Group Classification: Shorthair
Country of Origin: Australia
Date of Origin: 1975
Weight (M): 10-13 lbs.
Weight (F): 8-10 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 15+ years
History
This is the first cat breed to be completely developed entirely Down Under and patriotic pride caused its named to be changed from the original Spotted Mist to feature the Country of Origin.
When Dr. Truda Staede of New South Wales wanted to create a new breed, her goal was to create a gentle cat that would prefer the indoors to the outside and be totally people oriented. The Australian Mist was developed using Burmese for shape, Abyssinians for color and ticking and domestic tabbies for spots and developmental traits. In 1980 the first kittens of the new breed were born. They are still rare in their homeland and unknown in most of the rest of the world.
General Description
Medium sized cats of foreign build, the Australian Mist has a round head dominated by large round golden eyes. Their ears are slightly flared and they have white chins and lips and whitish underpants. Their medium sized legs are supported by small round paws. Tail tapers to a gentle round.
Colors
Tabby (spotted and ticked together)
Blue, brown, chocolate, gold, lilac and peach
Coat
Short hair that stands a bit away from the body but is not bristly to the touch.
Notable Features
The overall impression of the Australian mist is that of a well-proportioned cat.
Health and Care
These cats need little grooming other than regular petting. Preferring the indoors, these are true house pets. This is important in Australia, where any animal can easily upset the island nation's wildlife balance. Australia had a significant feral cat problem due to the lack of predators versus the birth rate of strays. The Mists totally bond with their families, spending all their awake time affectionately interacting with people. This is not a breed to be left alone for long periods of time as the cat will pine for human companionship.
Resources
Australian Mist Cat Fanciers at http://www.allaustralianmistcat.com