Looking for dog-like cats?
Check out these 8 cat breeds who totally act more like dogs than felines!
Related: 11 striped cat breeds
Dog-like cats are actually a thing.
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 mutts who loved belly rubs – some breeds are more dog-like than others.
So let’s take a look at a few cat breeds who definitely act more like dogs!
Related: best dog breeds for cats
Dog-Like Cats
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 have owned one, 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.
- These cats are far larger than standard house cats.
- They are easily trained and they love to play in the water, walk on leashes, and even play with other pets.
2- American Bobtail
- The American Bobtail is another highly affectionate and trainable breed.
- This breed is people oriented and excellent with other pets and children.
- They are an active bred that loves to play with their family, whether they have two legs or four.
- Their intelligence also makes them incredibly easy to train.
3- Ocicat
- Descended from the interbreeding of Abyssinian, Siamese, and American Shorthair cats, Ocicats are very dog-like cats.
- They are known for following their people around the house, being very playful, coming when called, and be very trainable.
- They are also known for being all around cuddle bugs.
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.
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 18 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.
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.
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. Awwww.
8- American Curl
- Known for their curled back ears and winning personality, these guys have all the traits you find in dog-like cats.
- They are energetic and love to play with their owners.
- They are also incredibly loving and thoroughly enjoy children.
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 or a cat that was more like a dog. 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
If you’ve read any of my posts on Dogvills, then you already know what I’m going to say next.
As always, make adoption your first option. There are cats for days in your local shelter. If you’re looking for a specific breed, go online. 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!
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! š¤£
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…. šš¤·š»āāļø Most Ā«dog likeĀ Ā» cat on earth! š
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 āpuppy ā! Follows commands, requires lots of hugs and petting and returns ā the loveā!
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 weāll 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.