Breed: Australian Mist
Temperament: intelligent, friendly
Cost: around $450
Lifespan: average 12 years
Maintenance: low
Recommended for: most everyone – families, singles and elderly
History
The Australian Mist (formerly known as Spotted Mist) is the only true blue Aussie bred cat. It began its development in 1977, when Dr. Truda Straede, responsible for developing the breed, set out to produce a spotted cat with a stable temperament. Domestic, Burmese and Abyssinian lines were used. As breeding has progressed, the marbled type has appeared. Rather than spotting, marble-like swirls are apparent through the coat.
Appearance
The coat is short but dense and soft like that of a Burmese. Coat patterns are made up of darker spots on a lighter, ‘misted’ ground.
The colour of the spots determines the colour of the cat. The background colour is always a creamy, mushroom shade and very subtle. Spot colours include; brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, gold and peach.
Health
Gingivitis is a concern. Provide good quality dry food with soft food and supplement the diet with chicken necks. Australian Mists aren’t fussy eaters. Have the teeth cleaned twice yearly. Dr. Chris Brown says that allergies are not uncommon in the breed.
Dr. Truda Straede says that new domestic and Abyssinian lines have been introduced, thus broadening the gene pool. Both Abyssinian and domestic lines were under represented in the foundation stock, so this was an opportunity to widen the gene pool away from the heavy weighting of the Burmese contribution. Healthy animals have been selected and this will improve the hybrid vigour of the breed.
Temperament
Australian Mists have a fantastic temperament. They are affectionate and gentle, love human companionship (even that of strangers) and are trustworthy around children.
Grooming
A pretty low maintenance animal, Aussies Mists require just gentle hand grooming. A grooming mitt is preferred and costs around $7-$10 from pet stores. Groom for a couple of minutes twice a week.
Ideal owner
The Australian Mist makes the perfect child’s pet. They’re very tolerant of children and adapt well to life indoors.
Further information
We filmed this segment in Plumpton, Sydney with Australian Mist breeder Rachel Barendregt (02) 9832 2552.
QLD
The New South Wales Cat Fanciers’ Association Inc.
Phone: (02) 9834 6577
Waratah National Cat Alliance Inc.
Phone: (02) 9544 1910
Queensland Feline Association Inc.
Phone: (07) 3260 6575.
Queensland Independent Cat Council Inc.
Phone (07) 3245 5764
WA NT
Feline Control Council of Western Australia
Phone: (08) 9453 2141
Cat Association of the Northern Territory
Phone: (08) 8947 6976
VIC SA
Cat Authority of Victoria Inc.
Phone: (03) 5231 4340
Governing Council of the Cat Fancy of South Australia Inc.
Phone: (08) 8449 5880
TAS
Cat Association of Tasmania
Phone: (03) 6243 7521