Australian Smoky is the first cat breed bred in Australia (it is not widespread outside the continent, but there are breeders in the USA and a number of European countries).
At first glance, a cat of this breed is no different in appearance and unpretentiousness from ordinary outbred domestic ones. However, upon closer acquaintance, the pet’s character (combining, at the same time, independence and love), its thinking and devotion to the owner will reveal the true breed of the cat from the first minutes.
Thoroughbred ancestors and the painstaking work of felinologists to develop a new breed made it possible to clearly determine the phenotype of the Australian Mist. The standard (reference representatives) of the breed are cats with the following characteristics:
- the body is strong, muscular, with a wide chest;
- paws – strong, but neat, proportional, with small toes;
- head – wedge-shaped, wide, with a flat forehead, proportional nose, wide chin, slightly sagging cheeks;
- eyes – large, almond-shaped, close-set, green or yellowish in color;
- neck – wide, muscular, of medium length;
- ears are medium in size, set wide apart, tips rounded;
- tail – movable, proportional, tapered to the tip.
The body structure of the representatives of the breed is proportional, there are no prominent parts.
The short coat of Australian Smoky cats is distinguished by density, softness, and the presence of down. The fur does not fit tightly. The back is colored more expressively, the belly is of a lighter tone.
The color of the Australian Mist consists of:
- main color;
- contrasting pattern;
- haze formed by incomplete dyeing of hairs (ticking).
Representatives of the breed receive full color and contrast at 2 years of age. Mists' coats are not prone to shedding.
Colors allowed according to the standard:
- blue;
- gold;
- caramel;
- brown;
- lilac;
- peach;
- chocolate.
The average weight of an Australian Smoky cat is 4 kg, and that of a male cat is 6 kg.
Interesting Facts
As a breed, the Australian Smoky cat has existed for a short time, but interesting facts about it have already appeared:
- Until 1998, the animals were known as the "spotted myst", but then they were renamed the Australian myst.
- The colors of the coat finally acquire brightness only by the time the cat turns 2 years old. Until this time, the Australian Smoke's coat may be quite pale.
- The word “mist” translated from English means “fog” and best characterizes the unusual color of cats.
Origin of the Australian Mist breed
The Australian Mist is a cat that has appeared recently. Although rare, it quickly became popular due to its friendliness and independence. Its homeland is determined by its name. Australian scientists have long wanted to create a local cat with unique properties. Only in the 80s of the last century, breeder T. Streid, after ten years of work, received a new color, combining the ticking of the Abyssinian agouti and the spotting of ordinary individuals. The shades were taken from the Burmese breed. These are blue, lilac, peach, chocolate colors.
At first, the kittens that appeared in 1986 were called Spotted Mist, but in 1998 the breed was registered, including a marbled coat pattern in the list of descriptions. The name was changed, giving the name - Australian smoky (or mist).
Breed description, standards, appearance
The Australian smoky cat is a proportional, harmonious animal with developed muscles and smooth body contours. Its appearance is strictly regulated by a standard that every representative of the breed must meet.
Dimensions and weight
The Australian Mist is a medium-sized cat with pronounced sexual dimorphism. The female's weight is 3.5-4.5 kg. Males of this breed weigh between 4.5-7 kg.
Anatomical characteristics
The Australian Mist must meet the following description:
- The head is in the shape of a blunt wedge with rounded outlines, a convex forehead, pronounced whisker pads and a strong chin. There is no stop.
- The ears are medium to large in size, set wide apart. Slightly tilted forward. Taper smoothly from the base to rounded tips. The outer contour of the ear extends the outline of the head.
- The eyes are large, almond-shaped, shiny, slanting, widely set. The color of the iris is green.
- The body is moderately elongated with developed muscles and a wide, rounded chest.
- The limbs are smooth, of medium length with oval paws and neat claws.
- The tail is long, wide at the base. Tapers to a rounded tip.
Color and coat type
The Australian Mist has a gorgeous coat of unusual colors. The entire body of the smoky cat is covered with short, stuffed, shiny hair.
Under the even ticking there are spots and stains of various sizes and shapes. Because of this, it seems that the cat has multi-layered colors. The following colors are officially recognized in the breed:
- chocolate;
- lilac;
- peach;
- caramel;
- golden;
- blue.
On a note. Representatives of the breed have dark rings on their tails. And the lower part of the body is always lighter than the upper.
Possible breed defects
Disadvantages in the presence of which the Australian Smoky cat will not receive a high expert assessment:
- small bone;
- small or round eyes;
- flattened or long skull;
- weak muscle tone;
- small or high-set ears;
- too smooth coat;
- pinch
Disqualifying defects, the owners of which are not allowed for breeding, include:
- no ticking;
- iris color other than green.
Types of colors
Metis cat: main options for variety of crossbreeds
The Australian cat has several coat colors. The full color of the coat appears by the age of 2 years and can be brown, lilac, caramel, golden, chocolate, blue, peach, or cinnamon. The color of the fur of newborn kittens gradually becomes more saturated.
Note! In light-colored adult cats, red coloring is present on the cheeks, nose and ears.
The coat color of mist cats consists of a main background of warm shades, on which there is a spotted or marbled pattern. The top layer is smoky. The smoky Australian cat breed is distinguished by the fact that the lower part of the animal’s body is lighter than the area of the back and sides. The spots can be of any shape and size. On the sides, on the back and belly of the seals they are located symmetrically.
Important! It is necessary to determine the exact color of Mist breed animals only after they are two years old.
Australian Mist with spotted chocolate color on a golden background
Character and temperament
The Australian Mist has a good-natured and easy-going disposition. A sociable and patient cat does not show aggression towards strangers and does not impose its company on anyone. Although the pet needs the owner's attention, it easily tolerates loneliness and finds something to do in the absence of its owners.
Breed and children
The Australian Smoky Cat will be a great friend for a child. She will play with the children until they themselves get bored with this activity. Well, if the animal’s patience runs out earlier, the Australian Mist will not release its claws, but will simply leave.
Breed and other animals
This peaceful and sociable cat does not have a developed hunting instinct and easily makes contact. The non-conflict nature of the Australian Mist allows him to easily get along under the same roof with various pets, including dogs, birds and ornamental rodents.
Character of Australian mysts
The goal of the scientists was to combine character traits such as loyalty, obedience and tolerance in one cat. As a result, the result of selection exceeded all expectations. The Australian "haze" is the epitome of the ideal pet, created specifically for interaction with people. You will never see an animal in a bad mood or with its claws out, which is very important for families with children.
Like all kittens, Mist cubs are active, but with age, mischief is replaced by calm and regularity. Loyal to their owners, cats strive to be close to them everywhere and always, but if they need to be alone for a short time, this will not upset them very much. Australians are not only friendly towards people, but also get along well with other pets, such as dogs. Mysties received this character trait thanks to the genes of the Burmese breed. Extraordinary mental abilities were passed on to the “smoke” from the Abyssinians. Endurance and the ability to adapt to any living conditions were given to cats by ordinary yard breeds.
The Australian myst combines loyalty, obedience and tolerance
Mists are easy to train and can be walked on a leash. However, this is not at all necessary, because they are more homebodies who love their family and their owners. The meowing of cats is never in vain. If an Australian raises a voice, it means he is either answering you or wants something from you.
How to choose the right kitten
It is better to buy Australian Mist from a specialized nursery. This is the only way to be sure that the animal will have all the necessary documents. You also need to pay attention to the appearance and behavior of the kids.
Healthy Australian Mist kittens have clear skin, clear eyes, soft bellies and an excellent appetite. They do not show fear or aggression and actively play among themselves.
Kitten care
Caring for a little Australian Mist is no more difficult than caring for any other kitten. Before picking up a pet from the breeder, purchase for it:
- bed or house;
- bowls for food and water;
- tray and filler;
- toys;
- carrying bag;
- scratching post;
- hygienic cosmetics;
- grooming tools.
After moving to a new home, the Australian Smoky kitten is given time to adapt and is immediately shown places where it can eat, sleep and relieve itself.
How much does it cost and where to buy
Mist prices depend on the category to which they belong. There are three groups of requirements for animals:
- cats and cats of the Pet category are subject to mandatory castration because they do not fully comply with breed standards;
- cats of the Breed category are used for breeding, but do not have high exterior characteristics;
- Show-class animals fully comply with breed standards.
The cost of Pet category animals can be 400 dollars, Show class - up to 900 dollars*.
For your information! Nurseries selling mist are located in Australia, European countries, Great Britain, and the USA. There are no such nurseries in the CIS countries yet.
What to look for when buying a kitten
First of all, they pay attention to the health and appearance of the kitten, its physical characteristics, playfulness, and mobility. Breeding kittens must have documents of origin indicating name, gender, breed, color, date of birth, information about parents and breeder. The kitten must be vaccinated; vaccination records are in the veterinary passport, which must be given to the buyer of the kitten.
Care and maintenance
The Australian Mist is an unpretentious cat that easily adapts to different conditions. You can keep this breed even in a small city apartment. And caring for the Australian Smoky cat comes down to balanced feeding and hygiene.
Hygiene procedures
In order for the Australian mist to look aesthetically pleasing, he is taught simple manipulations from an early age:
- A cat's claws are worn down naturally, but if necessary, they can be carefully shortened with a nail clipper.
- The Australian Smoky cat's teeth are brushed weekly with a special brush containing a small amount of toothpaste that does not foam. Thanks to this, the bridge will not develop stone or other dental problems.
- The ears and eyes of a cat of this breed are periodically inspected for unusual discharge and wiped with a moistened cotton pad or a clean cloth soaked in boiled water.
Grooming
The Australian Smoky cat's short coat does not require frequent washing. They bathe the mist 2-3 times a year. Bath procedures are carried out in a warm room, away from drafts. To wash pets, use high-quality shampoo for short-haired cats.
Brush representatives of the breed once a week using a rubber brush or gloves with silicone growths. During the molting period, the procedure is carried out more often.
Tray
The Australian Smoky cat is extremely clean and quickly learns to go to the toilet in one place. Since it is a medium-sized breed, it is better to purchase a deep or closed tray for it. There are no special requirements for the filler. The main thing is that it fulfills its functions.
Feeding the cat
The Australian Mist has an excellent appetite and eats both dry and natural food equally well. Each of these types of food has its own advantages, and the owner independently decides what to feed his pet.
Complete diet
When feeding an Australian Smoky cat with natural food, the menu is designed so that animal protein sources predominate in it. It could be chicken breast, veal, turkey or rabbit.
The mist is also given:
- offal;
- sea fish;
- eggs;
- porridge cooked in water;
- vegetables;
- dairy products.
The Australian Smoky cat must not be given fresh milk, pork, chocolate or any leftover food from the owner's table.
When feeding dry food, premium or super-premium products are selected for your pet, which do not contain dyes, soy or other dubious additives. The Australian Smoky cat is best suited for:
- Arden Grange;
- Hills;
- Royal Canin;
- Acana.
Feeding frequency
An Australian Smoky kitten eats more often than adult representatives of the breed. Therefore, the frequency of feeding depends on the age of the animal:
- up to 4 months – 6 times a day;
- 4-5 months – 5 times a day;
- 5-9 months – 4 times a day;
- 9-12 months – 3 times a day.
From the age of one year, the Australian Mist is transferred to a double feeding regimen.
Vitamins and minerals
A smoky cat that eats natural food may experience micronutrient deficiencies. To make up for this deficiency, the mist is given special fertilizers 2 times a year. But in order not to harm the pet, before introducing vitamin and mineral supplements into the diet, the animal is shown to a veterinarian.
Catering
The Australian Mist is a special breed, and its representatives cannot be fed exclusively with industrial food. This is especially true for dry food. The main rule: the more natural products in a cat’s diet, the healthier it will be. Dry food can be added little by little to porridge or meat broth.
Natural products
Meat: beef or chicken, thoroughly cleaned of veins and hollow bones, scalded with boiling water or boiled. Neither pork nor lamb are suitable.
Make sure your cat gets enough vitamin C (which acts as an antioxidant); sodium, iron and copper (they help maintain hemoglobin levels in the blood and have a positive effect on metabolic processes); as well as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium (which maintains bone strength). Vitamin D keeps the gastrointestinal tract in good shape.
Be sure to include in the menu:
- cheese,
- eggs (chicken and quail),
- offal (chicken hearts, liver),
- vegetable oil (a little at a time during cooking),
- porridge (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice),
- fish (boiled),
- greenery,
- fermented milk products (kefir, fermented baked milk, natural yogurt).
Cats are fed 2 times a day. This applies to adults. Kittens - 3-4 times. Approximate calculation: per 1 kilogram of weight – 75 kcal.
Austrian mysts are fastidious cats, with extremely developed organs of charm, and will not touch food that smells of rotting or rotten meat. Therefore, they are not in danger of poisoning.
Recommended food
Below are recommended premium foods, links with food names are clickable. Using them, you can, within our website, read descriptions of food and read reviews from owners of the Austrian Mist cat breed.
| Premium | Premium | Premium |
| Pro Plan | Royal Canin | Brit Premium |
Expert opinion
Dusheba Vera Ivanovna
In 2010, she graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine named after K.I. Scriabin with honors, specializing in veterinary medicine. I regularly attend veterinary conferences, congresses, and webinars.
Representatives of this breed are prone to being overweight, so the owner must carefully monitor portions and not spoil his pet with an extra piece, even if the cat persistently begs for it. Under no circumstances should you give your cat smoked, salty, sweet, or flour products. But if you change food and your cat develops diarrhea, don’t panic. As soon as she gets used to the new food, the stool will return to normal.
Education and physical activity
The smoky cat is endowed with high intelligence and good memory. An intelligent and smart animal is easy to train. The pet quickly learns the rules of behavior in the house and is able to perform simple tricks.
On a note. Before starting to play with something, the Australian Smoky will look questioningly at the owner, as if asking permission.
Representatives of this breed do not require mandatory walks and physical activity. Therefore, they do not need to build bulky gaming complexes. For a smoky cat, it is much more important to equip a small, comfortable house and buy a stuffed animal or a ball of medium diameter.
Vaccinations and antiparasitic treatment
Although the Australian Mist has good health and good heredity, he is not immune to viral diseases. To protect a smoky cat from panleukopenia, calcivirosis and rhinotracheitis, it must be vaccinated with a complex drug. The first vaccination is given to the animal at the age of 7-8 weeks. At 11-12 weeks it is repeated, but with an anti-rabies component. Subsequently, the Australian Mist is vaccinated annually.
To prevent the cat from being bothered by parasites, it is regularly treated for fleas and helminths. Antihelminthic tablets are given to Mist 2 times a year with mandatory repetition after 10-14 days. Protect your smoky cat from fleas with drops, shampoos or anti-parasitic collars.
Pros and cons of the breed
Like any other cat breed, the Australian Mist has both positive and negative traits.
| Advantages | Flaws |
| No genetic diseases | Fear of water and dislike of bath procedures |
| Good tolerance of loneliness | Rarity of the breed |
| Friendly and communicative character |
The Australian Mist is an attractive cat with an unusual color and easy-going disposition. A sociable and playful disposition, combined with high adaptability and the ability to remain calmly alone, make him an ideal option for busy city dwellers dreaming of a pet.
How the breed originated
The name of the breed is not accidental. The word "mist" in English means "fog". The animals have a smoky color. “Australian” refers to the homeland of pets. This is the only breed that was bred in Australia. To get it, several types of cats were crossed:
- outbred - gave a spotted pattern on the coat;
- Burmese - sociability and physique;
- Abyssinian – intelligence, smoky color.
Breeders took only the best qualities from all animals. As a result, playful, moderately sociable and absolutely undemanding pets appeared.
