10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Australian Mist Cat

Each cat breed is unique, with its own distinctive personality traits and physical characteristics. Therefore, different cat breeds are suited to different people, and personal preferences also play a part in choosing the right breed for you. One cat breed that you might not have considered and may know very little about is the Australian Mist Cat. It is a breed with many distinctive features and some great personality traits. To help you learn a little more about this breed, here are 10 things you probably did not know about the Australian Mist Cat.

1. The Australian Mist Cat Was First Bred in the 1970s

The Australian Mist Cat was first bred in Australia during the 1970s. They were bred as indoor, domesticated cats to become household companions. The breed was created by crossing Abyssinian, Burmese, and domestic short-haired cats. Initially, they were called the Spotted Mist. They were not called Australian Mist Cats until 1998, although some people still refer to the breed as the Spotted Mist.

2. Australian Mist cats Have a Distinctive Coat

One of the distinctive features of an Australian Mist Cat is its coat. It is a pale color with some ticking that creates a misted effect. Some also have patterns of marbled swirls or fine spots. It is the misted appearance of the coat that has given this cat breed its name. Although the coat of an Australian Mist Cat is always pale, they come in seven different colors. These include brown, chocolate, caramel, gold, blue, peach, and lilac. The Burmese ancestry is responsible for the brown, chocolate, and lilac variations of the breed, while the gold and peach are colors inherited from the Abyssinian ancestry. Caramel is a new color that has developed through breeding. The markings are a slightly darker shade of the cat’s main color.

3. They Have Distinctive Facial Features

An easy way of identifying an Australian Mist cat, along with looking at its coat, is by looking at its facial features. They have a distinctive head that is large and round. Australian Mist cats also have large, green eyes, which come in various shades of green. Many people who own this breed say their eyes are very expressive, says Purina.

4. The Australian Mist Cat Is a Relatively Rare Breed

Although numbers of Australian Mist Cats are growing in their homeland, it is still a relatively rare breed in other countries. If you live in Europe or the United States, you may have some difficulty tracking down a breeder of this breed due to the Australian Mist Cat’s rarity in these continents. The first pair of Australian Mist Cats were introduced to the UK in 2007.

5. Males Weigh Significantly More Than Females

With some cat breeds, there is very little difference in the size and weight of males and females, but that is not the case with the Australian Mist Cat. Although they are a medium-sized breed, males weigh significantly more than females, says Your Cat. While female cats usually weigh around seven pounds, a male cat can weigh up to 15 pounds.

6. They Are Loving and Loyal

Two of the positive characteristics of this breed are that they are loving and loyal. Once your Australian Mist Cat is settled into the home, they develop a deep bond with their owners. They love to spend time with their human, and they enjoy regular affection. It is their loyalty and loving nature that makes them such fantastic companions.

7. Australian Mist Cats Tend to Overeat

Something to watch out for if you have an Australian Mist Cat is overeating. They are a greedy breed that loves their food, and their intelligence means they are clever enough to steal food if you leave it lying around. If you are not careful, their overeating can lead to obesity, which is detrimental to your cat’s health. Obesity significantly increases the risk of your cat developing conditions such as joint problems, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. To make sure your cat does not become obese, make sure they eat a healthy and balanced diet. Your vet can offer you advice about how to help your cat maintain a healthy weight.

8. It Is Best to Keep Australian Mist Cats Indoors

Australian Mist Cats were bred as indoor cats, so it is best to keep them indoors. They lack awareness of the dangers outdoors, and they do not have the killer instincts of wild cats. Also, their friendly nature combined with the rarity of the breed and their attractive appearance increases their risk of being stolen. As they are indoor cats, they do not necessarily need to live in a house with a garden. Therefore, they are a good option for people living in apartments.

9. They Are Recognized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy

The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), an international cat registry organization, has recognized the Australian Mist Cat as an official breed since 2001. However, they do not currently accept Australian Mist Cats that are caramel, but this color variation of the breed is going through the recognition process. Hopefully, the GCCF will include all color variations of the breed on its register soon.

10. Australian Mist Cats Can Live with Children and Other Pets

If you have children or other pets, you should always think carefully before introducing a new pet into your household. Not every cat breed is happy to live with children and other animals, while some cat breeds love living in a busy home. However, the Australian Mist Cat is usually happy to live alongside both other animals and children. In both cases, it is best to start socialization between your Australian Mist Cat and either your children or other pets as soon as possible. Doing so will increase the chances of you achieving a harmonious household.

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