Ever wished you could have a cat with a dog’s personality? Well, you’re in luck! These 20 cat breeds will make you do a double-take with their canine-like behaviors.
1. Maine Coon
The gentle giant of the cat world, Maine Coons are known for their dog-like loyalty. These fluffy felines will follow you around the house, greet you at the door, and even play fetch. With their large size and friendly demeanor, they’re often called the “dogs of the cat world.” Maine Coons are also known for their love of water, so don’t be surprised if yours tries to join you in the shower!
2. Abyssinian
Energetic and playful, Abyssinians are the acrobats of the cat world. They love to climb, jump, and explore every nook and cranny of your home. Like many dogs, Abyssinians are highly intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation. They’ll happily learn tricks and even walk on a leash if trained from a young age.
3. Ragdoll
True to their name, Ragdolls are known for going limp when held, just like a ragdoll. These gentle giants are incredibly affectionate and will follow their humans around like a loyal pup. They’re also known for their relaxed nature and tolerance of children and other pets, making them perfect family cats.
4. Siamese
Talkative and attention-seeking, Siamese cats are the chatterboxes of the feline world. They’ll “talk” to you all day long, much like a vocal dog breed. Siamese cats are also known for their intelligence and can be trained to perform tricks and even walk on a leash. They form strong bonds with their humans and hate being left alone.
5. Manx
Known for their lack of tail, Manx cats are also famous for their dog-like personalities. They’re often described as “puppy-cats” due to their playful nature and love of fetch. Manx cats are also known to be excellent hunters and will often bring their “prey” (usually toys) back to their owners as gifts.
6. Bombay
Often called “mini-panthers” due to their sleek black coats, Bombay cats are known for their dog-like devotion to their owners. They’re incredibly social and don’t like being left alone for long periods. Bombays are also known for their leash-walking abilities and their love of playing fetch.
7. Turkish Van
These unique cats are known for their love of water, earning them the nickname “swimming cats.” Like many water-loving dog breeds, Turkish Vans will happily join you for a dip in the pool or play with running water. They’re also known for their intelligence and can be trained to perform tricks.
8. Birman
Often called the “Sacred Cat of Burma,” Birmans are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They form strong bonds with their humans and will often greet them at the door like a dog. Birmans are also known for their social nature and get along well with children and other pets.
9. Sphynx
Don’t let their hairless appearance fool you – Sphynx cats are incredibly warm and cuddly. These unique felines are known for their dog-like devotion and will often snuggle under the covers with their humans. They’re also highly energetic and love to play fetch and learn tricks.
10. Scottish Fold
With their distinctive folded ears, Scottish Folds are as cute as they are affectionate. These cats are known for their loyalty and will often follow their owners from room to room. They’re also quite vocal and will “talk” to their humans, much like chatty dog breeds.
11. Bengal
These wild-looking cats have the energy to match their appearance. Bengals are known for their playful nature and love of water, much like many dog breeds. They’re highly intelligent and can be trained to walk on a leash and perform tricks. Bengals also have a strong prey drive, so they’ll happily play fetch for hours.
12. Tonkinese
A cross between Siamese and Burmese cats, Tonkinese inherit the best traits of both breeds. They’re incredibly social, vocal, and affectionate. Tonkinese cats will greet you at the door, follow you around the house, and even try to “help” with household chores. They’re also known for their intelligence and can be trained to perform tricks.
13. Burmese
Often described as “brick wrapped in silk” due to their muscular bodies and soft fur, Burmese cats are known for their dog-like devotion. They form strong bonds with their humans and hate being left alone. Burmese cats are also known for their playful nature and will happily engage in games of fetch well into adulthood.
14. Ocicat
Despite their wild appearance, Ocicats are domestic cats with dog-like personalities. They’re highly social, intelligent, and can be trained to walk on a leash and perform tricks. Ocicats are also known for their strong bonds with their humans and will often greet them at the door like a loyal dog.
15. Savannah
A cross between a domestic cat and a serval, Savannah cats are known for their dog-like loyalty and energy levels. They’re highly intelligent and can be trained to walk on a leash and perform tricks. Savannahs are also known for their love of water and will often join their humans in the shower or bath.
16. Pixie-Bob
Despite the myth that they’re part bobcat, Pixie-Bobs are fully domestic cats with big personalities. They’re known for their dog-like devotion and will often follow their humans around the house. Pixie-Bobs are also quite vocal and will “talk” to their owners throughout the day.
17. Kurilian Bobtail
Originating from the Kuril Islands in Russia, these cats are known for their distinctive short, pom-pom-like tails and their dog-like personalities. They’re highly social, intelligent, and can be trained to perform tricks. Kurilian Bobtails are also known for their love of water and will often play with running taps or join their humans in the shower.
18. Siberian
These fluffy felines are known for their dog-like loyalty and affection. Siberians will often greet their humans at the door and follow them around the house. They’re also known for their intelligence and can be trained to perform tricks and walk on a leash.
19. Japanese Bobtail
Source: https://www.thesprucepets.com/japanese-bobtail-cat-breed-profile-4774909
With their distinctive short, bunny-like tails, Japanese Bobtails are as unique in appearance as they are in personality. They’re known for their playful nature and love of fetch. Japanese Bobtails are also highly intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks and walk on a leash.
20. Chartreux
These blue-gray cats are known for their quiet, gentle nature and dog-like devotion. Chartreux cats will often follow their humans around the house and greet them at the door. They’re also known for their intelligence and can be trained to perform tricks.
Feline Friends with Canine Charm
Who says you have to choose between being a cat person or a dog person? With these 20 breeds, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. From fetching toys to greeting you at the door, these cats prove that feline friends can be just as loyal and affectionate as their canine counterparts. So next time someone says cats are aloof, show them this list and watch their jaw drop!