Australian Mist

The Australian Mist is a shorthaired domestic cat developed in Australia from Burmese, Abyssinian, and domestic shorthair cats. The breed was first known as the Spotted Mist, then renamed after marbled patterns were accepted alongside the original spotted coats. A fine layer of ticking softens the pattern and gives the mist effect over colors such as brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, gold, peach, and caramel. The cats are medium sized, balanced rather than extreme, with rounded contours and an open, friendly expression.

Australian Mists were bred with indoor family life in mind, and they are often sociable cats that handle routine household activity better than many high-strung breeds. They still need play, scratching areas, and window or screened outdoor viewing spots to stay fit. The coat is easy to maintain with hand grooming or a soft brush, and heavy bathing is unnecessary unless a medical issue calls for it. Outside Australia the breed can be uncommon, so prospective owners may need to wait for a reputable breeder and verify registration, kitten rearing practices, and health screening in the breeding cats.