Known as the cat from down under, the Aussie cat, and the Spotted Mist, the Australian Mist is a cat unique to our friends in Oz. A feline bred to thrive indoors, this spotted cat is an intentional cross between Abyssinians, Burmese, and domestic shorthair cats. Using the friendliest and most agreeable cats for breeding made the Australian Mist cat outgoing, adaptable, and an affectionate addition to any household. These kitties are especially known for their unique coat patterns, which give them their name.
This charming and personable cat has a medium-sized, muscular build with an easy-to-care-for coat featuring a spotted or marbled pattern. Undoubtedly rare outside of Australia, the developers intentionally combined the most pleasing characteristics from certain cat breeds to create a laid-back, playful, and friendly cat breed.
What is the temperament of the Australian Mist?
The Australian Mist is known for their sociable, playful, and easygoing temperament. Once matured, these cats are happy to be picked up and handled. More than likely, they’ll gladly find a spot on your lap to snuggle. They crave human touch, making them the perfect housecat. They can also make a great fit for a household with children who would give this loving cat breed the attention they want. Of course, make sure children know how to treat the cat with gentleness and kindness.
When considering a cat, it’s advisable to prioritize adopting from rescue organizations or shelters to provide a loving home to a cat in need. However, if you decide to purchase an Australian Mist kitten, it’s crucial to choose a reputable breeder. Conduct thorough research to ensure that the breeder follows ethical practices and prioritizes the well-being of their cats. Reputable cat breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their cats, conduct necessary health screenings, and provide a nurturing environment for the kitties. This active approach ensures you bring home a healthy and happy kitty while discouraging unethical breeding practices.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Australia
- Size: Medium
- Breed Group: Natural Breed
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat: Short to medium, silky
- Temperament: Playful, affectionate, and intelligent
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Training: Easy to train
- Grooming: Weekly brushing
- Health: Generally healthy
- It can take up to two years for an Australian Mist’s coat to fully develop their patterns and whorls.
- It took Dr. Straede nine years to develop this unique mixed breed, a combination of a Burmese, Abyssinian, and Australian Moggy.
- The cat was originally called “Spotted Mist,” with the name changing to Australian Mist in 1998.
- The Australian Mist was specifically bred to be an indoor cat, which also helps protect Australian wildlife.
Australian Mist Pictures
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Affectionate with Family
Some cat breeds are typically independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since kittenhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; cats who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Cats Less Affectionate with Family -
Amount of Shedding
If you’re going to share your home with a cat, you’ll need to deal with some level of cat hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary among the breeds. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. This furniture cover can make it easier to clean up cat hair and keep it off your sofa!
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General Health
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems. This doesn’t mean that every cat of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk. If you’re looking only for purebred cats or kittens, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in.
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Potential for Playfulness
Some cats are perpetual kittens—full of energy and mischief—while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates. A classic wand cat toy like this one is perfect for playful felines!
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Tendency to Vocalize
Some breeds sound off more often than others with meows, yowls, and chattering. When choosing a breed, think about how the cat vocalizes and how often. If constant “conversation” drives you crazy, consider a kitty less likely to chat.
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Kid-Friendly
Being tolerant of children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a nonchalant attitude toward running, screaming youngsters are all traits that make a kid-friendly cat. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual cat will behave; cats from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences and personality.
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Friendly Toward Strangers
Stranger-friendly cats will greet guests with a curious glance or a playful approach; others are shy or indifferent, perhaps even hiding under furniture or skedaddling to another room. However, no matter what the breed, a cat who was exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a kitten will respond better to strangers as an adult.
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Easy to Groom
Some breeds require very little in the way of grooming; others require regular brushing to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a cat who needs daily brushing. You should definitely pick up this awesome de-shedding tool for cats of any hair length!
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Intelligence
Some cat breeds are reputed to be smarter than others. But all cats, if deprived the mental stimulation they need, will make their own busy work. Interactive cat toys are a good way to give a cat a brain workout and keep them out of mischief. This scratcher cat toy can keep your smart kitty busy even when you’re not home!
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Pet Friendly
Friendliness toward other household animals and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some cats are more likely than others to be accepting of other pets in the home.
Australian Mist History
The Australian Mist was originally developed back in 1977 by a doctor named Truda Straede. The intention behind the mixed breed was to develop a cat that would be content to stay indoors, along with having a mellow personality and easy going nature.
These days, the Australian Mist has become honored as Australia’s national cat! In 1998, the breed’s name was changed from the Spotted Mist to the Australian Mist. The Australian Mist was officially accepted as having gained championship status by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 2014. You can find Australian Mists in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. So make sure to consider adoption if you decide that this is the breed for you!
Australian Mist Size
The Australian Mist is a medium sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary.
Most Australian Mists weigh in at eight to 15 pounds. Female Australian Mists are often slightly smaller than their male counterparts. That said, many of these mixed breed cats can be smaller or larger than average.
Australian Mist Personality
When people talk about the personality of their Australian Mist cats, they usually say that they’re mellow and tolerant kitties with an exceptionally loving side. These cats adore human interaction and attention and will often follow you around or hop up on your lap at any opportunity. If you’re after a cat who snuggles, this is an excellent mixed breed to consider.
As the Australian Mist was originally developed to be an indoor cat, they’re pretty adaptable to most living situations. Just be sure that you provide enough smart interactive toys and pieces of cat-friendly furniture around the home environment to ensure that the feline doesn’t become bored or frustrated.
Due to the mixed breed’s very tolerant nature, they also do really well living in an active household and are fine with lots of children around the place. It’s often remarked that the Australian Mist is a cat who enjoys being handled and will rarely scratch.
Australian Mist Health
Australian Mists are generally considered to be healthy cats; although, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s vet. There aren’t any breed-specific health problems associated with the Australian Mist, but always keep an eye out for signs that your cat might be in distress or pain.
Australian Mist Care
As with all cats, it’s important to keep up your Australian Mist’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your cat healthy.
Along with scheduling yearly wellness vet visits, your Australian Mist will need to have their nails checked and trimmed on a regular basis. If you’re new to cat adoption, your vet can show you the safest way to carry this out. Adding a scratching post to your living environment can also help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition.
Beyond nail care, examine the Australian Mist’s ears for signs of dirt building up or possible infection every couple of weeks. It’s also advisable to talk with your vet about starting regular teeth brushing regimen that will suit your Australian Mist. While the Australian Mist is fine with living indoors, they can also become prone to obesity. So monitor snacks and treats, and consider adding a smart feeder to help aid the cat’s portion control.
Australian Mist Coat Color And Grooming
The Australian Mist’s coat is usually seen in a range of colors, including golden, chocolate brown, blue, and peach. It can be spotted or have marbled patterns running through it. When it comes to grooming, the Australian Mist is a low-maintenance feline. Their short and glossy coat can be brushed once a week. This will not only help ward off the chance of mats forming but also keep the coat in clean and healthy condition.
Maintaining a regular brushing routine also helps to lessen the likelihood that hairballs will be an issue for the feline. The Australian Mist is generally seen as an adaptable cat who can usually live happily in most climates. Just remember to always make sure adequate shade and fresh water is provided when the temperature spikes.
Children And Other Pets
The Australian Mist is a perfect cat to bring into your home if you already have children. These are tolerant and loving cats. Just be sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides and supervise early interactions between kids and cats.
Regarding other household pets, the Australian Mist is usually okay living alongside other domestic animals. However, you’ll want to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets. Ultimately, early socialization pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Australian Mist for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!
Australian Mist Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Australian Mist cats because they are mixed. However, you may want to try breed-specific rescues that care for any of the Australian Mist’s parent breeds, as they sometimes care for breed mixes. You may also try shelters and rescues that cater to all types of cats, including Australian Mist cats and your local shelter. Here are some nonprofit rescues you can try:
More Info For You
If you’re also looking for a dog, check out DogTime’s dog breed page!