Anyone planning to get a cat wants to know what personality to expect. In this article, we’ll talk about the cat breeds with a reputation for being feisty, strong-willed or even aggressive, the ones that only the bravest owners can handle.
The Most Aggressive Cat Breeds
- Siamese
- Siberian
- British Shorthair
- Maine Coon
- Mekong Bobtail
- Abyssinian
- Savannah
- Bengal
- Jungle cat
- Pallas’s cat (manul)
At first glance, all of these cats look like sweet furballs. But in each of them, some of the strong-willed nature of their wild ancestors can break through. Keep in mind that any cat’s behavior depends far more on early socialization, handling and the way it’s treated than on its breed. Still, some breeds are known for a feistier temperament. Want to know which ones? Read our list.
Siamese
These blue-eyed beauties have a reputation for being temperamental. Many Siamese cats are very sensitive, and an owner’s mistake can be taken as a real insult. These cats are known for holding a grudge and voicing their displeasure loudly.
Their beautiful coloring and grace make this little predator very appealing. But a Siamese may not be the best match for small children, because it won’t tolerate being squeezed or handled against its will.
In the US, a Siamese kitten from a registered breeder usually costs about $800–$2,000, depending on quality.
See also: The best cat breeds for kids.
Siberian
Siberian cats can also be quite strong-willed. Naturally fluffy and hardy, they’re excellent mousers and love the outdoors. Their personality comes from their tough forest-dwelling ancestors. These smart, independent cats won’t meekly put up with being mistreated. But with an owner who respects their love of freedom, they show their affectionate side.
In the US, a purebred Siberian usually costs about $1,500–$3,500.
See also: The fluffiest cat breeds.
British Shorthair
These blue-gray aristocrats from Britain look like plush toys. They’re fairly big: males usually weigh 12–17 lb. But don’t be fooled by their harmless look: a British Shorthair has a mind of its own. These proud cats are wary of strangers and almost never let anyone squeeze them. They love their owners in a reserved way but often prefer to keep to themselves. They can be friendly with other pets, as long as the other pet doesn’t start trouble.
In the US, a British Shorthair kitten usually costs about $1,500–$3,000.
Find out: Which cat breed is the largest.
Maine Coon
Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, and one of the most popular. A muscular body covered with a thick, long coat usually weighs 13–18 lb in males. Smart and reserved, they can behave like perfect gentlemen for a long time. But their mood can change, and some will defend their territory against an intruder.
Maine Coons don’t like being left alone and need lots of attention. Left home alone too long, they get bored and can make a real mess. Because of their size, a stressed or frightened Maine Coon can scratch or bite harder than an average cat, so teach children to respect its boundaries.
In the US, a Maine Coon kitten usually costs about $1,500–$3,000.
You might also like: Cat breeds with ear tufts.
Mekong Bobtail
This sweet-looking cat with an adorable bunny-like tail can actually stand in for a guard dog. Its beautiful coloring resembles that of its close relative, the Siamese. It doesn’t let strangers get close and is always ready to defend its territory. With its owner, the Mekong Bobtail is affectionate and clever, until it finds a reason to be jealous. It loves to play, but when it gets carried away, it may use its main weapon: its teeth.
The breed is rare in the US. A kitten usually costs about $1,000–$2,000.
See also: Cat breeds with big eyes.
Abyssinian
These beautiful cats with a shimmering ticked coat made our list because of their rough play and stubbornness. An Aby is devoted to its owner but loves playing with furniture and doors even more. It doesn’t see anything wrong with the things it ruins and will resent being punished (which never works with cats anyway).
Abyssinians respond well to training. With some effort, you can teach an Aby to walk on a leash and fetch on command. Without training and enough stimulation, though, it can become a handful. With good care and understanding, Abyssinians make wonderful pets.
In the US, an energetic Aby kitten usually costs about $1,000–$2,000.
See also: Cat breeds that look like bobcats.
Savannah
Want to know which cat looks almost exactly like a cheetah in photos? The Savannah, of course! This graceful, long-legged cat is a fairly new breed: TICA accepted it for registration in 2001 and granted it championship status in 2012. Its ancestors, the African serval and domestic cats (the very first Savannah kitten had a Siamese mother), gave it an independent, strong-willed personality.
Savannahs are amazing jumpers and very curious. They need lots of room, so this breed isn’t a good choice for a small apartment. This large cat can be aggressive toward strangers, especially if it wasn’t well socialized. Like many breeds close to wild cats, Savannahs need constant attention, but they’re very trainable.
Check your local laws before buying: early-generation Savannahs (F1–F3) are banned or restricted in several US states and cities. In the US, a later-generation Savannah usually costs about $1,500–$5,000, and F1 cats can cost $15,000 or more.
Allergic to cats? Read about cat breeds that are better for allergies.
Bengal
Bengals can be quite impulsive. They don’t like being picked up and won’t tolerate being confined. Bengal cats are smart and playful and stay that way well into old age. Their ever-alert hunting instinct tells them to pounce on anything unfamiliar that moves. If you want an affectionate Bengal, you’ll need to put in plenty of effort. A kitten should be socialized and trained early and get plenty of human attention.
In the US, a Bengal kitten usually costs about $1,500–$3,000. Note that Bengals are restricted in some places, including New York City and Hawaii.
Find out: Which cat breeds are the most affectionate.
Jungle Cat
This big, fierce cat is a true wild predator. Before you even think about it, understand that the jungle cat is a wild species, not a domesticated breed. It even looks like a small lynx. In the US, keeping one usually requires special permits, and it’s banned outright in many states; in the UK, it falls under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act.
Jungle cats need a lot of space for active play. They need to hunt, jump and climb. Like any predator, a jungle cat can be aggressive toward its owner and is especially dangerous for families with children. If you love the look, consider the Chausie, a domestic breed developed from jungle cat crosses that has a much more manageable temperament.
Pallas’s Cat (Manul)
Another small wild cat from the steppes and mountains of Central Asia. This adorable, thick-furred animal has big fangs and a grumpy disposition, and it’s practically impossible to tame. It loves to hide and ambush from cover. The Pallas’s cat could easily win the title of “angriest cat.”
But it’s important to be clear: the manul is a protected wild species, not a pet or a breed, and it isn’t legally available as a pet in the US or the UK. Pallas’s cats belong in the wild and in accredited zoos, where they’re notoriously sensitive to infections and stress. If you’d like to see one, visit a zoo that takes part in conservation breeding programs.
