Are you curious about dog-like cats?
You’re going to love this list!
We’re talking about 8 breeds who totally act more like canines than felines!
Let’s check them out!
Don’t forget to check our Dog LIKE Cat breed Web Story.
8 Amazing Dog-Like Cats
Dog-like cats are actually a thing! True story!
Believe it or not, not all cats are aloof or just sort of “meh” about having a human in the house.
While pretty much any cat can behave in a dog-like manner – I’ve had a couple of random felines who loved belly rubs – some breeds are certainly more canine-like than others.
These breeds are known for their friendliness and actually enjoyment of their family.
None of these breeds show the classic “cat” personality that has become the source of so many jokes.
Rather, all of these breeds enjoy being around the family, and many of them do well with other pets, as well.
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Related: 7 Most trainable cat breeds
1- Savannah Cats
I actually owned a Savannah, and this breed will always top my list of dog-like cats.
Achieved by crossing a short-haired domestic cat with an African Serval, Savannah Cats are incredibly dog-like.
Fair warning, these cats are far larger than standard house cats.
In fact, they’re among the largest cat breeds that you can actually adopt.
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They are easily trained and they love to play in the water, walk on leashes, and even play with other pets.
However, they may not be the best choice if you want a cat that loves everyone equally.
They tend to bond very strongly with just one person. So, in that respect, they’re a lot like, say, a Shiba Inu dog.
2- American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is another highly affectionate and trainable breed that tends to act more canine than feline.
As the name implies, he has a very short little stump of a tail.
His tail is naturally that way, in case you were worried that it was the result of clipping.
According to Cat Fancier, the breed “was developed by natural selection to survive feral environments.”
Think about it- tails are extremely easy for predators to grab.
In fact, we have a feral kitty in our neighborhood that lost part of her tail when a dog grabbed it!
Bobtails are people oriented and excellent with other pets and children.
They are active cats that really enjoy playing with their family- and that includes their fellow four-legged pals!
Like dogs, they’re also highly trainable, thanks to their incredible intelligence.
Related: Do you know about this powerhouse? Read about the kinkalow cat breed
3- Ocicat
He may look like a miniature cheetah or ocelot, but the Ocicat has absolutely no wild DNA at all!
Descended from the interbreeding of Abyssinian, Siamese, and American Shorthair cats, Ocicats are purely domesticated felines.
They also happen to be very dog-like cats who are highly trainable.
They are known for following their people around the house, being very playful, and even coming when called.
Ocicats are also huge cuddlebugs who love nothing more than curling up on your lap to watch TV.
4- Ragdoll
If you want a dog-like cat that is basically the feline equivalent of a lap dog, then the Ragdoll is for you.
They get their name not from their looks but from their personality.
They go completely limp when held or sitting in a lap.
These mild-mannered cats love people and other dogs and cats.
How cute is this Ragdoll acting like a canine?
5- Maine Coon
Maine Coons are dog-like cats in both personality and size.
One of the largest domestic cat breeds, the Maine Coon can top out at 20+ pounds, and I’ve even seen them a bit bigger than that at the vet.
In addition to their dog-like size, this bred is known for being devoted, playful, and loving with their family – human and otherwise.
Check out the video below to see just how dog-like they really are!
6- Sphynx
Although their look may take some getting used to at first, these dog-like cats more than make up for their… unique… look with a personality that is just so awesome.
These cats are known for pestering their owners for attention, following them around, and even wagging their tales at them.
Not only do they act like dogs, but these hilarious kitties in the video below even team up to annoy their favorite dog!
7- Abyssinian
These are dog-like cats on almost every level.
In addition to following their owners around and loving a good game of fetch, these guys can actually become depressed if their owners leave them along for too long.
So, they’re really not the best choice if you work outside the home all day!
8- American Curl
Known for their curled back ears and winning personality, these guys have all the traits you find in dog-like cats.
PetGuide calls them “nothing short of outstanding,” and we couldn’t agree more.
The American Curl full of energy and absolutely love playing with every member of their families.
At the same time, they are also incredibly loving and thoroughly enjoy children.
Cats vs. Dogs: 7 Reasons Why Cats Rule!
Just for fun, we thought we’d conclude this with why even dog-like cat breeds still rule.
You’ve heard the saying “cats rule, dogs drool!” right? I’m pretty sure it actually came the children’s movie, Cats and Dogs (FYI, one of the best family movies ever!).
The debate has been raging for as long as people have had pets! Which is better: cats or dogs?
It’s time to lay it to rest once and for all! I’m going to tell you why I think cats rule! Although, if my dog asks, I’ll deny I ever said this! 😀
1. They rarely have patience for your antics, so when they do, it’s insanely hilarious!
2. They are independent thinkers!
Bottom line, you can’t tell a cat what to do! They teach us to be who we are without apology and think outside the box (okay, so maybe INSIDE the box, but you know what I mean!).
3. They are magnificent, graceful creatures!
Except for my kitty Alex. That cat just can’t cat. He falls off the windowsill, then just lays there bathing like he is exactly where he meant to be.
4. They don’t take up much space!
If they fits, they sits! Seriously, you can fit five cats in the amount of space that it takes to raise one dog.
Trust me, been there, done that.
5. They are incredibly observant and can alert you to ANY change in your environment.
ANY change! Not so good when you’re just trying to add a lovely new pet-safe houseplant to your mantle, but hey, at least I also always know when there’s a spider dangling from my ceiling!
6. They bring you gifts!
Why do your cats bring you dead critters (or in the case of the cat below, sponges)? It’s a sign of love!
Or a sign that they feel you’re not doing a good job providing for the family.
Super funny story (to me, anyway): my indoor/outdoor cat, Willow, once brought me a bird on Thanksgiving day.
She walked in the dog door, threw it on the floor and looked at me like “you’re welcome.”
7. They give amazing cuddles!
Cats are so independent that when they snuggle up with you, they make you feel like you’re the most special person in the world.
When that purr box gets going, your heart just melts!
Dog-Like Cats are the Best of Both Worlds
As an owner of both dogs and cats, I’ve often said that I’d either love a dog who potty trained himself like cats, or a cat that behaved more like a dog when it comes to trainability!
So, these dog-like cats really are the best of both worlds!
If you feel the same way, then bookmark this page of dog-like cats for future reference when you look for a new cat.
These dog-like cats have all the traits we love about dogs with the added bonus of ease of potty training a cat! LOL
As always, make adoption your first option.
There are cats for days in your local shelter who desperately need a forever home.
If you have your heart set on a specific cat, you’d be surprised at how many breed-specific rescues there are out there.
Do you have a dog-like cat? What breed is he? Share below!
Ben is an animal lover, blogger, and all around geek. He divides his love equally between his family, his animals, and his video games. In his spare time he is attempting to get a blog off the ground. Boy, are they heavy!
Nice post. For some reason, I love dogs more than cats. This is how u have been from childhood.
I was always a dog person for 45 years. Then I got together with a woman who was a cat person…. Hence, now I love cats! I don’t believe it! 🤣
Yes! BURMESE…. Isagold & Bettyblue are definitely cat-dogs!
I totally agree. My Auggie isn’t pure blooded but he’s a beautiful sable Brown with beautiful golden eyes. Follows me everywhere I go. Loves to cuddle.
My cat is a Burmese and definitely dog like.
Mine too.
Great list but definitely miss the Devon Rex…. 😕🤷🏻♀️ Most «dog like » cat on earth! 😅
Love Devon Rex. They are
like dogs without the maintenance or aggression. They are so sweet.
Devon Rex for sure! They are loyal, follow me around, play fetch, go for walks and so affectionate. Mine even prefer dogs over cats!
I agree with you on the Devon Rex. Mine plays fetch and follows me everywhere. Comes when called and will jump into my arms from the floor (of course has to be in the right mood). Pretty dog like though.
I had 2 Maine Coon’s and they were my favorite cats. I would get one again but my son is allergic. Both my Maine Coon’s enjoyed being loved on and would come running when called, unless they were dead asleep hiding in one if their favorite spots. I tease my Yorkie that he is cat-like. He rubs all over my legs and will leave between them.
I used to call my cat masin Kadog. I miss him so. After 15yrs he passed from apparent kidney failure. Miss ya Masin
We owned a chocolate brown Burmese cat and she was more like a dog than any other cat I know. very affectionate and loving. miss her a lot.
Sounds like my Auggie. He’s a beautiful sable brown. That’s what the vet calls him.
my cat is just a plain ole yellow kitty. His name is Bob. If my ph rings Bob acts like it is for him, He hears the elevator before Anyone does. He waits to see if they are coming here . If someone is getting off the elevator n coming here he waits til they open the door to my apt. when they open the door he runs. He likes to play ball, plays with bread ties. loves to climb. I have had Bob for 5 years n I would be lost without him.
I have a Bombay. He is my “puppy “! Follows commands, requires lots of hugs and petting and returns “ the love”!
Also have a Very shy,sweet Tortie! Very much. Cat! Both are affected toward humans and get along well. But the Bombay is quite the special companion!
I had a beautiful main coon. He was so loving and I miss him so much. Hurricane passed away at 2 1/2 yrs old vet said he had a enlarged heart, and she put him to sleep. He was gasping for air but started out losing control of his legs. I miss him but I also have 3 bob tails that r amazing. They walk in leashes play ball and anything u ask of them. Love riding in my truck and going to watch me barrel race. They love watching me and we’ll be ready to go find me after I race. To funny. We all miss our big boy thought he rip Hurricane we love u.
All my cats have been dumped as kittens and left for dead. This cats r full blooded had them all tested for DNA
I just been lucky that they were dumped by my farm bc they dumped them at a safe living home.
I have 9 short-hair domestic cats. Several of them come when I call them, play fetch and actually bring the things back (so long as it’s their favorite. For example hair ties, pennies, catnip fish, little mice – each one has their own). But my Georgie, may she rip, would cry to be with the dogs. She preferred sleeping with them over my other 2 cats. Yeah, 9 now. What was I thinking!
My cats a Bengal and follows me around, sleeps next to me and will fetch! When a toy mouse is thrown.
I have a tuxedo cat named Brittany and she is a big cat and very very loving. She follows me around and always sleeps right by me at night. She also loves to go outside and sit on my lap on the porch and greets me at the door when I come home. Her sister (who is in heaven now) was a retriever. She would retrieve a thrown toy and if we weren’t paying attention, she would find a toy in her toy basket and bring it to our feet and drop it there. If we didn’t play right away she’d pick it up and drop it again!!
I had a Russian blue named Toby that passed away in June at the age of 19. He loved to play with the neighbors dogs. He would seek out my 2 year old grandson to love on. He even used to change my answering machine message. He was always more like a dog than a cat.
I have a 20 year young chocolate point Siamese named Scooter who herds us to bed at 8:30p and wakes us up with a yowl in the morning. He is my seventh Siamese, all of whom fetched, herded, protected, and seemed dog-like , except that they were a bit more independent.
Tonkinese are just like dogs. Greet you at the door, follow you around, bring a toy back in their mouth and will walk on a leash. They are very intelligent. I have one following the death of my Siamese. Mind you, dogs don’t climb on everything high or shoot up your curtains!
I love these kinds of cats. We have a ragdoll and yup, he acts like a puppy sometimes.
These all sound like awesome breeds. We used to have a Savanna cat, and he acted JUST like a dog.
One of my cats growing up acted more like a dog than a cat! She would even drool and try to bark. We didn’t even have a dog. I thought it was fascinating!
I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but I had no idea there were a bunch of cat breeds. I only ever heard of a few!
Sounds like the perfect pet for a couple who cant decide between dog or cat. These cats sound very cool.
This is interesting to know. I have two cats of my own. Sometimes I think they act like dogs too. They can be a bit crazy at times.
Although we had a cat for 15 years, I consider myself a dog person. Our cat had some special needs and was fairly dog like. If we ever get another cat, I would like to adopt one of these breeds or another dog-like cat.
I have a friend who has a sokoke, which is similar to a bengal or savannah mix. He acts just like a dog!
Really interesting post. I’ve only heard of a couple of breeds and having a cat that acts like a dog is interesting. I love the idea of having a larger cat, but the hairless cat, I just don’t know. They kind of creep me out a bit. 😉
If we get a car we definitely want one that acts like a dog so that she can get along with our dog.
I will definitely bookmark this page for the future. I think I would like a cat that acts more than a dog and it’s still a cat 🙂
I had Maine Coon so I know exactly what you’re talking about. So weird but again it was fun to have a not-typical-cat cat. I didn’t know there are so many breeds acting like this.