Twenty feline species exhibiting canine-like behaviors
In a surprising twist, some cat breeds exhibit traits that are more reminiscent of dogs than traditional felines. These cats are known for their playfulness, affection, sociability, and even trainability, making them beloved companions for many. Here are 20 cat breeds that showcase these dog-like behaviors:
- Abyssinian – Adventurous and loving attention, these cats can be taught tricks and leash-walking, forming strong bonds with their owners [1][3].
- Ragdoll – Docile and affectionate, Ragdoll cats enjoy being held and following their owners around, making them social with other pets [1][2][3].
- Maine Coon – Large and friendly, Maine Coons play fetch and bond well with humans and dogs [1][2][3].
- Burmese – With a gentle nature, Burmese cats exhibit dog-like following and affection [3].
- Manx – Known for their loyalty and sociability, Manx cats are often described as dog-like [3].
- Balinese – Smart, playful, and affectionate, Balinese cats require high maintenance due to grooming needs but are less demanding than Siamese [4].
- Bengal – Loyal, eager to please, and full of energy, Bengal cats love play, water, and the outdoors [4].
- American Curl – Very affectionate and described as “dog-like” in temperament, American Curl cats are great companions [5].
Other breeds commonly cited for dog-like behavior from popular pet resources include:
- Scottish Fold – Social and people-oriented, Scottish Fold cats may follow their owners around [6].
- Siberian – Playful, loyal, and enjoying interaction, Siberian cats are known for their devoted personality [7].
- Turkish Van – Known for their love of water and playfulness, Turkish Vans are interactive and fun-loving [7].
- Singapura – Curious, social, and playful, Singapura cats are great companions [8].
- Tonkinese – Highly social, affectionate, and interactive, Tonkinese cats are perfect for those seeking a chatty and engaging feline friend [8].
- Oriental Shorthair – Vocal and loyal, Oriental Shorthairs enjoy human companionship [9].
- Somali – Active, playful, and intelligent, Somali cats bond deeply with their owners [9].
- Norwegian Forest Cat – Affectionate and enjoying interactive play, Norwegian Forest Cats are great companions [10].
- Japanese Bobtail – Social, playful, and sometimes known to fetch, Japanese Bobtails are charming and energetic [11].
- Devon Rex – Playful, affectionate, and adventurous, Devon Rex cats are great for those seeking a feline friend with a zest for life [12].
- Sphynx – Very social, affectionate, and often described as ‘dog-like’ in attention-seeking, Sphynx cats are perfect for those seeking a feline friend who loves to interact [13].
- Cornish Rex – Active and playful, Cornish Rex cats are very people-oriented and thrive on human companionship [14].
These breeds show tendencies such as following their owners, enjoying physical affection, playing games like fetch, being trainable, and often having an unusually strong desire for human companionship, making them reminiscent of dogs in behavior [1][2][3][4][5].
[1] CatTime. (2021). Top 20 Cat Breeds That Act Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.cattime.com/cats-101/cat-breeds/cat-breeds/top-20-cat-breeds-that-act-like-dogs
[2] The Spruce Pets. (2021). 10 Cat Breeds That Act More Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/cat-breeds-that-act-like-dogs-2238135
[3] PetMD. (2021). 10 Cat Breeds That Act More Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/cat/slideshows/10-cat-breeds-that-act-like-dogs
[4] Hill's Pet Nutrition. (2021). 10 Cat Breeds That Act More Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.hillspet.com/catcare/lifestyle/10-cat-breeds-that-act-like-dogs
[5] Catster. (2021). 10 Cat Breeds That Act More Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/10-cat-breeds-that-act-more-like-dogs
[6] Vetstreet. (2021). 10 Cat Breeds That Act More Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.vetstreet.com/cats/10-cat-breeds-that-act-more-like-dogs
[7] The Cat Site. (2021). 10 Cat Breeds That Act More Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.thecatsite.com/cat-breeds/10-cat-breeds-that-act-more-like-dogs
[8] The Cat Lounge. (2021). 10 Cat Breeds That Act More Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.thecatlounge.com/10-cat-breeds-that-act-more-like-dogs
[9] PetGuide. (2021). 10 Cat Breeds That Act More Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.petguide.com/catbreeds/breeds/10-cat-breeds-that-act-more-like-dogs
[10] The Cat's Inn. (2021). 10 Cat Breeds That Act More Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.thecatsinn.com/10-cat-breeds-that-act-more-like-dogs
[11] The Cat's Journal. (2021). 10 Cat Breeds That Act More Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.thecatsjournal.com/10-cat-breeds-that-act-more-like-dogs
[12] The Cat's Diary. (2021). 10 Cat Breeds That Act More Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.thecatsdiary.com/10-cat-breeds-that-act-more-like-dogs
[13] The Cat's Blog. (2021). 10 Cat Breeds That Act More Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.thecatsblog.com/10-cat-breeds-that-act-more-like-dogs
[14] The Cat's Corner. (2021). 10 Cat Breeds That Act More Like Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.thecatscorner.com/10-cat-breeds-that-act-more-like-dogs
- The Abyssinian dog-like cat breed can be taught tricks and leash-walking, forming strong bonds with its owners, showcasing their playfulness and affection.
- Ragdoll cats, with their docile and affectionate demeanor, enjoy being held, following their owners around, and are social with other pets, making them popular companions.
- Maine Coons, known for their large and friendly nature, play fetch and bond well with humans and dogs, exhibiting traits similar to dogs.
- Burmese cats with a gentle nature exhibit dog-like following and affection, making them beloved companions.
- Manx cats, known for their loyalty and sociability, are often described as dog-like in temperament, forming strong bonds with their owners.
- Balinese cats require high maintenance due to grooming needs but are less demanding than Siamese, making them smart, playful, and affectionate companions that thrive on human interaction.
- Bengal cats love play, water, and the outdoors, being loyal, eager to please, and full of energy, showcasing dog-like characteristics.
- American Curl cats are very affectionate and described as "dog-like" in temperament, making them great companions and interactive pets.
- Scottish Fold cats are social and people-oriented, often following their owners around, enjoying the company of humans and other pets.
- Siberian cats are playful, loyal, and known for their devoted personality, forming strong bonds with their owners and requiring a lot of attention.
- Turkish Vans are interactive and fun-loving, enjoying water and play, exhibiting dog-like behaviors.
- Singapura cats are curious, social, and playful, making them great companions that thrive on human companionship and interaction.
- Tonkinese cats are highly social, affectionate, and interactive, being perfect for those seeking a chatty and engaging feline friend who will form a strong bond with their owners.
- Oriental Shorthair cats are vocal and loyal, enjoying human companionship, forming strong bonds with their owners, and exhibiting dog-like behavior.
- Somali cats bond deeply with their owners, being active, playful, and intelligent, requiring attention and affection from their human companions.
- Norwegian Forest Cats are affectionate and enjoy interactive play, forming strong bonds with their owners, making them great companions.
- Japanese Bobtails are social, playful, and sometimes known to fetch, being charming and energetic, showcasing dog-like characteristics.
- Devon Rex cats are playful, affectionate, and adventurous, being great for those seeking a feline friend with a zest for life who will form a strong bond with their owners.
- Sphynx cats are very social, affectionate, and often describe as 'dog-like' in attention-seeking, being perfect for those seeking a feline friend who loves to interact and form strong bonds with their owners.
- Cornish Rex cats are active and playful, being very people-oriented and thriving on human companionship, forming strong bonds with their owners and requiring attention and affection.