There’s nothing quite like cat ownership—for better and for worse. Cats are remarkable animals, and they can be loving yet independent, inquisitive yet shy, and intelligent yet foolish. They can also be challenging because they can suffer from behavioral problems, be finicky eaters, and not always return your love and affection in kind.

Not all breeds are as easy to own as others, and if you’ve never owned a cat before, it is probably in your best interests to avoid any of the breeds on this list. They are all good cats, but each has traits that can be overwhelming to inexperienced owners.

The 10 Worst Cat Breeds for First-Time Owners

1. Bombay

Bombay cats look just like panthers, and if you spend any time around one, you might say that they think they’re panthers, too! This is a rough-and-tumble breed. They’re not necessarily prone to aggressiveness but like to play rough, so expect to come away with scratches and bite marks. They can also lash out if spooked by loud noises or other surprises, making them one of the worst cat breeds for families with small children.

2. Persian

Persians are incredibly loving and loyal, and they make wonderful emotional support animals. Few things are more comforting than having one of these cats curled up in your lap and purring—so why are they on an angry cat breed list?

One word: allergies. If you are slightly allergic to cats, a Persian will make sure you find out the hard way. They have more of the protein responsible for allergic reactions in their coat than any other breed, so don’t be surprised if you’re constantly red-eyed and sniffling.

3. Savannah

If you ran across a leopard in the wild, would you run over and try to pick it up? Hopefully, you answered “no” to that question, so why would you try to pick up the leopard-lookalike Savannah?

Savannahs don’t like to be held, and they’ll let you know in the most forceful way possible. They’re independent and aloof, and they’re best suited for owners who know how to give cats plenty of space. If you’re a newbie, you may not have the patience to wait for the Savannah to warm up to you, and you may find yourself buying Band-Aids in bulk as a result.

4. Siamese

The Siamese cat could also be included on a best breed list, but it all depends on your perspective. They often bond with a single family member, and they can turn aggressive if another person in the family tries to interrupt their snuggles.

That can be problematic if you have kids in the house (or if you’re not the person they choose to bond with). Even worse, breaking them out of this habit can be nearly impossible, especially if you don’t have a history of training cats.

5. Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is absolutely gorgeous, but it can be challenging to control. They’re prone to resource-guarding, and you may find yourself pulling back a bloody hand if you try to take one of their toys or treats.

They’re withdrawn, but their quiet nature can hide a mean streak. However, they bond strongly with their families, so you may only see their dark side when you have guests over.

6. American Wirehair

American Wirehairs have a gift for looking cute and cuddly on the outside, but that gift is also their curse. They’re independent by nature, so they don’t always appreciate being picked up and cuddled.

They’re not afraid to let you know when you’ve gone too far, but they don’t give you much warning beforehand. They’re especially touchy around strangers, so you might have to lock them in the bedroom whenever company comes over.

7. Korat

Korats are relatively rare, which may be good, as few owners are equipped to have one in their house. They love peace and quiet. In fact, they’ll insist on it, and they may just lash out violently if they can’t get it.

As a result, they may be a good fit for single owners who keep to themselves, but if you have kids in the house, bringing a Korat home is asking for trouble.

8. Singapura

It may be tempting to adopt a Singapura, as their alien-like appearance makes them different from just about any other breed you could own. However, they’re strong-willed and skittish, and if you surprise them, they can react with a flurry of claws and teeth.

They also have a tendency to hide if not properly socialized, so you could find yourself owning a cat that you never actually see; the only way you’ll know that they’re still alive is because their food disappears regularly.

9. Scottish Fold

Many first-time owners have fallen in love with Scottish Folds due to their folded-over ears and smushed faces, but more than a few of those have later regretted it. So, while these may not be the worst cat breeds for first-time owners, like Siamese, Scottish Folds bond with a single family member at the expense of everyone else.

They favor whichever person brings them food and water, and they don’t have much use for anyone who doesn’t regularly come bearing gifts. They also don’t like other animals, so don’t be surprised if your new Scottish Fold has been putting up “for sale” signs with your dog’s picture on them.

10. Bengal

Bengals are notorious for being wilder than other breeds, and while that may sound romantic, it can get old fast. It’s incredibly annoying when you realize that wild cats don’t enjoy being handled and respond aggressively if you pick them up.

If you’re willing to put up with a little roughhousing, however, Bengals can make fantastic pets. Just expect to be stalked every time you wander outside your bedroom.

Make Things Easy on Yourself

We encourage a first-time pet owner to adopt a cat, as they can reward your love with loyalty, affection, and companionship. However, you might want to hold off on bringing home one of the breeds on this list until you have more experience. While they can make fantastic pets, they’re better suited for owners who can handle a cat’s foibles.

Then again, you could jump directly to the big leagues and buy a tiger.

You might also like:

• Best Cat Breeds for First-Time Owners (With Pictures)
• Small Exotic Cat Breeds That Are Allowed as Pets

Featured Image Credit: ChocoPie, Shutterstock