Vets Reveal the 6 Worst Cat Breeds for First-Time Owners

It's exciting when you finally decide you're ready to become a cat parent. You and your furbaby will no doubt have plenty of fun and adventures together in the future. But first, you need to find the perfect cat for you. Just remember that not every cat breed is equally suited for a beginner pet owner. To help you know which ones you should aviod if you've never had a kitten before, we rounded up the 6 worst cat breeds for first-time owners, according to vets.

These tend to be difficult cat breeds for beginners, not because they are "bad" pets, but because their needs can overwhelm someone without prior experience. Many of these cats vets don't recommend for beginners typically require more TLC than your average cat. They also may be stubborn, mischievous or have potential health complications that can be tough for new cat owners to navigate. That's why they are a better match for an owner with more pet experience.

"Choosing the right cat breed for your pet ownership experience can go a long way toward ensuring you and your cat are happy," according to Julie Hunt, DVM, a veterinarian contributor at Embrace Pet Insurance. Without proper understanding, new pet parents may find themselves struggling with their cat having behavior issues, anxiety, or destructive habits. This is why experts often recommend knowing which felines are considered high-maintenance cat breeds before adopting-so owners can choose the one that fits in with their lifestyle and experience level, rather than being surprised after bringing one home.

Of course, each cat is an individual, making it crucial to see if you and any given cat are a good match. It's also important to consider other factors like a cat breed's typical energy levels, level of independence and grooming needs. But if you're a first-time cat owner and want to increase the odds you'll have early success, vets say it's best to avoid these cat breeds as they can be some of the hardest cat breeds to own.

Related: Which Cat Breed Is Destined for You Based on Your Birth Month

6 Most Difficult Cat Breeds for First-Time Owners

Not all cats fit neatly into the same level of care. For beginners, certain breeds can introduce challenges that aren't always obvious at first glance. Even well-loved cat breeds can come with traits that make them harder to manage in a first home. Here are a few vets recommend avoiding if you're new to cat ownership.

Bombay

The Bombay cat is often considered one of the cats not ideal for first-time owners because of its strong need for attention and companionship. While affectionate and social, vets note that can be a double-edged sword as they can become overwhelming for new cat owners, earning them the nickname "Velcro cats" due to how closely they cling to their people. "The Bombay is very sweet and social, but demanding of its owner's attention," Hunt says.

Since they don't tolerate being left alone for long periods, this breed can be challenging for many beginner cat owners. "Because the Bombay loves people so much, this breed doesn't like to be left alone for long stretches of time," Hunt says. Their intelligence and curiosity can also lead to mischievous behavior if they aren't properly stimulated, making them better suited for owners with more experience.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Affectionate, easy-going, lively
• Weight: Unspecified
• Lifespan: 12+ years

Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold can seem like a good match for first-time cat owners because of its calm temperament and strong affection for people. However, veterinarians often caution that underlying health concerns may make it a better fit for more experienced owners. As one expert explains, "Scottish Folds have a genetic mutation that causes weak cartilage in the ears and body," says Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel.

This condition can lead to progressive arthritis, stiffness in the joints, and mobility issues over time, meaning ongoing veterinary care is essential. Because of these potential complications, the breed may be challenging for new cat owners who aren't prepared for long-term health management. Scottish Folds can also be prone to separation anxiety and don't do well when left alone for extended periods, adding another layer of care consideration for beginners.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Loyal, playful
• Weight: 7-10 pounds
• Lifespan: 11-14+ years

Related: 7 Most Faithful Cat Breeds Who Love Unconditionally, According to Vets

Savannah

When it comes to cats vets don't recommend for beginners, the Savannah is one. As a hybrid between a domestic cat and a wild African serval, this breed requires significant daily mental and physical stimulation. "They are very high energy and require significant mental and physical stimulation to remain happy in their environments," Hunt says.

Without enough enrichment, Savannah cats can quickly become bored, which may lead to bad behaviors. "Without that stimulation, they can develop destructive habits," Hunt says.

Beyond their care demands, Savannah cats are also extremely expensive cat breeds, often costing up to $20,000 depending on the breeder, which adds another layer of commitment for potential owners.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Playful, active, adventurous
• Weight: 8-25 pounds
• Lifespan: 12–15+ years

Sphynx

The Sphynx is typically a hairless cat with a slight peach fuzz over its skin. But that hairlessness also makes them one of the hardest cat breeds to own as it means this pet requires special skincare and may even run into some health issues. "Sphynx cats frequently have significant skin problems that must be managed at home under a veterinarian's care," Hunt says.

This high-maintenance cat breed also has a higher-than-average risk of developing health complications, including cardiomyopathy, a potentially fatal heart disease, Hunt says. This breed is highly affectionate and social, making it a good fit for households with frequent guests. But its high level of required health maintenance can make it a tough breed for new owners to manage.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Loyal, affectionate
• Weight: 6-12 pounds
• Lifespan: 7–15 years

Persian

Persians are a big, fluffy cat breed with adorably smushed faces. But that smushy face raises the risk this breed will have health complications, Hunt points out. "Their respiratory tract is shortened and thus compromised to varying degrees," she explains.

The Persian's short nose makes this a difficult cat breed to own seeing how they also tend to deal with blocked tear ducts. "Their facial folds can develop skin infections," Hunt adds. The Persian is also more at risk of developing heart complications than your average feline, she says. That doesn't mean Persian cats aren't a great pet, but this breed requires a high level of care that may not make it a good choice for new cat owner.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Gentle, quiet, easy-going
• Weight: Varies
• Lifespan: 8-11 years

Bengal

Bengal cats have a wild cat history, making it one of the more difficult cat breeds for first-time owners to get. This breed is a hybrid of the Asian Leopard Cat and domestic cats, giving a high level of intelligence and energy that can be hard to manage. "They have similar needs and risks as Savannah cats," Hunt says.

The Bengal is a curious breed, making regular playtime a must. But it's also vocal and doesn't like to be home alone for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the Bengal can be a sweet and devoted companion. It just requires a more experienced owner, which is why this is a cat vets don't recommend for beginners.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Inquisitive, spirited, loving
• Weight: 6-15 pounds
• Lifespan: 12–20 years

Sources:

• Julie Hunt, DVM, a veterinarian contributor at Embrace Pet Insurance
• Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel
• Bombay. The International Cat Association
• Scottish Fold. The International Cat Association
• Savannah. The International Cat Association
• Bengal. The International Cat Association
• Sphynx. The International Cat Association
• Persian. The International Cat Association

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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 3:10 AM.