About breeding cats of the Australian Mist breed
Australian scientists have been struggling for a long time to create a unique breed of cats that would become the national treasure of the mainland. A breeder from Sydney, Trude Strade, managed to do this in the mid-1980s. She set herself the goal of breeding a medium-sized cat who would be comfortable living in a city apartment. At the same time, such pets should have a balanced character, a special, attractive appearance and short hair that does not require special care.
As a result of ten years of painstaking work, an impeccable pet appeared, combining the genes of thirty representatives of the cat world. The most striking features of the Australian Mist cats were inherited from the Burmese cat - body features, more than half the colors and sociability. From the Abyssinian they got two other shades of wool, ticked color and love of life, and from the simple domestic shorthair they got spotting.
The long-awaited new breed was registered in 1986 by a local cat fanciers' organization as the Spotted Mist . Later, in 1998, the kittens developed marbled spotted coats and deep aquamarine irises as a result of the addition of the Siamese gene. Due to changes in the exterior and, perhaps, under the spirit of patriotism, the bred breed was renamed the Australian Mist (from the Soc. “mystic”).
The Australian smoky cat remains national.
The small number of this species of island cats has led to the fact that this breed has not yet gained worldwide fame. In addition to Australia, smoky cats are bred in the UK. There are no breeders in the states yet, but individual animals, no more than a few dozen, are registered. Mostly Australian Mist cats live in nurseries and are not sold abroad.
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.
Description of Australian Smoky cats
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//data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?> $ads_google = true; ?> } ?> Australian Mist cats are of medium size, with a proportional body structure. Despite its slenderness and apparent lightness, such a pet from the island weighs about five kilograms: males are usually heavier - about 6-7 kg, females - about 4 kg. The Mist's body is short, fit, with a wide, slightly protruding, rounded chest. The paws are strong, strong, the front ones are slightly shorter than the hind ones. The tail corresponds to the size of the body, is massive at the base, slightly tapering and ends in a neat tassel.
The main pride of the Australian Mist is her gorgeous coat of different colors. The coat of cats of this breed is thick, short and shiny. Due to the unusual patterns on it, it seems that the colors are multi-layered. The entire body of cats of this breed is covered with spots and streaks of various shapes and sizes, especially notable are the dark rings on the tail and lighter stripes on the paws. A clear marbled or spotted pattern is applied to the base color, as if shrouded in a light mysterious haze. The fur color of the mysterious mist is unique; six warm shades are officially recognized: golden, caramel, peach, brown, lilac, chocolate. of the coat color of the Australian Smoky cat fully appear 1.5 - 2 years after birth.
A small, round, wedge-shaped head is attached to the body by a short, dense neck. The smooth contours of the muzzle gently converge into a pointed chin. The ears of the Australian Mist are moderately large, wider at the base, and rounded at the tips. Delicate pink inside, slightly pubescent. As a rule, around or in prominent places of the muzzle (nose, ears, cheeks) the tone of the coat is brighter; on the paws and belly, on the contrary, it is lighter. Usually what contrasts most strongly with the color of the fur is a wide, moderately small nose and large, round, widely spaced bright green eyes. The shade can be any.
What to feed myst
Mists are prone to obesity, so a good cat owner should monitor the pet’s diet. The more natural products are present in the animal’s diet, the less likely there will be to have an obese cat in the house. Industrial dry food should only be an additive to poultry, fish and beef, which is given to cats in boiled form without bones or veins.
Low-fat varieties of cheese, eggs, herbs, cereals, and offal are gradually added to the Mists' diet. It is unacceptable to feed cats fried, salted, smoked food, sweets, flour baked goods, and leftover food from the owners’ table. A mista kitten should eat 3-4 times a day. Adults are fed in the morning and evening. Owners should monitor the size of food portions to prevent cats from overeating. Cats need up to 75 kcal per 1 kg of body weight per day.
Note! Changing food or water in cats can cause short-term diarrhea. Symptoms of indigestion go away after the cat's body gets used to the new food.
Mist blue color
Characteristics of the island pet
The owner of the Australian Smoky cat will be lucky with the pet’s character, because it can be described as a “golden mean”. These are very peaceful, cheerful and independent animals. They love communication and games, but do not need constant attention and affection. For this reason, they easily cope with the long absence of household members; thanks to their curiosity and activity, they will find something to do according to their interests.
This cat breed is unobtrusive and responsive. At the first call, they will always gladly join their owner and keep him company - be it playing the piano or sunbathing. The smoky cat likes to be close to people and watch them. But while a person is busy, he will wait patiently, passing the time in naps or cat games.
Smoky cats are easy to teach rules of behavior and simple tricks - they are very smart and understanding. So, for example, before taking something for its games, the pet will look attentively and questioningly at the owner, waiting for permission. Therefore, before leaving home, all valuable small items should be hidden.
The Australian Mist does not require special exercise or walking. For this reason, you can save money by purchasing bulky, wooden climbing frames. A suitable place for them would be a small cozy house, and their favorite toy would be a stuffed animal or a small ball with a rattle.
Australian Mist cats are not proud or arrogant, although their gaze may be tinged with disdain. They are friendly with strangers and even allow themselves to be petted. Moreover, smoky cats are affectionate and loving towards all family members. If there are already animals in the house, the mist will treat them tolerantly, without claiming leadership. Most often, cats of this breed even try to take care of other pets.
Australian nannies are especially tender towards small children, for whom they first become sensitive, attentive nannies, and later – loyal friends and playmates. They will allow the little ones to roll, swaddle, and fuss with them and will never let out their claws or bite. When their patience runs out, they will silently leave.
Health and nutrition
She treats food selectively and will never eat anything she doesn’t like. Changes in diet are painful. If your pet is on industrial food, then you should give preference to mixtures of at least premium class for animals with sensitive digestion (preferably super premium and holistic).
At the same time, he will never refuse a delicacy in the form of chicken breast or quality pate.
The breed is not prone to hereditary and chronic diseases. But the love of tasty food can lead to excess weight gain and obesity with age. Therefore, the main thing for this pet is a complete and balanced diet.
In addition, do not forget about regular deworming, treatment for external parasites and annual vaccination against known feline infections and rabies.
Care and maintenance
Although the Australian Mist is a bred breed, thanks to the scrupulousness of the “mother”, Trude Strade, smoky cats do not suffer from health problems. They inherited strong immunity from their “ancestors.” In addition, mysts are long-lived.
On average, Australian mysts live 15-18 years.
Clean pets take care of their glossy, short-haired coat, so special care for the Australian Mist is not required . They practically do not shed and do not tear furniture upholstery when sharpening their claws. Island pets often do not need to be combed; this should be done more for communication with the cat than for prevention. Australian cats do not like water procedures, so they are bathed only in extreme cases.
The Australian Smoky Cat is a “greenhouse plant”, it is domestic and very calm. Therefore, some experts do not recommend letting your pet go outside at all in order to avoid severe stress from encounters with dangers (cars and dogs). According to scientists, this could lead to a cat's lifespan being shortened.
However, you should not forget about standard care:
- regular nail trimming;
- eye wash;
- ear cleaning.
The most important thing to monitor is the balanced diet of the Australian Mist, because representatives of this breed are prone to obesity. Therefore, the owner should follow the feeding regime for the smoky cat and accustom the pet to a healthy diet from the first days of life. Food should be fresh, healthy and light.
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.
Types of colors
The Australian Smoky cat is characterized by a ticked color, made in different color variations:
- caramel;
- chocolate;
- lilac;
- blue;
- gold;
- peach;
- brown.
Color requirements: richness in the ears, cheeks, and nose. The color should be noticeable even with light-colored fur. The pattern is marbled or spotted. By the way, you have to wait up to two years for the shade to fully form.
Breeding Australian Mists
Mists are a fairly rare breed that is common in Australia, but there are several kennels in Europe, in particular in England. The Australian Mist breed, like all others, is divided into three classes according to the quality of the animals:
- Shows are the best animals that receive the highest titles and awards at shows.
- Breed - may not be so ideal and are most often used in breeding.
- Pets are animals that for one reason or another (most often due to deviations from the standard) cannot build a show career and become pets.
Depending on the class, the price for an Australian mist can start from $800–1000 (pet) and end at $3000–3500 (show).
To breed Mists, you need a show class cat and a breed or show class cat. But before buying kittens, you need to take felinological courses and receive a felinologist diploma, as well as register your nursery with a club or felinological organization.
Puberty occurs later in Australian mysts, usually between 9 and 12 months. Cats can be bred no earlier than 1.5 years. In order for a mating to be registered, the cat must have participated in several exhibitions before it and received a breeding assessment or a title certificate.
Mating should take place in a small, safe room (never in a cage!). Cats are brought together on the second or third day of the female's heat. Pregnancy is determined in the 3rd week by an enlarged belly, pink nipples, and changed preferences and behavior. After the birth of kittens, the litter is activated for 8 weeks by a felinologist from a club or organization. After this, a Breeding Certificate is issued for the entire litter and metrics for each kitten.
Puberty occurs slightly later in Mies than in other breeds.
Flaws
From the point of view of ordinary cat lovers, the Australian Mist has no disadvantages. This is a sweet and smart cat. But from the point of view of experienced breeders, there are still some disadvantages of the breed. These include:
- weak muscle tone;
- small skeletal system;
- too flat or elongated skull;
- a sharp decrease under the cheekbones (pinch);
- high set ears;
- small eyes.
But all this is the opinion of experts; in fact, the Australian myst is a very pretty creature.
Buying Tips
If you intend to buy an Australian Mist, then choose a licensed nursery or a trusted breeder. This is a rare, less common breed and a purchase without a guarantee is a great chance of getting at least a half-breed. In addition, a pet purchased from a reliable source, as a rule, has already been vaccinated, trained to use a tray and other minor obligations necessary for a full life in the house.
In addition to Australia, there are nurseries for breeding mysta in the USA, Great Britain and a number of other European countries. There are no specialized nurseries in the CIS countries; only private breeders are involved in breeding the Australian Mist. But there is an opportunity to buy a cat of the Burmese breed, and this is half mist.
If you come across an advertisement for the sale of Australian Mists, do not rush to buy a rare cat. First, check the animal's pedigree and vaccination certificates.
