Australian Mist is a relatively recent feline breed. It traces its origin to Australia.
A new shorthair feline breed, Australian Mist was developed in
Australia in nineteen seventies from three different cat breeds, namely
Abyssinian, Burmese and Domestic Shorthair. As a result the Australian
Mist shares its physical and behavioral features with all these three
felines. It is said to have inherited its intelligence, ticking of coat
and certain colors from the Abyssinian. Burmese gave rise to the cat's
placid personality, dilute colors and some patterns. And finally the
Domestic Shorthair contributed to the robustness and pretty spots of
the modern Australian Mist.
Medium sized felines, Australian
Mists have a balanced physical makeup. Head is round with big bright
green eyes and largish ears. Chin, whiskerpads and nose are wide,
giving rise to a beautiful expressive face. Tail is well plumed. Coat
is short and dense and was previously accepted only in a spotted
pattern, leading to the earlier name of 'Spotted Mist'. Thereafter cats
with a marbled pattern were also recognized, and the nomenclature thus
revised. Recognized colors are blue, brown, chocolate, gold, lilac and
peach that occur in delicate patterns of spots and swirls on a 'misty'
background.
Australian Mists were developed to create perfect
pets with a very affectionate temperament. Their breeding has been
quite successful to this end. Another goal was to produce cats that
would not have an adverse influence on their native ecosystem through
hunting. It is unclear at the moment if this goal has been met.
Overly
adoring and sweet cats, the Australian Mists are much loved in the
continent of Australia though they are not found in all territories
currently. Their relative recency in origin means that they are not
quite widespread as pets in Europe and United States at the moment. In
their native areas, they are known to be predominantly indoor pets.
They are completely people oriented and love their humans alot. They
are tolerant of other pets and get along well with all members of the
family including children.
