Top 10 Meanest Cat Breeds

Every cat is an individual with a unique personality, but a kitty’s breed may affect their disposition. Some breeds are known for being super friendly, while others have a bit of a reputation for being standoffish or sometimes mean.

What are some of the cat breeds that are considered the meanest? Check out this list of 10 feline breeds, in no particular order.

1. Siamese

The Siamese is, without a doubt, one of the most popular breeds. They’re talkative and smart, and they’re absolutely stunning. But these kitties tend to bond with one person in the family, so while they might be extra cuddly and friendly with that individual, they might not be as nice to the other people in the family or to people they aren’t already familiar with. (Photo credit: Nelli Shuyskaya/Shutterstock)

1. Sphynx

The unique Sphynx can be a demanding pet. These kitties enjoy being the center of attention, so they can be needy. If they aren’t getting what they want, they will let you know, and they might irritate you, or perhaps even act out in a negative way, to get what they want. (Photo credit: Seregraff/Shutterstock)

1. Bombay

The Bombay is a gorgeous black kitty who is known for being an attention-seeking, sensitive feline. Although these cats enjoy being around people and receiving loads of affection, if they are disturbed or frightened, such as by a lot of noise, they might lash out. (Photo credit: Viktor Sergeevich/Shutterstock)

1. Bengal

With Asian Leopard Cat in its bloodline, a Bengal might be more “wild” than other domestic cat breeds, even though it can make a great pet. It’s worth being prepared for the personality of this feline if you’re planning on introducing one to your family, as these kitties may be demanding and might show some aggressiveness at times. (Photo credit: Seregraff/Shutterstock)

1. Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold cats, with their adorable folded ears, are somewhat known for interacting with humans only to get what they need. While other kitties may crave attention and affection from anyone they meet, a Scottish Fold might prefer the company of just one or two humans (usually those who take care of them most). (Photo credit: Pokpak Stock/Shutterstock)

1. Pixie Bob

The unique Pixie Bob is a beautiful cat known for its active and playful personality. Even though these kitties get along great with their human family, they might be leery of strangers. They also use a lot of different vocalizations to communicate with you, and those could include little growls too. (Photo credit: Cat’chy Images/Shutterstock)

1. Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is known for its striking appearance. Overall, this kitty will bond strongly with the family, so these cats can make wonderful pets. When they’re around strangers, though, these felines are typically pretty shy rather than outgoing. And some meanness might come through when you try to take something that belongs to them, such as toys or food, particularly because they have a protective nature. (Photo credit: Sel_Sanders/Shutterstock)

1. American Wirehair

American Wirehair cats might be misunderstood because they can be independent. These kitties might want to be left alone sometimes, and if someone bothers them or provokes them, or if they feel uncomfortable around strangers, they might choose to defend themselves. (Photo credit: Boyloso/Shutterstock)

1. Korat

The Korat is a breed that tends to prefer quiet environments, so these cats can get aggravated by loud noises or boisterous children. When annoyed or scared, they might end up acting somewhat aggressively in self-defense. (Photo credit: Gino Santa Maria/Shutterstock)

1. Singapura

Singapura cats can be a lot of fun, but they are wary of strangers, so they might act in an aggressive manner if they start to feel threatened. Also, if these kitties—which can even be described as strong-willed, pesky, and easily startled—aren’t socialized properly from a young age, they may have a tendency to hide often. (Photo credit: jojosmb/Shutterstock)

Is Your Cat Mean?

If you have a mean kitty in your household, you might be wondering why she behaves that way, and you might also be in search of solutions that can help her feel happier and calmer around you. The good news is that there are positive ways to approach a cat that is acting aggressively or doesn’t like being around people.

It starts with working on developing an understanding of why your pet is standoffish. For example, is she doing it just because she’s mean, or is she fearful? What did she experience as a kitten, and could her past be affecting her present behavior?

Then, it’s about trying to avoid situations and scenarios that can result in negative behaviors, while also implementing various solutions that may help modify your pet’s behavior and make her feel more confident and comfortable in her environment.

Below are some examples of the many reasons why kitties might be mean, along with an introduction to some of the steps you can take to help your pet.

• Is your kitty the type that will seem perfectly fine one moment and then lash out at you the next? If this happens while you’re petting her, she might start to feel uncomfortable because of overstimulation, so try your best to learn her body language so you can pick up on the warning signs and prevent that overstimulation.
• Sometimes, cats can become overly excited when they’re playing, and they might end up attacking other pets or your hands or legs. Often, these behaviors are learned while they’re kittens, so if you have a new fur baby, train her to play with her toys, and don’t encourage her to view your fingers or hands as toys. But what can you do if you have an adult cat that exhibits these behaviors? Well, you can try using a variety of toys to help her release all of her energy in a positive way, rather than in a rough way. And enriching her environment with things like cat trees and perches might also help her avoid boredom that can lead to pent-up energy and aggression during play.
• If you have a cat with a mean disposition, it might just be part of her personality, as every kitty is unique. But, there might be an underlying problem that’s causing her to lash out, or she might be in pain. To be sure the aggression isn’t due to a health problem, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to gain some clarity and get some advice on what you can do to ensure your cat is happy and healthy.

Regardless of your cat’s breed, keep in mind that your pet is a one-of-a-kind individual. If she’s being mean to people or other pets, it’s best to try to pinpoint the cause(s) so you understand why she lashes out or acts fearful when she shouldn’t. Then, avoid punishing your cat or being aggressive towards her, as that can make the problem worse. Training your pet, improving her environment to reduce stress, trying natural remedies like calming feline pheromones, and adjusting your behavior might bring out your kitty’s friendly and social side. And if you still need help, you can even try working with a feline behaviorist to get personalized tips and support.