15 Least Obedient Cat Breeds, Ranked

These breeds deserve all your love — just be prepared to deal with their rebellious side.

Cats are naturally independent animals, often considered stubborn pets when they ignore commands or become easily irritated with their owners. They usually do this because of boredom or distraction and understanding your feline’s behavior is essential to having a happy pet.

Researchers have defined felines’ five main personality traits to summarize the specific characteristics of domestic cats. Those traits include neuroticism (shy, high-strung, anxious), extraversion (extroverted, active), dominance (influential, demanding), impulsiveness (unpredictable, reckless) and compatibility (friendly, easy-going).

Once you understand and connect with your feline’s unique personality, your relationship will be close — as long as you’re willing to meet your furry friend’s needs. However, some cats are stubborn and mischievous no matter how much space or attention you give them. Patience is key when it comes to raising a well-adjusted feline and you can expect to devote a bit of extra time to these loving (but often disobedient) cat breeds.

15. Khao Manee

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Temperament: Active, curious, devoted

Weight: 8-10 pounds (lbs.)

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Why the Khao Manee Is Disobedient

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These cats are very energetic and need to keep busy. If they don’t have an outlet for all that energy, the khao manee will get into trouble. Also, once they have their mind set on doing something, stopping the undesirable behavior is difficult.

14. Somali

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Temperament: Sociable, devoted, playful

Weight: 6-10 lbs.

Life expectancy: 11-16 years

Why the Somali Is Disobedient

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The Somali loves new adventures and will explore every inch of the house, sometimes getting into spaces you’d prefer they avoid. Due to their intense curiosity, they will follow you around the house 24/7 to observe your activities and will test boundaries by trying anything once rather than listening to your commands.

13. Chausie

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Temperament: Adventurous, intelligent, active

Weight: 8-19 lbs.

Life expectancy: 12-18 years

Why the Chausie Is Disobedient

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These large, domestic cats love to sprawl everywhere at the most inconvenient times (across your laptop when trying to work or on the kitchen counters when you need to prep a meal). The chausie is an inquisitive breed and, like the Somali, will insist on invading your privacy by exploring every space of the house, even those areas considered off-limits.

12. Japanese Bobtail

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Temperament: Energetic, affectionate, quiet

Weight: 6-10 lbs.

Life expectancy: 9-13+ years

Why the Japanese Bobtail Is Disobedient

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This active kitty needs plenty of playtime. Boredom comes easy, so expect them to get into mischief if you don’t pay attention to them. Otherwise, they might paw at you until you stop what you’re doing to play with them.

11. Himalayan

Portrait of a Himalayan Siamese Persian cat with blue eyes

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Temperament: Smart, affectionate, devoted

Weight: 7-12 lbs.

Life expectancy: 9-15 years

Why the Himalayan Is Disobedient

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Himalayans can be trained to do simple tasks, but their stubbornness often gets in the way. Potty training can be challenging and since they are easily distracted, they may ignore your calls and simple commands.

10. Birman

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Temperament: Territorial, affectionate, loyal

Weight: 12 lbs.

Life expectancy: 15 years

Why the Birman Is Disobedient

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This cat breed is also quite stubborn and appears to have a short memory, which makes training challenging. Birmans are quiet felines that enjoy attention from their owners, but consistency is needed if you expect this kitty to follow the most straightforward rules.

9. Tonkinese

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Temperament: Energetic, smart, loving

Weight: 6-12 lbs.

Life expectancy: 12-16 years

Why the Tonkinese Is Disobedient

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These lovable cats insist on having their way at all times. They expect their owners to do whatever is possible to keep them entertained. The Tonkinese is a perfect example of a feline who rules the house and the humans who serve them.

8. Serengeti Cat

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Temperament: Loyal, sociable, fast

Weight: 8-12 lbs.

Life expectancy: 15 years

Why the Serengeti Cat Is Disobedient

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The Serengeti is a sweet, affectionate kitty but a slow learner in training. In fact, it may take months before this cat understands what you want. Training needs to start early, but this breed is particularly lazy and will only follow minimal commands if a reward such as food is involved.

7. Scottish Fold

Beautiful Grey Scottish Fold Cat lounges on couch

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Temperament: Quiet, friendly, playful

Weight: 6-13 lbs.

Life expectancy: 11-14 years

Why the Scottish Fold Is Disobedient

Scottish Fold cat relaxing on antique chair near window

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Although somewhat trainable, the Scottish Fold has a mind of its own and will only follow basic commands if it feels like listening to its owner. These kitties get easily overwhelmed, so it will take a bit of patience to expect obedience from this breed.

6. Russian Blue

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Temperament: Reserved, affectionate, intelligent

Weight: 7-15 lbs.

Life expectancy: 10-20 years

Why the Russian Blue Is Disobedient

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Unlike many of the disobedient cats on this list, the Russian Blue does not crave attention 24/7. They are aloof with strangers and may refuse to come out of hiding when guests visit. The Russian Blue is also quite persistent and will ignore any commands if you dare change their routine.

5. Oriental Shorthair

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Temperament: Intelligent, loving, vocal

Weight: 5-10 lbs.

Life expectancy: 10-20+ years

Why the Oriental Shorthair Is Disobedient

Oriental Cat Laying on the Bed in Bedroom

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The Oriental Shorthair thrives on attention from its family and will not be happy if ignored. These feisty cats are also vocal about their needs and expect you to be able to read their minds when they loudly meow in your presence. Oriental Shorthairs need to be involved in everything you do but if they don’t get enough interaction, they’ll act out to grab your attention, including being destructive around the house.

4. Balinese

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Temperament: Sociable, affectionate, sassy

Weight: 5-15 lbs.

Life expectancy: 10-20 years

Why the Balinese Is Disobedient

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This needy kitty will follow its owner everywhere and become destructive if left alone for too many hours. The Balinese are also mischievous and very curious about their surroundings. They may try to escape outdoors for a new adventure if you’re not paying close attention to their whereabouts.

3. Siamese

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Temperament: Athletic, sociable, vocal

Weight: 5-12 lbs.

Life expectancy: 10-20+ years

Why the Siamese Is Disobedient

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Siamese are known for being vocally loud cats and, like the Balinese, do not like to be left alone. They are energetic and curious but will get into mischief if bored. This breed needs a lot of attention and becomes very destructive around the house if not given enough attention. Having a second cat in the family is best to keep your Siamese entertained if you work long hours away from home.

2. Devon Rex

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Temperament: Mischievous, loyal, clingy

Weight: 5-9 lbs.

Life expectancy: 14-17+ years

Why the Devon Rex Is Disobedient

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The Devon Rex is one of the strongest-willed cats when it comes to disobedience. They often beg for food and attention and become quite vocal when their needs are not met. They’re also very playful and know how to charm their owners into getting whatever they want — but beware, they’re naughty kitties when ignored.

1. Norwegian Forest

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Temperament: Affectionate, independent, gentle

Weight: 8-18 lbs.

Life expectancy: 13-20 years

Why the Norwegian Forest Is Disobedient

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This beautiful, furry bundle is another breed that prefers space and alone time. If you force attention on them, they can become disagreeable. Everything revolves around their mood and they will only allow you to give them affection when they want to be touched.

In other words, they rule the house and expect you to keep them happy!