Last Updated: 1 month ago
What do you know about the most dangerous cat breeds?
Cats are so adorable that we forget that they’re natural-born killers until they leave us a dead mouse on the doorstep.
To satisfy your curiosity, we’re going to talk about 15 of the most deadly cat breeds in the world.
Some of them will definitely shock you!
15 Most Dangerous Cat Breeds
When we cuddle our cats and pet their silky coats and adorable ears, we don’t think about danger.
After all, cats are so cute, soft, and squishy! Still, cats can be quite dangerous if provoked or angry.
Think about when you had to bathe your kitty, give them a pill, or take them to the vet. It didn’t end well, right? So, which are the most dangerous cat breeds?
Let’s set up some incredibly wild and exotic cats that don’t always make good pets.
#1 Large Wild Cats
When you say “dangerous cats,” most people think of tigers.
That’s not a surprise since tigers hold the record for human killings among all big cats.
A Bengal tigress alone killed more than 400 people in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Specialists also estimate that lions kill around 250 people per year, which isn’t a small number.
Attacks by leopards, jaguars, and cougars have lessened in recent years, but these large cats are also quite dangerous and unpredictable.
However, starvation, overlapping habitats, and illness are often the main reasons these big cats go after humans. Leave them alone, and they won’t come after you.
Unfortunately, as we learned from Tiger King, these large and dangerous cats are actually legal to own in several states.
However, just because the law says it’s okay doesn’t mean it’s smart! It’s better to admire the fierce mountain lion, the proud Panthera, and the majestic lion in their natural habitats.
#2 Black-footed Cat
With a weight of 2 to 6 lbs and a length of 14–20 inches, the black-footed cat is the smallest wild African cat breed.
Who would think it’s the deadliest cat in the world?
At first glance, you can mistake them for an ordinary domestic tabby, but these tiny cats are one of the deadliest predators on the planet.
As it turns out, the black-footed cat kills around 10 to 14 rodents or birds a night and has a 60% success rate (lions have 20–25%).
This impressive score shows that black-footed cats kill more prey in a single night than other large cats do in months.
Interestingly, black-footed cats also have a faster metabolism than average cats and need a lot of food to keep up their energy.
That’s why the Southern African cat has such a big appetite and is always looking for something to snack on!
Don’t let the black-footed cat’s adorable appearance fool you. These tiny cats are ferocious, fearless, and don’t make good pets.
#3 Bengal
It’s hard not to fall in love with Bengal cats when you see their spotted coats, athletic bodies, and piercing eyes.
A cross between domestic shorthair cats and Asian leopard cats, Bengals can be quite affectionate, devoted, and loyal, despite their wild roots.
Intelligent and highly active, the Bengal is a joy to have around the house.
They love playing in the water, enjoy climbing up cat trees, and can learn tricks, such as opening doors and turning on and off the light switch.
However, people often consider first- and second-generation Bengals to be aggressive cats because they’re too close to their wild relatives.
They’re banned in some US states and restricted in others. Moreover, Bengals have strong hunting instincts.
They might not try to eat you, but the same can’t be said for birds, hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs. These will be considered free lunches.
#4 Savannah
Have you ever wanted a mini-tiger to keep you company?
Then you might fall in love with the Savannah, a cross between the medium-sized Serval and a domestic cat.
Savannah cats are among the largest domestic cats with an average weight of 8–20 pounds and 13–20 inches in length without the tail.
They’re agile, adventurous, and energetic felines that don’t make good lap cats.
While the Savannah is a domestic cat, first-generation ones (the offspring of Servals and house cats) might have the Serval’s wild temperament.
Later generations are less likely to have aggressive tendencies.
Still, Savannah cats are banned in Australia due to their large size and the threat they pose to wildlife.
The USA might also have restrictions on owning a Savannah, especially an F1 one.
#5 Pixie-bob
When you look at Pixie-bobs with their short tails, tufted ears, and muscular bodies, you might assume that they’re a hybrid between Bobcats and household cats.
That’s what breeders thought, but DNA tests still haven’t found any Bobcat genes.
With an average weight of 8 to 17 pounds, the Pixie-Bob is a large cat with a gentle heart.
They are people-oriented, not highly energetic, and have a dog-like personality.
Interestingly, Pixie-bobs are also polydactyl cats and have more digits on their paws.
Still, due to their size, Pixie-bobs aren’t the easiest cats to own and can do a lot of damage with their sharp claws.
#6 Chausie
Another exotic cat that makes the list of the most dangerous cat breeds is the adorable Chausie.
With a weight of 15 to 30 pounds, the Chausie is a large cat that can astonish you with its intellect and athleticism.
The history of the Chausie probably goes back to Ancient Egypt, when jungle cats mingled with domestic ones.
Currently, breeders cross wild jungle cats with Abyssinians and Orientals to produce the Chausie.
Like other hybrid breeds, the first few generations might exhibit the aggressive tendencies and behavior of their wild parents.
However, later generations of Chausie are very social and friendly cats who don’t like to be alone.
#7 Serval
Often mistaken for cheetahs due to their spotted coats, Servals are among the most popular exotic wild cats.
There’s even evidence that people have kept Servals as pets since Ancient Egypt.
Fortunately, Servals make good “pets” as long as they’ve got large outdoor enclosures to roam in.
They’re rarely a threat to humans and prefer to eat rodents, birds, and small antelopes. There’s no record of them killing people.
Still, with a weight of 20-40 pounds, the Serval can be quite dangerous when provoked or cornered.
They’ve got a nearly 50% kill rate when hunting, spray to mark territory, and have a scary hiss.
It’s legal to own a Serval in some USA states, but not in all.
#8 Bobcats
Since we’re talking about the most dangerous cat breeds, we can’t miss the adorable Bobcat with their spotted coats and muscular bodies.
Unlike Servals, Bobcats have the strength to kill humans, since they can take down a full-grown deer.
That’s impressive for a cat that weighs as much as a medium-sized dog.
Despite their wild temperament, pet Bobcats can be quite affectionate towards their caretakers and get on well with other animals.
Still, they can be aggressive when provoked and won’t hesitate to defend themselves with sharp claws and teeth.
In general, it’s not legal to own a Bobcat unless you’ve got a permit.
#9 Ocelot
The wild ocelot is a truly majestic animal with its muscular body, sleek fur, and excellent hunting abilities.
They’re native to Central America, but you’ll rarely notice them, thanks to their camouflaging abilities and stealth.
As a whole, the Ocelot doesn’t make a good exotic housecat. These dangerous cats are used to hunting all the time and mark their territory with urine and feces.
If your neighbors don’t complain about their dogs missing, they’ll certainly mind the pungent smell from the cat enclosure.
Moreover, Ocelots can be quite destructive – clawing the walls, tearing apart furniture, and chewing everything in sight.
So, while Ocelots aren’t as big as some giant dog breeds, they are far more dangerous than your usual housecat.
It’s no surprise that it’s illegal to own one in some countries. If you’re in love with the appearance of Ocelot, you’d better get an Ocicat – a domestic cat with a spotted coat.
Check out this Since we’re talking about the most dangerous cat breeds, we can’t miss the adorable Bobcat with their spotted coats and muscular bodies.
Since we’re talking about the most dangerous cat breeds, we can’t miss the adorable Bobcat with their spotted coats and muscular bodies.
#10 Siamese
Compared to some wild cats, you can hardly call the Siamese cat dangerous.
With a weight of up to 14 pounds, the worst the Siamese cat can do to you is scratch or bite you.
However, Siameses have quite a notorious reputation of suffocating babies, being aggressive, and acting in a jealous manner. There’s little truth in these accusations.
Still, the Siamese bond with a single person and can be very possessive of their human owner, acting in an aggressive manner when ignored or provoked.
Moreover, Siamese cats aren’t shy to express their opinion about everything in a loud voice and can be very clingy.
As such, while Siamese cats aren’t so dangerous, they can be mean, demanding, and vindictive when you ignore them.
#11 Geoffrey’s Cat
In size and appearance, Geoffrey’s cat is similar to a domestic tabby cat. However, it’s one of the smallest wild cats, native to South America.
The Geoffrey’s cat has a unique “black necklace” of small, round black dots on the chest and a black-tipped tail.
While cute, these wild cats are excellent hunters, able to climb up high trees and catch prey in the water.
They don’t make good pets and their existence is under threat because hunters kill them for the fur.
If you like this dangerous cat breed, you should consider the Safari cat. It’s a hybrid cat breed – a mix between Geoffrey’s cat and a moggy domestic cat.
Unfortunately, the Safari is an obscure cat breed because breeding it is too complicated. Only about 70 Safari cats exist in the world.
#12 Caracats
Look at these cute tufted ears, big paws, and muscular bodies! Doesn’t this cat remind you of a wild cougar?
The Caracat is a hybrid breed—a mix between Caracals and domestic cats, usually Abyssinians.
In general, first-generation Caracats are large and heavy cats with a weight of up to 30 pounds. Second-generations are slightly smaller—up to 20 pounds.
Caracats also have long, sharp claws, which they aren’t shy about using to scratch furniture, mark territory, and play with their owners.
Since Caracats are large cats, they can do a lot of damage inside the house when bored. That’s why sadly many owners declaw their Caracats.
While adorable, the Caracats are a rare cat breed because it’s not easy to cross a domestic animal with a wild one.
#13 Sphynx
Are you surprised that the Sphynx cat is among the most dangerous cat breeds?
Sphynx owners will certainly disagree.
To tell the truth, Sphynx cats are aggressive only when you don’t pay attention to their shenanigans and ignore their demands for petting.
Still, many people consider them a dangerous breed because of their “scary,” hairless bodies, big eyes, and large ears.
But while they won’t win first prizes in a beauty contest, Sphynx cats can be very affectionate, devoted, and loyal to their owners.
However, they do have a temperament and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to avoid destructive behavior.
#14 Jungle Curl
At first glance, you can mistake the Jungle Curl for an American Curl. Both breeds have unique curly ears, which make you say, “Oh, cute!”
However, Jungle Curl cats are a hybrid breed – a mix between the domestic American Curl and the African Jungle Cat.
While the Jungle Curl has a sweet and affectionate temperament, its wild heritage contributes to some aggressive behavior traits.
These cats are more energetic than your typical domestic cat and require a lot of physical exercise to stay happy.
That’s why this adorable breed is on the list of the most dangerous cat breeds.
#15 Lynx
Unlike many wild cats, some Lynx cats are open to interaction with humans and aren’t shy to approach and explore the human world.
While most Lynx cats are between 11 to 40 pounds of weight, many people keep them as pets. However, ownership of such big cats is regulated for good reasons.
When raised from an early age by humans, many Lynx cats will bond well with their owners and learn to live with other animals and pets.
Still, Lynx cats remain one of the most dangerous cat breeds and you shouldn’t be fooled by their stunning appearance and graceful bodies.
Conclusion
Domestic cats might not be as dangerous to humans as their large brethren, but they’re responsible for the extinction of many species.
We often forget that because cats are cute and know how to use their cuteness to get their way.
So, while you might not have a lion or a tiger to pet at home, you’ve still got one of the most dangerous predators on the planet purring in your lap.
The Black-footed cat is one of the most ferocious wild cats, despite its small size and its also deadliest cat breed on the planet because it has the highest success kill rate.
Siamese cats have the reputation of the meanest cat breed because they bond with a single person and aren’t happy when you don’t pay attention to them.
Do you agree or disagree with our list? Tell us in the comments.
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Olfa knows how to get things done and has a keen business sense that others admire. She’s always on the go, coming up with new ideas! Her ability to anticipate the needs of her readers and deliver information that they want is what makes CatVills such a success. She loves cuddling her cat Picaciu. He is her inspiration.
