Looking for a mischievous cat breed to add a touch of excitement to your life? Well, you're in luck because we've pulled together our favorite crafty kitties and we have a feeling that this list may just contain your purr-fect partner in crime!
When we think of the word mischievous, it can be easy to jump to the conclusion that these felines are naughty, but nothing could be further from the truth. These sassy cats aren't ill-behaved, they're simply highly intelligent, curious and love to go where no kitty has gone before.
If you find your beloved bundle of fluff is in fact behaving badly and doing things you'd rather they wouldn't do – like scratching the couch, for example – this is most likely to do with their needs going unmet. Regular play sessions with the best cat toys, creating a solid routine, and providing them with all the resources they need can go a long way to resolving these issues.
With mischievous cats, you'll find it's more about them wanting to investigate everything and be a part of all the action than it is about them acting up. With that in mind, here's our pick of the felines that are most likely to infuse your day with fun!
Mischievous cat breeds
1. Burmese
There are so many reasons to love Burmese cats – although granted, I could be biased given I'm owned by one...yes, you read that right, it's not a typo!
Lovingly referred to as bricks wrapped in silk because of their solid bodies and silky soft fur, this impish breed is well known for being inquisitive, playful, and deeply attached to their humans.
Burmese cats are real attention seekers, and if they feel like they're not getting enough of your attention, they won't hesitate to pull out a whole range of mischievous antics (think knocking things off shelves while you're watching) to get you to focus on what's most important – them.
Dog-like cats with bucketloads of personality, the Burmese are deeply sensitive, loving, and people-oriented, so they're a good choice for families. Just be aware that they are a high-maintenance breed and require a lot of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
2. Siamese
Social and full of spunk, Siamese cats are talkative, affectionate, and tend to act as their owner's second shadow. While they're gentle cats, they are definitely not laid-back, so you'll need to be prepared to devote a lot of time and energy to them in order to see them thrive.
Because they're so playful and curious, mischief comes with the territory if you own a Siamese! Expect to find them exploring every open cupboard and attempting to assist you with any task you undertake.
This breed loves one-on-one bonding time with their humans, so things like interactive play sessions and teaching them tricks will go down a treat.
Siamese cats have an impressive lifespan, with some being known to live well into their 20s, although 15 is the average. They tend to get on well with children and other pets and are known for being cuddly.
3. Bengal
Bengal cats are one of those breeds that are completely striking to look at, thanks to their beautiful spotted coats that make them look like a baby leopard. A high-energy breed known for their athleticism and adventurous nature, if you've ever fancied hiking with cats, this is the feline friend for you.
A super-smart free spirit, the Bengal can be leash-trained and loves learning new tricks. They thrive in stimulating environments where there's always plenty for them to do, so on those days when you're too busy to play with them, make sure you leave out lots of puzzle toys and give them access to a good cat tree to allow them to give their brains and bodies a good workout.
Most Bengals don't like being held, so they're not the best choice for homes with young children, and they have very strong hunting instincts, so if you plan on letting them have access to the great outdoors, be prepared for them to bring you back a present or two!
4. Balinese
Looking to welcome one of the longest living cat breeds into your family? Look no further than the healthy Balinese, who has a robust lifespan of up to 22 years! With their silky fur, stunning blue eyes, and playful personality, this long-haired, people-loving breed is a real treasure.
When you adopt a Balinese, you're basically getting a floofy version of the Siamese, with their natures being very similar. This is a chatty cat who likes to converse with their humans, and they're complete brainiacs, so you'll find they pick up new commands and learn new tricks very easily.
The Balinese adore their people and are deeply devoted to their human family. Like the Burmese and the Siamese, they can be demanding, and they require a lot of attention. They're also what's known as 'vertical cats' in that they are fond of climbing, so investing in the best cat tree will keep them happy.
5. Cornish Rex
One of those high-energy breeds that will want to play with you as much as possible, the Cornish Rex is instantly recognizable thanks to their short, curly coat, wedge-shaped head, and large ears.
Packed full of kitten-like energy that they retain well into old age, the impish Cornish Rex are lively and social cats who adore meeting new people and do well in bustling homes.
Cuddly cats who'll often seek out a warm lap to curl up on when they've tired themselves out, the Cornish Rex loves to jump and reach high places, and their outstanding problem-solving abilities means they're super enthusiastic about learning new tricks.
6. Devon Rex
Very similar in appearance to the Cornish Rex, the pixie-like Devon Rex has a rounder face and a more compact body, which is how you can tell the two apart. They have a very happy-go-lucky nature, and because they're so friendly, they do really well in homes with children and other pets.
The Devon Rex is a very dependent breed and sticks closely to their humans, so if you plan on welcoming one of these little sweethearts into your family, be prepared to acquire a second shadow.
It's worth investing in plenty of the best interactive cat toys for your Devon Rex buddy as they love to play, and they're also very eager to learn, so you'll find you can teach them to play fetch and perform other tricks.
7. Oriental Shorthair
The Oriental Shorthair is a hybrid cat breed created by crossing the Siamese with Abyssinians and American and British Shorthairs. Nicknamed the honking cat because their meow resembles more of a goose than a kitty, these Velcro cats are inquisitive and demanding of attention.
Always on the go, they are both mischievous and entertaining, and because they're super social cats, they do really well in multi-pet households. When they get the love and affection they need, you'll find this breed incredibly sweet. However, they're known for being grumpy if they feel they're being ignored.
Oriental Shorthairs adore exploring new things, and they're very fond of interactive play sessions and training.
8. Singapura
One of those small-breed cats that will always look like a kitten, the tiny Singapura may be petite, but don't let that fool you – they're an energy-packed dynamo who expects to be included in all aspects of your life.
Weighing no more than eight pounds and with compact bodies, the Singapura is the smallest of all the cat breeds and has a short coat that's easy to care for. An inquisitive kitty that thrives on attention, they're highly affectionate, very extroverted, and extremely interactive.
A gentle cat with a soft voice, the Singapura gets on well with other animals and does not do well when left alone for long periods of time.
9. Chausie
With its long legs and tall body, the chausie (pronounced chow-see) was made for running and jumping. Highly inquisitive, you leave your cupboards open at your own risk if you have one of these mischievous kitties in the house!
Active, affectionate, and people-oriented, this breed lives to please their humans, and they're forever dishing out love and affection. When it comes to how to teach a cat a trick, you won't struggle at all with the chausie as they love to learn, and they'll happily play fetch or walk on a leash as long as you're right there with them.
Playful well into old age, the chausie is good-natured and forms deep bonds with their human family.
10. Somali
A rare cat breed that is quite literally a long-haired version of the Abyssinian, the Somali is a very interactive kitty – both with their owners and their environment. No nook or cranny goes unexplored when you have a Somali in the house and yet, being a grateful and agile cat, you'll find they manage to wander your shelves without disturbing anything.
It's recommended you have a good cat tree in your house if you plan on adopting a Somali as they love to be up high. Don't be surprised if you find them atop your refrigerator, bookcase or anything else they consider to make a great viewing platform.
With their radiant spirit and playful antics, the Somali truly is a friend to all and are never happier than when in the company of others.
11. Tonkinese
A cross between the Burmese and the Siamese, the stylish and elegant tonkinese (or Tonk as their friends call them) shares many of the same traits. They are extremely gregarious cats, known for being outgoing and confident, and they're more than happy to be an indoor kitty as long as they have lots of mental and physical stimulation.
The tonkinese is very people-oriented and thrives on companionship, however, they're not averse to playing independently with the best automated cat toys or hanging out with other cats or cat-friendly dogs if you happen to have other fur babies in the house.
Active, intelligent, and spirited cats who like to explore, they can be talkative but they're not as loud as the Siamese. As long as you can give these high-energy cats the attention they need, you'll find they make charming and affectionate companions.
12. Colorpoint shorthair
First cousins to the Siamese, the colorpoint shorthair comes in a choice of 16 different point colors, so if you've always wanted a cat with the nature of the Siamese but with a more varied palette, this breed is for you.
Colorpoint shorthairs are natural athletes, and they love to run, jump, and climb. Extremely extroverted, they make friends easily and are always happy to meet new people. Vocal cats who love to chat and are highly affectionate, the colorpoint shorthair is known for being a sensitive soul who is in tune with their owner's emotions.
Loud and loving, they make great pets for attentive owners who can give them the time and energy they need, and they get on famously with children, other cats, and respectful dogs.
13. Havana Brown
With a name like Havana Brown, you can be forgiven for thinking this cat hails from Cuba (like the Havanese dog), but in actual fact, they were developed in England.
Given their name because they have a rich, chocolate-brown color that resembles Havana cigars, this intelligent and playful cat breed has a curious streak and is known for holding objects between their paws to examine them.
Exceptionally welcoming of children and other pets, the Havana Brown has a balanced temperament and communicates in sweet chirps and trills. They thrive in active homes where they can be a part of day-to-day life and their short, glossy coat requires little in the way of grooming.
Havana Browns are very people-oriented and prefer not to be left alone. They also enjoy games like fetch and even chase, so they're quite dog-like in that respect!
14. Khao manee
With their pure, glistening white fur and striking eyes (they can be blue, green, yellow, or even one of each!), the khao manee is one of Thailand's most ancient and beloved breeds. They are delightfully impish and comical cats who never fail to bring a smile to their owner's face, and having them in the home is a true joy.
Intelligent cats with a friendly and social nature, the khao manee are highly active and make great playmates for children. They also offer the best of both worlds because they're lap lovers as well and also enjoy hitching a ride on their owner's shoulders so they can get a good view of what's going on around them.
If you've ever wondered 'can cats play fetch', they certainly can if they're a khao manee! This kitty loves games and will also carry items around in their mouth, so if you find you're missing a pair of socks, be sure to check in with your mischievous fur friend!
15. Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is hard to miss thanks to their adorable pom-pom tail and large, expressive eyes. Their history is thought to date back to the Middle Ages, but they weren't introduced into the United States until 1968. Elegant and refined, these cats are often on the go, and because their back legs are so powerful, you'll be amazed at just how high this breed can jump.
With a beautiful and loving temperament, the Japanese Bobtail makes a wonderful companion. They're affectionate without being overly clingy, and while they delight in the companionship of humans, they have an independent streak that means you don't need to entertain them 24/7.
Endlessly amusing cats, thanks to their short attention span and high activity level, the Japanese Bobtail will certainly bring a dose of comedy to your home.
16. Abyssinian
Agile, active, and athletic, the Abyssinian has a lithe yet muscular body with pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes. They are one of the best cats for extroverts thanks to their outgoing and busy nature, and their intensely curious nature will certainly keep you entertained.
These cats are outstanding problem solvers, so investing in a cat puzzle feeder to offer extra enrichment at mealtimes will be much appreciated by this breed. The Abyssinian is not one to leave any corner of the house unexplored, so expect them to investigate open cupboards and drawers and to seek you out to play games.
This breed is definitely not fond of curling up and snoozing for hours on your lap, but they're still highly affectionate and love attention. Because they don't like to be left alone, it can be helpful to get two Abyssinians together as they'll be great company for one another during those times when you're too busy to amuse them.
17. Egyptian Mau
With their striking spotted fur that comes in silver, bronze, or black smoke, the Egyptian Mau is a real head turner. Radiating an air of mystery, these exotic cats date back as far as 1550BC and are considered one of the oldest cat breeds still in existence.
Egyptian Maus expect to be a fully fledged member of the family, but while they can be demanding at times, they'll repay you by being intensely devoted. Highly empathetic, they have an amazing ability to sense when their owners are feeling low and will immediately hop up onto their lap and soothe them with soft purrs.
This breed adores interactive play and they love all sorts of games, including fetch. They're also one of the breeds that you can train to walk on a leash, and they'll be thrilled to hitch a ride on your shoulder so they can survey their kingdom. A strong-willed breed who knows what they want, they can be aloof with strangers but are affectionate and outgoing with their chosen humans.
18. Ocicat
While they may resemble a wild cat, the spotted ocicat doesn't actually have any wild DNA and is instead a cross between the Abyssinian and the Siamese. Considered to have a very dog-like personality, this breed is naturally extroverted and devoted to their owners, but never clingy or demanding.
Training your cat will be a walk in the park if you have an ocicat in your family as not only are they super intelligent but they also love to learn. They respond really well to commands, and you can teach them to play fetch and walk on a leash.
Ocicats also tend to be brilliant travellers, so if you're someone who goes out of town a lot, they'll be more than happy to accompany you.
Because they don't like being left alone, this kitty does best with an owner who works from home or other animal friends to keep them company.
19. Sphynx
Bald on the outside and beautiful on the inside, the spunky sphynx is a cat that's going to stop traffic. With their soulful eyes and people-oriented personality, this unique breed is one of those breeds you either love or loathe, depending on how important fur is to you in a kitty companion!
The result of a spontaneous mutation that occurred in the 1960s when a domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten, the sphynx is delightfully impish and anything but introverted. Naturally gregarious cats, they are intelligent, curious and known for being chatty when they want their food bowl topped up with more of the best cat food.
A needy breed who wants to be in close proximity to their owners at all times, the sphynx is the ultimate “Velcro cat” and will not take kindly to being left alone. Because they are a hairless breed, their skin gets very oily and they require regular baths to keep them healthy.
20. Munchkin
Named after the characters in the Wizard of Oz, the munchkin has short legs caused by a genetic mutation, and because of that, they need to be kept indoors for their own safety. Not that this kitty will mind – they're super family-oriented and adore being with their humans, so as long as they get a daily dose of physical and mental stimulation, they'll be quite content.
Sociable, playful, and intelligent, the munchkin is confident and loves exploring their surroundings and making new friends. They have a rather adorable habit of collecting items around the house that appeal to them and stashing them away in a secret location, so if you find you're missing some jewelry or a treasured scarf, be sure to consult your munchkin!
Having second thoughts? Here’s a selection of the calmest cat breeds
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated in April 2025 by Kathryn Williams.
