Australian Mist

Dr Truda Straede created it in Australia from 1976 with a clear goal: a shorthaired cat that was calm, affectionate and happy to live without going outside, which matters in a country where free-roaming cats take a heavy toll on wildlife. She mixed Burmese, Abyssinians and domestic cats, and the result was a spotted or marbled cat with a veil of ticked hair over the top that gives a misty effect. It was called the Spotted Mist until the marbled pattern was also accepted and it became the Australian Mist. It is patient with children, tolerates handling well and is one of the easiest for first-time owners, although outside Australia it is very rare.

Short coat with no undercoat: weekly brushing and little else. It needs daily play and company but is not demanding, and it adapts to flat life like few others, which is exactly what it was created for. Being calm and greedy, watch its portions, especially after neutering. If you want one, finding a breeder in Spain will be hard; be wary of adverts with no pedigree.

It is a young breed in generally good health. Because of its Burmese base, ask about the hypokalaemia test, and as with any cat, weight, mouth and kidney function need watching with age. Its main risk at home is excess weight. Annual check-ups.