Spotlight: The Australian Mist
The Australian mist has gained popularity for its affectionate personality and striking appearance. It is a relatively new cat breed, developed in the late 1970s by Dr. Truda Straede and officially registered in 1980. Years of careful breeding, incorporating the best traits of the Australian tabby, resulted in the visually stunning, amiable and quirky feline, the Australian mist.
history
Dr. Truda Straede began breeding Burmese cats in 1975, bringing an Abyssinian into the mix. One of their progeny had an accidental encounter with a tabby, producing beautiful spotted kittens. Dr Straede has long had a fondness for the Australian tabby, and so, as she puts it, “An idea was born.”
Dr. Straede gained permission to begin working on her breeding concept for the “Spotted Mist Foreign Shorthair.” The breakthrough came with the birth of Nintu Horatio, a brown spotted mist, the very first true Australian mist, showcasing a beautiful coat pattern and eye colour. The first fourth-generation litter in 1986 saw the acceptance of the “Spotted Mist” as a full-register breed and eligible for championship status. The breed became known as the Australian mist in 1998 with the inclusion of the marbled coat variation.
appearance
The Australian mist is known for its distinctive coat, which is either “spotted” or “marbled”. Their fur is short, glossy and dense in a variety of colours – brown, chocolate, gold, peach, lilac and blue, each with its own intricately defined markings.
Australian mists are muscular yet elegant. They have rounded heads and large eyes in shades of green from chartreuse to aquamarine. Their ears are rounded at the tips.
Temperament
One of the standout traits of the Australian mist is its affectionate and sociable nature. These cats are known for being friendly and adaptable, making them excellent companions for families, singles and seniors alike. They thrive on interaction and enjoy spending time with their human families, often following them around the house or curling up on their laps.
Australian mists are also intelligent and curious. They thrive when provided mental stimulation and can be trained to obey commands.
Health and Care
Australian mist cats are generally healthy and resilient. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, though regular brushing can help reduce shedding, particularly in spring. As with any cat, Australian mists require regular playtime for mental stimulation and to expend energy. Like any pale-skin cat, take care that the lighter skin colour mists have limited sun exposure. The general rule of thumb is the lighter the nose colour, the less time they can spend in the sun.
Adaptation to different environments
Australian mist cats adapt well to different living situations, from apartments to large homes. The key is providing an environment where they receive plenty of stimulation. Keep in mind that sociable cats tend to dislike being left alone for extended periods of time.
finding an Australian mist
As with any animal breed, look for a reputable, established breeder that offers papers and health tests. There are Australian mist breeders in NSW, QLD, VIC and WA. You can head to the creator of the breed at Nintu Cattery in Victoria. Australian mists are also bred in the UK, the US, Germany and Japan. Consult the Cat Fanciers Association for a list registered Australian mist breeders.
The Australian mist is a delightful breed that embodies the ideal of a loving, beautiful and unique companion. A uniquely Australian breed with a friendly disposition and playful behaviour, the Australian mist is an excellent choice for any household. Read Bringing Home a New Cat.
Special thanks to Dr. Truda Straede for her time and provision of images.
