Australian Mist Cats (formerly the Spotted Mist) were developed exclusively in Sydney, Australia from Burmese, Abyssinian, and Domestic shorthair cats. This breed was first recognized for champion status in NSW in the 1980s. The name Australian Mist was officially accepted in 1998. The number of Australian Mist Cats and their breeders continues to increase. Some cats have gone to New Zealand and the USA. Australian Mist Cats have inherited the affectionate, people-loving temperament of the Burmese, the intelligence and agility of the Abyssinian, and the health and vitality of the Domestic. Australian Mists with their highly affectionate personalities make excellent house cats. As kittens they are lively, but sober. They are very people-centered and are eager to crawl into the nearest lap with or without invitation, and constantly hang around to see what people are doing. They don't fret if people are not around. The Australian Mist cat is very devoted to the master and possesses little of cats' independence, which makes them companions for the home workers and children.