Owning a cat is full of ups and downs. These fascinating pets are both affectionate and independent, curious yet reserved, smart but sometimes silly. However, they can be tricky, with occasional behavior issues, picky eating, and sometimes unexpected reactions to affection. Some cat breeds are more demanding than others, so if you’re a first-time owner, it might be best to avoid the ones listed here. Each has wonderful traits, but they can be a bit much for beginners.