails once a month or so. A good scratching post will also help your feline to keep its nails short and in good condition. Overgrown nails can be uncomfortable and even painful for your feline companion.

Children & Other Pets

American Mist cats are very friendly, social, and patient. So, they make the ideal pets for first-time cat owners. They are also very tolerant of handling, meaning they get on well with kids of all ages. They are even known to be great companions for the elderly and people with disabilities. However, it’s still very important to teach your children how to appropriately approach and handle a cat to prevent any mishaps or injuries.

These cats are also known to get on well with other pets, including other cats and cat-friendly dogs. However, for best results, make sure you introduce any new pet carefully, slowly, and in a controlled environment. With the right social setup and plenty of interaction, these cats can thrive in most home settings. Remember that they should be indoors only, and make sure to provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.