The 15 Most Aggressive Cat Breeds
House cats aren’t particularly well-known for their aggression and poor behavior, but other cats are. When most people think about aggressive house pets, they think about the many misconceptions surrounding different dog breeds, but certainly not cats.
Felines are more skeptical and independent than other house pets, and sometimes they can be aggressive. Though you don’t see much news coverage about kittens going wild and attacking their owner’s kids, there are certain breeds of cats that have a much less tolerant disposition than others.
Read on to find out which 15 house cats and non-house cats are a bit more aggressive and less patient than others.
1. Tigers
This one is common sense. Tigers are the largest of the cat species and they’re also the most aggressive. This is not exactly the kind of cat that makes a good pet. In fact, it’s illegal to bring in a tiger cub as a pet.
They are very aggressive. They eat other animals, and if hungry or pushed enough, will likely attack a person. They’re best viewed in the zoo or left to their own habitat in the wild. They prefer dense vegetation because it’s what they use to conceal their bodies while they wait to attack their next meal.
2. Sphynx
This is a cat that requires a bit of attention from its owners to be happy. However, it’s a fairly aggressive cat by nature. Perhaps it’s because it’s a cat that has no hair, and if you were cold and bald all the time you might be a bit aggressive as well (just kidding).
The Sphynx is a cat that is very demanding and wants to know it’s number one. When it’s not being catered to by its owners, it’s not happy and will show that by acting out in an aggressive manner that isn’t necessarily dangerous, just irritating.
3. Siamese
Pet owners love to own Siamese cats because they are so pretty. They have very wide set eyes that make them seem prettier than other animals. And while they do make good house pets, they’re not the friendliest cat in the lot.
They are known for bonding primarily with one person around the house and not with others. For example, the Siamese will find one household member with which to form a relationship and literally ignore and snub everyone else in the family. They do not like children and are not very affectionate with anyone but their favorite person.
4. Cymric
This is an interesting breed of cat. It’s not really aggressive, but it’s not particularly friendly, either. It will make an effort to get to know its family and become very protective of them. It’s a bit like a dog.
The Cymric will play fetch and catch with its owners, but it will not play well with others. It does not like other animals, will not make the effort to play with other animals, and it will give you the cold shoulder if it doesn’t know you. It’s very aloof. When provoked, it will use its aggression, but it will not be aggressive without provocation.
5. Panthers
Panthers are large and aggressive. They are meant to stay in the wild. While you can see them in zoos and other animal habitats, they’re not meant for human interaction.
There are often stories on the news of people or other animals being attacked by panthers when they make their way into a panther’s habitat. They won’t become aggressive in a suburban neighborhood, because they’re not looking to exit the wild.
However, it’s not uncommon for campers, hikers and animals that find their way into a panther’s habitat to find themselves facing this dangerous cat.
6. Bombay
The Bombay is a beautiful cat that looks like a panther. They’re very sleek and very beautiful. However, they love their quiet. They’re exceptionally sensitive to loud noise, making it difficult for them to live in a home that enjoys music or children.
They’re very wary around kids, which is often mistaken as aggression. Their sensitivity makes them very nervous and it can cause them to become aggressive as they are nervous and feel somewhat threatened.
While they won’t strike unless seriously provoked, it’s not uncommon for a Bombay to hiss and keep its distance from others.
7. Singapura
This is an aggressive cat that comes from the streets of Sinagpore. This breed is rarely social and it prefers to spend its time hiding from people and not interacting with others. They are active and curious, and they like to get into things that don’t belong to them.
Unfortunately they can tend to get aggressive at times. They might attack anyone who they view as in their way, and they will not hesitate to bite, scratch, hiss and claw. Ironically, they do like human interaction though it does take a while before they are comfortable enough to relax.
8. Scottish Fold
This cat is a prime example of the fact that looks can be deceiving. It’s probably the cutest cat you’ll ever encounter. However, it’s a bit aggressive. This cat does like to become attached to one or two humans, preferably those that feed it and provide it with water and clean litter.
However, it does not care for outside interruption and is likely to become very aggressive when other cats or dogs are brought into the house. They do not interact well with children and will not take kindly toward their humans bringing home a new baby.
9. Jaguars
Jaguars are dangerous cats. You’re not going to find them just anywhere in the states, primarily in Arizona and New Mexico. However, you will find that they are large and very dangerous animals you do not want to come into contact with. Adults can weigh as much as 250 pounds.
They’re aggressive, though they will not seek out humans for attack. They will attack a dog or cat that finds its way into their habitat, but they will not make an effort to attack anyone that doesn’t make them feel threatened. If you do encounter a jaguar, it’s best to slowly depart the area without making a commotion.
10. Korat
This is an Asian cat that’s very easy to spot. You’ll know a cat is a korat based on the fact that it has a very sleek silver coat and big eyes. They’re very scared cats. They’re not fans of loud noises, sudden noises or other noises.
Being around kids is scary for this particular cat because kids are often loud and abrasive. When korats see children, they become very passive. It seems as if they’re being unfriendly, but they’re just scared.
When they feel like they are in danger, they might make the mistake of hissing or growling to protect their territory, which is, again, mistaken for aggression.
11. Bengal
This is a cool cat. It’s actually a hybrid; part Asian leopard and part domestic house cat. For this reason, it has tendencies from both breeds. It’s very energetic and hyper, like a house cat.
However, it’s also very temperamental around humans. It will get used to its owners and become very affectionate with them. However, it will not make the effort to get to know strangers and it will become shy around them. This is often mistaken as aggression. Bengals are only aggressive when threatened or scared, which will cause them to raise their hair and hiss.
12. Cheetah
The cheetah is the fastest cat around. This cat is not one you want to find yourself in the wild with, because it’s going to attack if it feels threatened. What’s dangerous about the cheetah is that once it does feel threatened, there’s very little you can do to escape this cat.
It’s fast. It will catch you, and it will not take much effort. The cheetah can reach a speed up to 75 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal on land. However, it does not take long for cheetahs to slow down, about 20 seconds. Unfortunately, that’s all they need to attack.
13. Mountain Lion
The mountain lion is one of the most dangerous cats in the world, because it’s one of the most easily encountered. Unlike tigers, cats you won’t find wandering around American campsites, mountain lions are very common around the country.
They’re often accused of attacking vacant campsites while campers are out enjoying hikes. They’re also known for being aggressive enough to attack joggers, dogs and other animals and people that are in their own way. They’ve been occasionally spotted outside of the woods, but it’s not that common to find one roaming streets in mountain towns.
14. American Wirehair
The American Wirehair has a very coarse coat that gives it its name. It’s not an affectionate cat, which is part of the reason so many people find this one to be unfriendly. However, even though it’s one of the more aggressive cat breeds, it’s not that aggressive.
It will stand up for itself when it’s in danger, and it will not back down when someone is provoking it. However, the American Wirehair is going to become very passive around strangers, kids and other animals. It’s an easy mistake for an aggressive cat.
15. Egyptian Mau
This cat isn’t aggressive, particularly. What it is, is protective. The Egyptian Mau bonds strongly with family, but will not do so well with strangers. It’s not mean to strangers or aggressive with them, but it is a very shy cat.
They only time the Egyptian Mau becomes particularly aggressive is when it feels its belongings are being threatened. For example, an Egyptian Mau will hiss, growl or even swat at someone’s hand if they attempt to touch the cat’s toy, bed or even its food dish.
You can also read:
- 20 Things You Didn’t Know About Calico Cats
- 20 Fun Facts about Orange Tabby Cats
- 20 Things You Didn’t Know About The British Shorthair
- 20 Human Foods That Are Perfectly Safe to Feed Cats
- The 20 Most Expensive Cat Breeds in the World
