Thinking about adding a furry friend to your family? While cats and dogs can bring joy to your home, some breeds need extra care and attention.
Before you decide, it’s worth knowing which pets might demand more from you – whether it’s grooming, exercise, or special health needs. Here’s a look at some high-maintenance cats and dogs that might make you think twice.
1. Persian
Royalty in the cat world, Persians sport luxurious coats that hide a demanding secret. Their long, silky fur mats easily without daily brushing sessions.
Owners must commit to regular baths, eye cleaning, and professional grooming appointments. For many Persian parents, grooming becomes a part-time job!
2. Sphynx
Don’t be fooled by their lack of fur! Sphynx cats actually require more bathing than their fluffy counterparts. Without hair to absorb body oils, these wrinkly wonders need weekly baths.
Their exposed skin also demands sunscreen outdoors and warm clothes in winter. Plus, those big ears need regular cleaning to prevent wax buildup.
3. Maine Coon
Gentle giants of the cat world, Maine Coons steal hearts with their playful chirps and bushy tails. Behind that friendly facade lies a grooming challenge!
Their water-resistant double coat requires brushing several times weekly. Toe tufts need trimming, and those magnificent ear tufts collect dirt. Winter brings an extra-thick undercoat that sheds dramatically in spring.
4. Scottish Fold
Those adorable folded ears come with a price tag beyond the adoption fee. Scottish Folds often develop cartilage problems that affect their joints and mobility.
Regular vet visits become crucial to monitor for painful conditions. Their ears also trap wax and debris easily, requiring weekly cleaning. Responsible owners budget for potential health issues throughout their Fold’s life.
5. Ragdoll
Famous for going limp when held (hence the name!), Ragdolls charm everyone with their docile nature. Their semi-long fur lacks an undercoat, which means less shedding but more tangling.
Weekly brushing sessions are non-negotiable to prevent painful mats. Many Ragdolls also need help maintaining proper weight due to their laid-back attitude toward exercise.
6. Siberian
Built for Russian winters, Siberians boast a triple-layered coat that’s practically waterproof. Twice yearly, they undergo an epic shedding event called “blowing their coat.”
During these weeks, fur tumbleweeds will roll across your floors despite daily brushing. Their thick tail and neck ruff require special attention with a steel comb to prevent painful tangles.
7. Bengal
Wild-looking but domesticated, Bengals bring the jungle into your living room with their spotted coats and boundless energy. These athletic cats need serious playtime – we’re talking hours, not minutes.
Without proper stimulation, Bengals become destructive, climbing curtains and reorganizing shelves. Their intelligence demands puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive play to prevent boredom-fueled chaos.
8. Shih Tzu
These “little lions” sport human-like hair that grows continuously. Without regular trimming, their luscious locks drag on the ground, collecting dirt and debris.
Daily brushing prevents painful mats, while regular baths keep them smelling fresh. Many owners surrender to monthly professional grooming appointments. Even their facial hair requires daily cleaning to prevent eye infections.
9. Afghan Hound
Aristocrats of the dog world, Afghan Hounds turn heads with their flowing silk-like coats. That glamorous appearance demands hours of weekly maintenance.
Their fine hair tangles easily, requiring daily brushing with special tools. Bath day becomes an all-day affair – washing, conditioning, and blow-drying can take hours. Many owners spend thousands yearly on professional grooming.
10. Bichon Frise
Cotton-ball cute with a cheerful personality, Bichons hide a high-maintenance secret beneath those fluffy white curls. Their hair grows continuously and mats painfully close to the skin.
Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is essential, with daily home brushing in between. Their white coats show every speck of dirt, and those adorable black eyes need regular cleaning to prevent tear stains.
11. Border Collie
Brilliant but demanding, Border Collies possess more energy than most families can handle. These workaholics were bred to herd sheep all day in challenging terrain.
Without 2-3 hours of vigorous daily exercise and mental challenges, they become anxious and destructive. Their intelligence becomes problematic when bored – expect escaped yards, dismantled furniture, and complex household reorganizations.
12. Cocker Spaniel
Those soulful eyes and silky ears make Cockers irresistible, but their beauty routine rivals a celebrity’s. Their continuously growing coat requires brushing every other day to prevent painful mats.
Their trademark ears trap moisture, leading to chronic infections without weekly cleaning. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is non-negotiable, with special attention needed for their sensitive skin.
13. Saint Bernard
Gentle giants with drool to spare, Saint Bernards leave slobber trails across furniture, walls, and clothing. Their massive size means everything costs more – food bills, medications, even boarding fees.
Twice yearly, they shed their thick undercoat in spectacular fashion. Expect fur tumbleweeds that could stuff multiple pillows! Their facial wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent skin infections.
14. Poodle (Standard)
Beneath those elegant curls lies a high-maintenance diva. Standard Poodles require professional grooming every 4-6 weeks, with costs often exceeding $100 per session.
Between appointments, daily brushing prevents their curly coat from matting painfully against the skin. Their intelligence demands mental stimulation through training, puzzles, and varied activities. Bored Poodles become anxious and destructive.