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34 Cats Who Think They’re Dogs

By: Arlene Divina
Arlene Divina, one of the content writers at IHD, loves going on adventures with her adorable fur baby. She now creates informative content for pet parents. Read more
| October 3, 2024

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Cats are typically known for their independence and aloofness, but some felines defy the stereotype by displaying dog-like behaviors. These unique cats blur the line between feline and canine, leaving their owners amused and surprised. From fetching toys to greeting you at the door and following you around the house, these cats act more like loyal pups than the typical independent kitty. Their playful, affectionate nature and surprising antics make them lovable companions for anyone seeking a mix of both cat and dog traits.

Abyssinian

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The Abyssinian is a highly active and curious cat known for its love of human interaction. This breed is often compared to dogs due to its playful nature and ability to learn tricks like fetching. Abyssinians are known to follow their owners from room to room, always eager to be involved in the action, much like a loyal dog.

Maine Coon

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Maine Coons are one of the largest and most affectionate cat breeds, often compared to dogs because of their friendly and loyal personalities. These gentle giants love to be around people, and they’re known for greeting their owners at the door just like a dog would. Maine Coons are also known to enjoy water, which is another unusual, dog-like trait for a cat.

Ragdoll

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Ragdolls are famously laid-back and affectionate, often behaving more like a dog than a cat. They enjoy being held and will go limp in your arms, earning them their name. Ragdolls are known for following their owners around the house and have a strong desire to be near their humans at all times, making them incredibly dog-like in their loyalty and attachment.

Siamese

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Siamese cats are highly social and vocal, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their dog-like behavior includes following people around the house, demanding attention, and even playing fetch. Siamese cats are incredibly interactive and thrive on companionship, often developing a deep attachment to one person in particular, much like a loyal dog.

Burmese

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Burmese cats are playful, affectionate, and highly sociable, making them a breed that often exhibits dog-like behavior. They love attention and enjoy being around people, often greeting their owners at the door. Burmese cats are also known to play fetch and can even be trained to walk on a leash, further enhancing their canine-like reputation.

Manx

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The Manx, with its unique taillessness, is not just known for its looks but also for its dog-like loyalty. These cats are incredibly affectionate and enjoy spending time with their human families. Manx cats are known for their strong bonds with their owners and will often follow them around the house, making them much more interactive than the typical independent cat.

Turkish Van

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Turkish Vans are playful and energetic cats that share a love for water with some dog breeds. Unlike most cats, Turkish Vans enjoy swimming and playing in water, often exhibiting a sense of adventure and curiosity that’s more commonly seen in dogs. They are also very loyal and enjoy spending time with their families.

Ocicat

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Ocicats are affectionate, social cats with dog-like tendencies despite their wild appearance. They are known for their loyalty to their owners and love of playtime. Ocicats can be trained to walk on a leash and enjoy interactive games like fetch, making them one of the more dog-like feline breeds.

Bengal

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Bengal cats are known for their high energy levels and love for physical activity, traits often associated with dogs. They enjoy interactive play, including games of fetch, and are known for their affectionate, loyal nature. Bengals are highly social and thrive in environments where they can participate actively in the household, following their owners from room to room.

American Bobtail

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The American Bobtail is a playful and affectionate breed known for its dog-like loyalty and intelligence. These cats enjoy interactive play and can even be taught to fetch. Their strong bond with their owners and desire for companionship make them behave more like a dog than a typical aloof cat.

Sphynx

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Despite its lack of fur, the Sphynx cat is full of personality and affection. These cats love to be the center of attention and often exhibit dog-like behaviors, such as following their owners around and enjoying interactive play. The Sphynx is known for its high energy and love of human companionship, making it a great pet for those who want a more interactive feline.

Tonkinese

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Tonkinese cats are social butterflies known for their affectionate and playful nature. They enjoy being around people and are often described as “dog-like” because of their desire for attention and interaction. Tonkinese cats can be trained to play fetch and love to follow their owners from room to room, always eager to be involved in whatever is happening.

Somali

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The Somali cat is a highly active and playful breed known for its intelligence and love of human interaction. These cats are often compared to dogs because of their energy and loyalty. Somalis enjoy playing fetch and can be trained to perform tricks, making them a great choice for cat owners who want a pet that behaves more like a dog.

Japanese Bobtail

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Japanese Bobtails are known for their friendly, social nature and strong bonds with their owners. These cats are playful and enjoy interactive games, often learning to fetch or walk on a leash. Japanese Bobtails are highly affectionate and will follow their owners around the house, always eager to be involved in family activities.

Devon Rex

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The Devon Rex is a playful and affectionate breed that thrives on human attention. These cats are known for their dog-like loyalty and love of interactive play. Devon Rexes enjoys fetching toys and often follows their owners around, seeking attention and companionship.

Scottish Fold

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Scottish Folds are known for their sweet and affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their human families. These cats are playful and enjoy being around people, often following their owners from room to room. Scottish Folds are known for their calm, dog-like demeanor and willingness to engage in interactive play.

Chartreux

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The Chartreux is a quiet and affectionate cat breed that enjoys the company of its owners. These cats are known for their dog-like loyalty and will often follow their humans around the house. Chartreux cats are gentle and playful, making them ideal companions for those who want a cat with a more interactive and affectionate personality.

Cornish Rex

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Cornish Rex cats are playful, energetic, and highly social. They enjoy being the center of attention and are known for their dog-like love of interactive games, such as fetch. These cats are highly intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks, making them a fun and engaging pet for those who want a cat that acts more like a dog.

Bombay

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Bombay cats are known for their sleek, panther-like appearance and affectionate, dog-like personalities. These cats are highly social and enjoy being around people, often following their owners around the house. Bombay cats are playful and enjoy interactive games, making them great companions for those who want a cat with a more canine temperament.

LaPerm

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LaPerm cats are affectionate and playful, known for their unique curly coats and dog-like loyalty. These cats enjoy spending time with their families and will often follow their owners from room to room. LaPerms are intelligent and can be trained to play fetch, making them a great choice for those who want a cat that behaves more like a dog.

Ragamuffin

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Ragamuffins are known for their sweet, affectionate personalities. Like dogs, they form strong bonds with their families and always enjoy being around people. They love to cuddle and will often greet their owners at the door. Ragamuffins are also highly tolerant of children and other pets, making them a perfect choice for multi-pet households.

Norwegian Forest Cat

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The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, robust breed that loves exploring and playing, much like a dog. While they are independent, they also form deep connections with their human families. They love being involved in family activities and can be trained to perform tricks. They even enjoy playing fetch.

Birman

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Birmans are social, affectionate, and very people-oriented. These gentle cats follow their owners around the house and show dog-like loyalty. Birmans love to be involved in family activities and are known to greet their owners at the door, always eager to spend time with their humans.

Havana Brown

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Havana Browns are outgoing and social cats, often forming close bonds with their families. They are playful and enjoy engaging in games, making them much like dogs in their interaction levels. Havana Browns are known to follow their owners around, always wanting to be part of the action, and they can be trained to play fetch.

Turkish Angora

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Turkish Angoras are elegant and active cats with a strong love for playtime. Like dogs, they are loyal and follow their owners throughout the house. Turkish Angoras enjoy interactive games, including fetch, and are known to be affectionate, forming deep bonds with their human companions.

Exotic Shorthair

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The Exotic Shorthair is a laid-back, affectionate breed that enjoys close contact with its family. Often called the “lazy man’s Persian,” this breed has a calm demeanor but also displays dog-like loyalty and affection. Exotics are known to follow their owners around the house, seeking companionship and attention.

Singapura

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Singapuras are small but incredibly social and active cats. They are known for their love of human interaction and have dog-like traits, such as following their owners around and being involved in everything they do. These playful and energetic cats make them perfect companions for people who want a feline that acts more like a dog.

Russian Blue

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Russian Blues are known for their reserved but deeply affectionate nature. Once they bond with their owners, they can be as loyal as any dog, following their humans around and staying close by. Russian Blues enjoy playtime and can even be trained to perform tricks like fetching small toys.

Selkirk Rex

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The Selkirk Rex is a curly-coated breed known for its affectionate and social nature. These cats form strong bonds with their owners and love being around people, often following their humans from room to room. Selkirk Rexes are gentle and playful, making them a great choice for those seeking a dog-like cat.

Oriental Shorthair

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Oriental Shorthairs are highly vocal and social cats known for their love of human interaction. These cats are dog-like in their loyalty and attachment to their owners, often following them around the house and demanding attention. They enjoy interactive play and are known to fetch toys, making them an engaging and affectionate companion.

Balinese

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Balinese cats are a close relative of the Siamese and share similar traits, including their social and dog-like nature. They are affectionate and vocal and enjoy being involved in family life. Balinese cats will often greet their owners at the door, follow them around the house, and engage in interactive play.

Javanese

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Javanese cats are playful, intelligent, and very social, often forming strong bonds with their owners. They are known for their dog-like behavior, such as following their humans around and being highly vocal. Javanese cats enjoy learning tricks, including fetching and thrive in households with plenty of attention.

Snowshoe

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The Snowshoe cat is affectionate and social, known for its deep connection with its owners. These cats are dog-like in their loyalty and desire to be around their humans, often following them around the house. Snowshoes enjoy interactive games and can be trained to fetch, making them a perfect fit for people seeking a more dog-like cat.

Siberian

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Siberians are strong, agile cats with a playful and adventurous spirit. These cats are known for their loyalty and strong bonds with their families. Siberians enjoy being part of the action and are unafraid to engage in games like fetch. Their dog-like attachment to their owners and playful nature make them excellent companions for active households.

The Feline Canines

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These cat breeds show that not all felines are independent and aloof. With their playful, affectionate, and loyal behaviors, these cats often act more like dogs than the typical feline. Whether fetching toys, following you around, or greeting you at the door, these cats blur the lines between canine and feline. They prove that cats can be just as loyal, interactive, and loving as man’s best friend, making them perfect companions for those seeking a mix of both personalities in one pet.