Many people are aware that the average cat has a wide range of moods, usually ranging from being playful and lovable to being somewhat aloof, or even being a hunter.
For many cat owners, the idea of a cat being overly aggressive is usually associated with discomfort or being unwell, and will pass as soon as their cat goes to see a vet and gets treatment. However, there are certain breeds of cat which are more known for their somewhat fiery tempers and also being more assertive or energetic. This stems from genetic factors, environment and socialization but, due to the fact that it is linked to certain cat breeds, it is more a case of genetics and temperament.
So, in this article, you will be walked through 15 cat breeds that are known the world over for being the most challenging, and are certainly a pet for the more experienced cat owner, rather than families that have young children. It’s also worth noting that individual cats will vary and you can train a cat to be a little less aggressive, even though this may require the help of a behaviorist.
What Does Aggression Look Like in Cats?
Many people are aware of what aggression looks like in a dog. It will involve their hackles going up, them growling, barking, lunging and even biting. However, if the average person was asked what aggression looks like in a cat, it would be somewhat more complicated to answer.
For the sake of clarity, an aggressive cat will usually present with the difference in their body language.They will usually have dilated pupils, a puffed up tail and may even have flattened ears. They will usually arch their back, hiss or even growl as a warning.
Cats are also known to bite, swat and scratch as a sign of aggression. It’s worth noting that in many cases in cats, aggression is associated with fear, anxiety or territoriality. So, if you have an overly aggressive cat, it’s worth taking that into account as this behaviour is never really on its own; it usually comes after something else.
So, you need to understand the cause to address the behavior effectively and, as you will see, many of these breeds become aggressive as a way to communicate to their owners that they are unhappy or feeling stressed.
Siamese
The Siamese cat breed is known the world over for its absolutely stunning appearance and its ability to be somewhat more vocal than other cats. According to Catastic, Siamese cats are highly intelligent and social, but often become a bit more aggressive if they feel that their owner is ignoring or neglecting them.This cat craves attention, is also known to be territorial and may develop a strong sense of attachment to one person.This assertiveness can sometimes look like aggression, especially if they feel that their needs are not being met So, take care of your Siamese kitty!
Bengal
The Bengal cat is known for its absolutely unique and appealing appearance, as well as having higher energy levels than other cat breeds. Sadly, it seems that beauty comes with a bite in this cat, as it was bred from mixing Asian leopards and domestic cats, which means that the resulting breed retains some of the wild ancestors traits. The Bengal is extremely active, more curious and will require a lot of stimulation. So, if they are not properly exercised or engaged mentally, they can become frustrated and bored, which can lead to them being aggressive.
Savannah
Another hybrid between a domestic cat and a wild cat, the Savannah cat is a mixture of the serval African wild cats and a standard domestic cat, resulting in a kitty which is very large, active and highly intelligent. Savannah cats as a breed can be more challenging for owners to manage due to their very strong prey drive and need for almost constant stimulation.The wild ancestry of this breed contributes to their somewhat unpredictable behavior, and they can become aggressive if they feel scared, threatened or bored.
Sphynx
The Sphinx cat is known for being completely hairless and somewhat wrinkly, but it is a breed that craves attention and social interaction more than many other breeds of cat. It should be noted that it is generally an affectionate kitty, but it can become very aggressive if it feels neglected or if there is stress in the surrounding environment. This breed is also renowned for being extremely territorial, which can lead to them becoming aggressive towards other animals in their home or even humans.
Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold breed of cat is renowned for the unique folded ears and the sweet expressions that this cat can make.However, on the flip side, they are a surprisingly assertive breed, especially if their routine becomes disrupted. They are sensitive to changes in their environment and can react aggressively if they feel insecure or threatened. So, if you want to get one of these cats, you have to ensure that you have a stable environment to help manage their very fiery temperament.
Maine Coon
Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, known for their gentle and friendly nature. However, their size and strength can make them formidable if they feel threatened. Maine Coons can become aggressive if they are not properly socialized or if they feel their territory is being invaded. It’s essential to handle them with care and respect their space.
Abyssinian
The Abyssian cat as a breed is extremely active and playful, with many owners comparing it to almost being a dog like in its loyalty and energy levels. But this high energy level can lead to aggressive behavior if this cat breed becomes bored, or is not given enough mental stimulation. They require an environment in which they can explore and play, which will prevent them from becoming frustrated and will curb any aggressive tendencies.
Bombay
Bombay cats, which look like miniature panthers or black Jaguars with their sleek black coats and striking yellow eyes, are known for being assertive and affectionate. Unlike other cat breeds, they are extremely territorial and can become incredibly aggressive if they perceive a threat in their space, according to Pet Press. They are also very social with their human owners and will require regular interaction. So, be sure to give them lots of cuddles and try to keep them as an only pet.
Russian Blue
Russian Blues as a cat breed are described as being reserved and quiet, but they can also be very loyal as well as territorial. They often form strong bonds with their owners and can become aggressive towards strangers or other animals in their home. So, they need a calm and stable environment to feel secure.
Turkish Van
A cat that stands out from the others for its love of water, the Turkish Van has high energy levels, is also independent and strong willed, which can lead to extremely aggressive behaviour if they feel bored or confined. So, this cat is best suited to a large home that they can roam around in, as well as lots of activities to keep them occupied.
Ocicat
Ocicats, despite having an incredibly wild appearance, are completely domesticated and are beloved by their owners for their high level of intelligence and their sociable nature. However, like many other cats on this list, they also require a high level of stimulation and are incredibly energetic. This means that if they feel they are not being given enough physical or mental stimulation, they can become bored and aggressive. So, they will thrive in environments where they can engage in interactive playing with their owners and get plenty of exercise.
Egyptian Mau
One of the oldest domesticated cat breeds, the Egyptian Mau is known for being incredibly agile and fast. This cat breed is incredibly loyal but can also be possessive of their owners, which can lead to aggression if they feel threatened by strangers or other pets in their homes.They are also very active and will need plenty of exercise to prevent them from becoming bored and aggressive.
Chausie
Chausies are another hybrid cat which is part domestic and part jungle. This breed is larger than average, as well as being energetic and requires a lot of space and mental stimulation. They can be very challenging to manage due to their wild side, which can result in them being aggressive if they are not properly socialized or they are in an environment where their needs are not met.
Pixie-Bob
Pixie-Bobs are well known for their somewhat wild looking appearance and being dog-like in their personalities, with their unshakeable loyalty towards their owners. They can be territorial and aggressive towards other animals or strangers, usually due to them forming an extremely close bond to the humans in their lives, so they will need early socialization and a structured environment to prevent them from becoming outwardly aggressive.
Lykoi
Lastly, the Lykoi breed, which is often called the werewolf cat, is a newer cat breed and according to The Spruce Pets, the coat pattern is due to a mutation that occurred in wild cat colonies in the USA. This cat is known for its incredibly unique appearance and its hunting oriented behaviors, even in play. It’s true that this breed is generally friendly, but they can exhibit aggressive tendencies if they are not given enough stimulation, or if they feel scared or threatened. Their hunting instincts are incredibly strong and so, their owners will need to ensure that they have a lot of interactive play to prevent them from becoming aggressive.
