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Australian Mist Cat
A Coat 'Veiled in Mist'

History of the Australian Mist Cat

In the cat breeds-world, 'fashions' seem to come and go, but one that has remained, is the desire for spotted cat breeds. Most spotted cats were developed in the United States and Europe, but the Australian Mist (previously known as the Spotted Mist) is an all-Australian breed.

Dr Truda Straede, the founder of this domestic cat breed, wanted to develop a hardy, spotted cat of good physical type and nature. Her intention was to develop a cat breed that would be content living indoors and possibly a cat with reduced hunting instincts, one that would be affectionate and gregarious.

In order to do this Dr Straede used over 30 foundation cats for her 'gene-pool'. Fifty percent of the cats were Burmese cats, which contributed to the conformation, size, colors (brown, blue, chocolate and lilac) and of course for their relaxed, friendly nature. The Abyssinian Cat breed also played an important part, providing the ticked coat and giving the coat a veiled mist appearance. Their intelligence and liveliness was also inherited from the Abyssinian. To complete the picture, the final twenty five percent was provided for by domestic tabbies - renowned for their health and vitality and low incidence of hereditary diseases. The stunning spots were most certainly provided by these domestic cats.

A chronological history:

1977: Dr Straede submitted her breeding program plans to the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales for approval

1980: The experimental cat breeding program was accepted by the RASCC

1986: 4th Generation 'Spotted Mist" litters were eligible for Champion Status

1997: The Marbled Patterned 'Spotted Mist' were accepted by the RASCC and the Waratah State Cat Alliance

1999: Accepted by the New Zealand Cat Fancy

1999: The 'Spotted Mist's' name changed to 'Australian Mist' due to the inclusion of both the Spotted and Marbled-patterned cats

2004: World Cat Federation recognize the Mist.

Whilst the Australian Mist cat remains fairly uncommon in the USA and Europe, it is gaining popularity. The first cats were brought to Europe around 2004 and the United Kingdom in 2007.

The United Feline Organization in the USA also recognizes the cat breed.

For the latest updates regarding their Championship Status consult the all breeds of cat governing body in your country. For comprehensive details on the Australian Mist visit our fast facts page that provides in depth cat breed info regarding characteristics, temperament, health concerns, life span and of course additional Australian Mist cat pictures.