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Australian Mist vs Burmese
Two short-coated, family-friendly cats; the Burmese is more playful, vocal and clingy, the Australian Mist gentler and more independent.
Verdict
Both are medium-sized, short-coated cats with silky coats, light grooming needs and top marks with children. They differ in intensity. The Burmese scores at the top for affection and play, talks often, stays kittenish for years and has the lowest independence score. The Australian Mist is gentler, quieter and more independent, with a spotted or marbled misted coat, and it suits apartments. It is also very rare, mostly found in Australia. Choose the Burmese for a devoted, vocal shadow and the Mist for a gentle indoor companion.
Choose the Australian Mist if
- You want a gentle, quiet, sociable indoor cat.
- You want the more independent of the two.
- You live in a smaller home or apartment.
- You like a spotted or marbled coat with a soft look.
Choose the Burmese if
- You want a very affectionate cat that follows you.
- You enjoy a cat that talks back and plays.
- Someone is home much of the day.
- You want a muscular cat in sable, blue, chocolate or lilac.
Where they are alike
Both have sleek short coats that shed lightly. Both are good with children and with other pets.
Side by side
| Australian Mist | Burmese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Australia | Burma (Myanmar), developed in the United States and Britain |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | — | 9-13 lb (4-6 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-16 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short to medium, smooth, silky coat with paler underparts that give a misted look | Very short, fine, glossy, satin-like coat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA | Championship breed since 1936 |
| How common | Very rare | Uncommon |
| Affection | 4 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 1 |
| Trainability | 3 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The short, silky coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to an Australian Mist. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The very short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Burmese. |
| Suits | A family or indoor home that wants a gentle, sociable cat with a soft coat and low grooming needs. | An owner who is home a lot and wants a loving, playful cat that stays kittenish for years. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a very active or very vocal cat, or who needs a breeder close by outside Australia. | Anyone who is away for long hours, or who wants a quiet, independent cat. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch | — |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026