Australian Mist Cat
Cat Facts

The Australian Mist is classified as a new cat breed and as such is still a rare cat breed. It was founded by the Australian cat breeder, Dr Truda Straede in the late 1970's. The cat was originally known as the Spotted Mist.

General Characteristics

The Australian Mist is a medium sized cat, with a medium bone structure, but very muscular. They have long thick tails which taper very slightly to the tip and the tail is thickly furred. Its back legs are slightly longer than the front legs and exhibit great strength.

This domestic cat has a broad head that is slightly rounded and its face is described as having an open, sweet expression. The chin is firm, the whisker pads are well developed and the nose is described as broad. The eyes are set wide apart and the color can be any shade of green from ultra marine to chartreuse. To crown it off, the ears, which are set well apart and tilt slightly forward, are medium to large in size with rounded tips

The Australian Mist cat has a short, glossy, fine but dense coat that lies close to the body. There are only a few accepted coat colors:

Brown: pattern is dark brown, ground color is dark ivory and the misted mantle is a reddish-brown toning. Blue: pattern is blue-grey, ground color is warm oatmeal and the misted mantle is a rose-cream reddish-brown toning. Lilac: pattern is dove-grey, ground color is warm champagne and the misted mantle is a pink-fawn reddish-brown toning. Chocolate: pattern is chocolate, ground color is a warm cream-fawn and the misted mantle is a glowing-copper reddish-brown toning. Gold: pattern is old golden, ground color is a warm cream-fawn and the misted mantle is a bronze reddish-brown toning. Peach: pattern is salmon pink, ground color is a pink-cream and the misted mantle is a salmon-pink reddish-brown toning.

The Australian Mist coat comes in spotted and marbled patterns. The spotted cats are described as 'delicately spotted' and the marbled pattern as 'intricate swirls'. The color of the cat is determined by the spots and swirls, not by the ground color. The pattern is overlaid by ticking giving rise to the description 'veiled' mist. The pattern must be distinct but delicate.

Personality and Temperament

It is described as a people-loving cat, affectionate, friendly and gregarious. They make wonderful companion cats for the elderly and are real lap cats with gentle relaxed natures. They can sometimes be lively, playful and fun. The Australian Mist is an intelligent cat that apparently has a low urge to hunt. Like dogs, they do tend to follow their owners around the house.

Australian Mist Cat Information

Are they Child Friendly cats?

Yes. The Australian Mist makes an excellent pet for children. They are tolerant of handling provided it's not rough. Children need to be guided on how to handle all cats.

Are they friendly to other pets?

Yes. Spayed/neutered cats get on well with all pets - other cats and dogs

What type of home would suit this domestic cat?

The Australian Mist is well suited to indoor living. Indoor / outdoor living is ideal provided that the outdoor living area is a safe, escape-proof enclosure.

Caring for Your Cat

This is a low-maintenance cat breed. Their coats need to be brushed once or twice a week. For complete cat care you may want to visit our pages on grooming. We offer advice on coat care, claw care, teeth care and much more.

Are there any Health Concerns?

This is a hearty and healthy cat breed, with no hereditary or genetic issues. Cats with lighter coats may display some sensitivity to sunlight and skin allergies, so sun exposure should be minimized. Even though they are a healthy breed, cat insurance is recommended.

Do they need a Special Diet?

They do not require a special diet. Details of a well balanced diet can be found on our cat nutrition and cat food pages. Keep your cat well hydrated by providing fresh water daily.

What is the Average Weight of this cat?

These cats have an average weight of 3.5 - 6.0 kg (7.7 - 13.2 lbs). Female cats are lighter than the males.

What is their Life Expectancy?

This little beauty has an average life span of 12+ years. We have some great information about extending your cat's life in our chapter on 'how long do cats live?'

Related Pages:

Australian Mist Kittens - a select few cat breeders

My thanks to Patricia Bristow of www.gossamyst.co.uk for sharing her beautiful photos and knowledge of this rare cat breed.

Cat Pictures Courtesy of:

© Robert Fox of Photopaws www.photopaws.co.uk

Top: Thera Ace High, male, Gold Spotted (born March 2008) Owner: Patricia Bristow of Gossamyst; Breeder: Dr Truda Straede (breed founder)

Center: Rumtumtugger Yanna (left: Chocolate spotted); Rumtumtugger Hebe (right: blue spotted) Breeder: Mary Stuart; Owner: Patricia Bristow of Gossamyst