13 Meanest and Most Aggressive Cat Breeds (With Pictures)

Love cats? You’re not alone! According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats are among the most popular pets in the world. In fact, more than 26% of households have cats in the United States alone.¹ And for good reason: They’re adorable, affectionate, and provide great entertainment.

If you’re considering adding a cat to your family, here are a few things to keep in mind. Cats are known for their playful and affectionate nature, but some breeds are more aggressive than others. There is no one meanest cat breed out there as each one has its own personality and temperament. However, without careful socialization, some breeds are known for being more assertive than others.

That said, not all cats of a certain breed will be hostile or violent. In fact, most will be quite friendly. Many of the breeds known for being mean or aggressive are also known for being some of the smartest. Learn about each of the 13 meanest and most aggressive cat breeds below.

The 13 Meanest & Most Aggressive Cat Breeds:

1. Siamese

The Siamese breed is known for being quite a sassy cat breed. Siamese cats require a lot of attention and love. They can be quite demanding, which can lead to behavioral problems if they are not given enough consideration. Siamese cats are typically known for their high levels of energy and oftentimes playful personalities.

Siamese cats also have a strong hunting instinct and will often stalk and capture prey like birds and rodents. They can also be quite aggressive when disturbed or provoked, which is why they may not be the best choice for households with rambunctious small children or other boisterous pets.

2. Himalayan

The Himalayan cat is a breed of domestic cat that is most closely related to the Siamese cat. They are characterized by their pointed coloring, which is a light body color with darker points on the face, ears, feet, and tail. They are also known for their long hair, which can be either straight or wavy.

Himalayan cats are typically gentle and docile cats, but they are also active and playful. And under the wrong circumstances, they can even be persistently violent! In 2014, a 22lb Himalayan held its family hostage in Portland, OR until the police could arrive.

3. Sphynx

Sphynx cats are known for being one of the toughest and crankiest cat breeds. This is largely due to the fact that they are known for being very independent and aloof animals, and can be quite territorial when it comes to their home and family. Although they can be aggressive when provoked, they are typically very loving and enjoy spending time with their families.

Sphynx cats are very active and playful and like to explore their surroundings. They are also very intelligent and can be easily trained. While they may not be the best choice for everyone, Sphynx cats can make wonderful pets for those who are prepared for their unique personality quirks.

4. Scottish Fold

The Scottish fold is known for being a very docile and friendly breed of cat. However, there are some instances where they can be quite aggressive, particularly if they feel that their territory is being threatened. This can often be seen with other animals, particularly dogs, as the Scottish fold will try to assert their dominance over them. In most cases, however, this aggression is simply a way of communicating and is not typically physically harmful or dangerous.

5. Bombay

While all cats can be aggressive at times, Bombay cats are often noted for their particularly feisty temperaments. This is likely due to their hunting instincts—as they were bred to be mousers in India they have a strong drive to kill prey. Their aggressive behavior can include hissing, growling, and even biting.

This may be due to their high prey drive and as a result, they may not be the best choice for households with small children or other pets. Bombay cats are typically loving pets, and their aggression may be exhibited as a result of fear, frustration, or territoriality.

6. Bengal

The Bengal cat is a domesticated cat breed that was created by crossing a domestic cat with an Asian Leopard cat. They are typically active, playful, and friendly, and make good pets. The reason why a Bengal cat may be aggressive is that this breed is known to be energetic and curious. If the cat feels like it’s being ignored or not getting enough attention, it may become agitated and act out aggressively. In some cases, a Bengal cat may also become territorial if there are other pets in the home, leading to skirmishes and fights.

7. Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau has a reputation for being a temperamental breed of cat. This is likely due to the fact that they are very territorial and protective of their home and family. This can lead to problems when they are around other cats, as they may try to assert dominance.

They are not shy about using their claws and teeth to defend what is theirs, and they have been known to attack people and other animals who get too close. With their strong hunting instincts, they also have a reputation for being vocal and demanding, often meowing loudly for attention or food. While aggression is certainly not common in all Mau cats, it is something that potential owners should be aware of before bringing one into their home.

8. American Wirehair

The American Wirehair is known for its wire-like coat of hair and its friendly personality. American Wirehairs may occasionally be more aggressive than some other breeds because they love to hunt and stalk prey. Their high energy and active nature may also lead to more assertive behavior. Some American Wirehairs may be more territorial than other cats and may be more likely to attack intruders or other animals in their territory.

9. Korat

The Korat is a domesticated breed of cat that originated in Thailand. They are known for their silver-blue coats and are usually quite friendly and playful. Korats make great pets and are typically easy to care for. These cats are incredibly active and playful, and they require a lot of attention and stimulation. If they are left alone for too long, they may become destructive or aggressive. This type of aggression is characterized by excessive vocalization, stalking, and attacking behavior towards other cats and humans.

10. Pixie Bob

Pixie Bobs are considered to be one of the more aggressive breeds of domesticated cats. This is likely due to their wildcat heritage; Pixie Bobs are descended from crosses between domestic cats and bobcats. They are known for their strong hunting instincts and often display behaviors such as stalking, chasing, and biting that can be quite frightening for people who are not used to them.

One common characteristic of Pixie Bobcats is that they are often very active and playful, and may become frustrated or agitated if they are not given enough attention or stimulation. In some cases, this can lead to aggressive behavior as the cat tries to get its way.

11. Cymric

The Cymric cat is a breed of domestic cat that is closely related to the Welsh Mountain cat. They are considered a primitive breed and have long been popular in the United Kingdom. The Cymric is a medium-sized cat with a long, thick coat that comes in a variety of colors. They are known for their friendly temperament and love of people. While they are typically docile and good with children, they can become fiercely protective of their territory and will often attack other animals or people who enter their space.

12. Savannah

The Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and a Serval, a wild African cat. Savannah cats are typically large in size with long legs, big ears, and a spotted coat. Savannah cats are very active and playful, and they love to explore their surroundings. They make great pets for people who want a big, active cat.

Some Savannahs may be aggressive towards people or other animals, particularly if they have not been socialized properly. They typically require more attention and exercise than most domestic cats and can make good pets for experienced cat owners.

13. Serval

The Serval cat is a wild cat found in Africa. It is the smallest of the African wild cats and has a long tail and high-pitched voice. The Serval is a proficient hunter and Serval aggression can be exhibited in a number of ways, including chasing, attacking, and biting. In the wild, Servals typically use aggression to protect their territory or food or to defend themselves from other predators.

Domestic Servals may also exhibit aggression toward people or other animals in their home, particularly if they feel threatened or are trying to establish dominance.

What Traits Do More Mean & Aggressive Cat Breeds Have in Common?

More aggressive cat breeds share a few traits in common. Firstly, they are usually more active and playful than other breeds. Secondly, they may be more territorial and protective of their space and family members. Finally, they are often less tolerant of other animals or people and might be more likely to attack if they feel threatened.

Many aggressive cat breeds share certain genetic traits, including a propensity for dominant behavior and a high prey drive. These cats may also be more resistant to pain and fear, making them more likely to attack other animals or people. It’s no coincidence that many of the cats we’ve listed above have a more recent “wild” lineage—breeds like the Serval, Savannah, and Pixie Bob are all bred from ancestors who needed to be tough to survive in the wild. If they are occasionally feisty, well, it’s only in their natures!

What Provokes Aggression in Cats?

Aggression in cats can be provoked by a variety of stimuli, including fear, anger, frustration, or territoriality. Cats may exhibit aggressive behaviors such as hissing, swatting, and biting when they feel uncomfortable or threatened. In some cases, cats may simply be responding to redirected aggression from another animal or person in the household. Environmental factors such as exposure to loud noises or sudden movements may also contribute to aggressive behavior.

Cats that are not spayed or neutered are also more likely to exhibit aggressive tendencies, as are those that have not been socialized properly. Female cats may also be more aggressive than males when they are protecting their kittens. It is important to be aware of these potential triggers and to take steps to avoid them or to manage the situation if they arise.

How Can I Prevent My Cat From Becoming Aggressive?

There are a few things that you can do in order to help prevent your cat from being aggressive. One of the most important things is to make sure that they are well-socialized when they are young, which will help them to be more comfortable around other people and animals. Kittens that are not exposed to human contact between the ages of 3 and 8 weeks are more likely to go feral. You can also try to create a positive association with handling and petting by providing lots of positive reinforcement through treats whenever your cat allows themselves to be touched.

How Can I Calm My Aggressive Cat?

In order to help calm a cat that is acting aggressively, try and determine what might be causing the behavior. For example, if the cat is aggressive around other animals or people, it might be because it feels threatened and is trying to protect its territory. In this case, providing the cat with a space of its own where it feels safe might help.

Conclusion

It is important to understand that not all cats are sweet and cuddly. Some cat breeds can be quite aggressive and mean. If you are considering adopting a cat, it is important to be aware of this and choose a cat breed that will be a good fit for your personality and lifestyle. If you already have a cat, it is important to make sure that your cat is getting the proper attention and exercise, or else you may experience their dark side!.

Featured Image Credit: Dina-da, Shutterstock