10 Worst Cat Breeds for First-Time Owners: Info, Pictures & Facts

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Dr. Chyrle Bonk

Veterinarian, DVM

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So, you’re in the market for your first cat—congratulations! This is an exciting time, but you might be wondering not only what kind of cat you should look for but what kind of cat you need to avoid. Cats are known for their unique personalities and independent nature. But are there any cats that might be more challenging for a beginner?

Well, the short answer is yes. Some breeds might be more difficult for the new cat owner because of their active nature or because they are more high maintenance.

So, we’ve broken our list into five cats that are pretty rambunctious and energetic and five that will take a little more time and energy to care for.

The 10 Worst Cat Breeds for First-Time Owners

Cats That Crave Activity

This first group of cats are those that like to get moving and stay that way. They may not be a good fit for first-time owners because their wild antics can become a little destructive if their energy isn’t channeled properly. They may also require a bit more in the way of attention and play time to help burn some of that energy and stimulate their mind.

1. Turkish Van

Turkish Vans are beautiful felines with medium-length coats. They are highly intelligent and can even learn tricks. Part of the challenge of owning a Turkish Van is they can be pretty mischievous and playful and expect to spend a lot of time with their family.

They are not lap cats since they are just too active and busy knocking things off shelves, and they don’t typically like to be carried. Be prepared to clean up after and spend a lot of time with the Turkish Van.

2. Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is similar in most ways to the Turkish Van. They spend a lot of time leaping, playing, and running. They are athletic cats that are known to be clown-like and will find ways to get on top of your cupboard and into your drawers.

The Turkish Angora is social and needs a lot of company and attention. If you don’t mind a cat that might play tricks on you and potentially wreak havoc in your home, you could consider the Turkish Angora for your new cat.

3. Korat

Korats are one of a few with a beautiful blue coat and are devoted and intelligent. They require a lot of your attention and can become withdrawn and depressed if they are ignored. They are also highly active and require a lot of enrichment to keep themselves entertained; otherwise, they may start to get into mischief.

They can become quite jealous if you give your other pets love and attention, so they might do better as the only pet. However, Korats can get along with other pets otherwise.

4. Bengal

Bengals were initially developed by crossing the Asian Leopard Cat (a small wild cat) with domestic cats, giving them their distinctive spots. This also makes them energetic and athletic cats that might appear to have an aggressive streak while playing.

But Bengals are affectionate and curious cats who spend most of their waking hours playing, climbing, and chasing things. They also do not do well alone for a long time, so be prepared to have another pet to keep them company, or you’ll need to spend more time with them when at home.

5. Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is an incredibly energetic breed that requires lots of attention and stimulation; otherwise, unwanted behaviors can pop up.

The Devon Rex is tremendously social and needs a lot of time and attention from their owners. If you work several hours outside of the home, you will need to consider bringing another cat into the household.

Cats That Are High Maintenance

This list is for cats that need a lot of maintenance, usually due to their coat or potential health issues.

Also, remember that every cat is high maintenance to some degree, particularly if you have an indoor cat. They require grooming, playing, petting, and just general attention, or you end up with a depressed and destructive cat.

6. Persian

Persians have fantastic personalities. They’re calm, gentle, and sweet cats that love just lounging around with their family. They enjoy playtime but prefer a peaceful and stable environment and must be treated gently.

The high maintenance comes in the form of grooming. Persians are notorious for needing daily grooming. They have a dense and wooly undercoat and a long outer coat that needs brushing every day. Persians also need their faces and eyes cleaned quite regularly, and because of their flat faces, they can have breathing issues and are more prone to dental disease.

7. Himalayan

Like Persians, Himalayans prefer a quiet, calm household and enjoy lounging with their family. They also will take time to play but will spend a lot of time sleeping in the sun or on your lap. They are quite friendly with everyone they meet and are adaptable to change.

However, again, like the Persians, the Himalayas need daily brushing to keep their coats healthy. Because of their flat faces, they also need their faces and eyes cleaned regularly and may develop breathing problems and dental disease.

8. Maine Coon

Maine Coons are some of the biggest domesticated cats that can weigh up to 25 pounds! Despite their intimidating size, Maine Coons are gentle cats. They are loving and calm, are quite social, and enjoy being the center of attention, often with dog-like tricks.

They may be one of the largest cats, but they are also one of the furriest and need daily brushing. Because they are so large, their supplies are also large, such as a large scratching post, a large litter box, and lots of food to fill those large tummies!

9. Sphynx

Sphynx cats are interesting-looking hairless cats that can be good for allergy sufferers. They are very outgoing, friendly, loyal, and intelligent and generally get along well with dogs and children.

So, why are these cats on our high-maintenance list when they don’t have hair and have pleasant temperaments? They need regular bathing because of their oily skin, which can also be reduced through a high-quality diet. Also, remember that they need protection from the sun and the cold.

10. Siamese

Unlike the other cats on the high-maintenance list, the Siamese does not require a lot of grooming. However, they are high maintenance because they are very demanding of your time. Their chattiness might drive some new cat owners a little crazy if you’re not used to it, but Siamese are friendly with people of all ages and other pets.

However, they are pretty needy. If you spend a lot of time out of the house, you will need another pet to keep your Siamese company or find a more independent cat. They prefer to have someone around to play and chat with every day.

Conclusion

Although we discussed the 10 cat breeds that are more challenging for first-time owners, we generalized each breed of cat. While these breeds are known for displaying a certain kind of personality, not every cat will be alike. For example, not every Turkish Van or Angora will be overly active and potentially destructive.

Try to find your new cat through a rescue group and consider avoiding these breeds as your first choice. However, sometimes, a cat will choose you, and no matter how challenging your new cat might be, they will hopefully become your best friend. After all, don’t all relationships have some challenging moments?

Featured Image Credit: AntMak, Shutterstock