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A brief historical overview
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The origins of the Australian Mist go back to the late 1970s, when an Australian woman from near Sydney, Dr. Truda Straede, began crossing Abyssinians, Burmeses and local domestic cats. The aim was to create a very gentle, affectionate breed unique to Australia, which until then had no breed of its own.
Abyssinians were chosen for some of their colors and especially for the ticking of their coat, burmeses for their gentle, placid character and for certain diluted colors not found in Abyssinians, and finally, spotted tabbies to obtain the sought-after coat.
In 1980, the breed was accepted into a register of experimental breeds, and six years later, after four generations of cats, the breed was officially recognized under the name spotted mist (a name referring to the only coat accepted in the breed). In 1997, the breed took on its current name when the blotched tabby coat was accepted.
In 2004, the breed was recognized for the first time outside its country of origin by the WCF. To this day, however, the breed remains virtually unknown outside Australia, with the exception of a few English kennels. |
General appearance
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The Australian Mist is a well-balanced cat, which must remain moderate in all its physical traits, none of which tend towards extremes.
Cross-breeding is still accepted in Australia, but the cat must never have more than half Burmese blood, a quarter Abyssinian and a quarter Domestic Cat. Cats that could carry the genes for silver, red or semi-longhair are absolutely forbidden. |
Important proportions
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| This breed is of medium size, weight and length. |
Behavior / characteristics
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| The character of the Australian Mist is one of the most important points in the breed's development. It is described as calm and affectionate, intelligent and eager to follow its owner. They are also said to be patient, and readily accept cohabitation with other animals or children. These traits, however, are entirely individual and depend on the history of each cat. |
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English (United Kingdom)