Whether or not you’re a canine particular person or a cat particular person, you doubtless have some ingrained concepts about each species. We regularly consider cats as low-maintenance and unbiased animals who not often present affection, whereas canines are thought-about the extroverts of the pet world, with loyal, playful, and cuddly tendencies.
Consider it or not, many cat breeds exhibit the behaviors we most frequently affiliate with canines, from enjoying fetch to snuggling to swimming (sure, some cats love water!). So, when you’re a canine lover who can’t personal a canine due to allergic reactions or your rental settlement, it’s possible you’ll need to take into account in search of cat breeds that act like canines and will give you all the love, loyalty, and delight {that a} pup would.
Understanding Cat Habits
Like canines, cats have been bred over time to develop particular traits, akin to extra social or playful natures. In the present day, many cat breeds are identified for having extra dog-like traits whereas nonetheless sustaining the unbiased streak that cats are identified for.
However a cat’s breed is barely half of what determines their conduct. All animals develop their traits via interactions with different animals and other people, in addition to their atmosphere. The best way cats talk their affection is commonly fairly completely different from canines and could be way more delicate. When a cat brushes towards your leg or curls up in your lap, that’s typically their means of exhibiting you ways a lot they care and worth your presence.
What Are Canine-Like Behaviors in Cats?
Each canines and cats talk with their physique language, from facial expressions to ear and tail actions. Canine are sometimes seen as extra expressive than cats, primarily as a result of they are typically extra vocal about their wants, in addition to extra playful and social. If you happen to’re in search of cats with extra dog-like behaviors, you doubtless desire a kitty with a extra mellow temperament, who reveals affection overtly and enjoys exploring and interacting with their human household.
Can Any Cat Be Canine-Like?
Cats are extremely clever animals and might even be skilled with endurance and consistency. The truth is, many cat dad and mom have taught their felines to carry out tips and reply instructions — behaviors which might be typically thought-about dog-like. Cats additionally reply effectively to clicker coaching, studying shortly to affiliate sure behaviors with the sound of a clicker. So, even when your cat isn’t dog-like from day one, you’ll be able to typically prepare them to undertake many of those behaviors with time and endurance.
Cat Breeds That Act Like Canine
Whereas a cat’s breed doesn’t assure that they’ll act extra dog-like, there are a number of breeds that are typically extra social, outwardly affectionate, and constant, similar to their canine counterparts.
Maine Coon
Recognized for being huge so far as cats go (as massive as many toy canine breeds), the Maine Coon is an affectionate and constant breed that likes to play. Consider these fluffy felines because the cat model of a Bernese Mountain Canine — furry, sturdy, and candy as could be. The Maine Coon’s measurement and playful disposition make them an incredible selection for households with youngsters. Simply be ready for frequent grooming, as these cats shed so much.
Abyssinian
If you happen to’re in search of a cat to hitch you on the occasional out of doors journey, an Abyssinian is a unbelievable selection. This breed responds extremely effectively to leash and harness coaching and is right down to take a stroll with you across the neighborhood. Abyssinians are very social and like to play, even climbing on prime of their dad and mom to get an excellent go searching. You should definitely have loads of interactive toys to maintain this cat entertained, together with some towers and climbing constructions when you don’t need to be your feline’s private playground.
Siberian Cat
Whereas they’re much less obsessive about their human dad and mom than many different breeds on this listing, the Siberian Cat nonetheless boasts excessive intelligence and athleticism and isn’t delay by bustling or noisy environments. You’re sure to be entertained by this breed’s wild antics and seemingly boundless vitality. Siberian Cats additionally do effectively with canines when you take the time to introduce them correctly.
Ragdoll
This breed is called the “pet cat” for a motive — they’re laid again, longing for playtime or petting, and can stick by your aspect wherever you go in the home. Named for his or her distinctive tendency to go limp and flop round when picked up, Ragdolls are pleased to get together with nearly anybody, together with youngsters and canines, they usually like to make new mates. Identical to their canine counterparts, Ragdolls will greet you on the door while you come dwelling, so in order for you a cat that acts like a canine, look no additional than this mellow and charming breed.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Identical to the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a mild large whose large measurement belies their loving and affectionate nature. This breed can simply match into any dwelling, adapting to new environments and getting alongside effectively with the entire household, together with canines. Their fluffy coats and exquisite coloring make them appear like one thing out of a fairytale. If you need a canine-sized cat greatest good friend, you’ll be able to’t go fallacious with this breed.
Burmese
With their very smart and enthusiastic nature, Burmese cats make for affectionate and constant pets, very like canines. These cats are good for leash coaching and develop a robust dependency on their human dad and mom, following them from room to room. They might even demand playtime after they’re within the temper for some exercise! Remember that these cats are very vocal about their desires and wishes, so don’t anticipate a quiet family when you undertake this breed.
Manx
In case your greatest criticism about cats is that they don’t come when referred to as, a Manx could be for you. These cats are identified for responding to their human dad and mom, principally as a result of they genuinely like folks and luxuriate in being round them. This adventurous breed loves climbing and leaping and does effectively with interactive toys and puzzle feeders to maintain them stimulated. Like canines, Manx cats may even study new tips, akin to responding to voice instructions together with “come” and “no.”
American Bobtail
As loyal as many canine breeds, the American Bobtail tends to type a really shut bond with their human mum or dad, making them the best companion animal. This social breed additionally makes a unbelievable remedy cat, because of their candy and pleasant disposition. Like a number of cat breeds on this listing, the American Bobtail can do effectively with harness coaching, to allow them to be part of you in your out of doors adventures.
Siamese
One of many oldest home cat breeds on the planet, Siamese are identified for being social, athletic, and very needy. These cats do effectively in households with so much happening and might particularly profit from being round different animals. Siamese simply turn out to be harmful when bored, so maintain them entertained with loads of playtime. It’s possible you’ll even need to undertake one other cat or canine to maintain them firm while you’re out of the home.
Bengal
With the spots and look of a wild cat, Bengals are adventurous, assured, and clever, to not point out extremely dedicated to their human dad and mom. Descended from home cats crossed with Asian leopards, this breed is extremely energetic and even has a love for water — a decidedly un-cat-like trait. You’ll be able to educate a Bengal varied tips as they’re attentive to studying instructions. This feline will observe you wherever, making them a playful and constant companion.
Cats That Act Like Canine FAQs
Cats and canines aren’t as completely different as they might appear at first look. The truth is, they share many traits, akin to the need to develop robust bonds with their human households. If you happen to’re in search of a cat that acts extra like a canine, take note of traits like exercise stage, intelligence, and temperament.
Which Cat Breeds Are Most Canine-Like?
Whereas any of the breeds listed above are certain to scratch the itch for canine lovers, Ragdolls are maybe essentially the most dog-like cat breed. In any case, they’re generally known as “pet cats” for his or her affectionate and cuddly nature.
Is It Regular For a Cat to Act Like a Canine?
Domesticated cats and canines share lots of the similar traits, and each species talk with physique language. Whereas canines and cats differ in some elements, it’s regular for his or her behaviors to overlap.
What Giant Cats Act Like Canine?
The Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat are the most important breeds on our listing; each attain the scale of many toy-sized canine breeds. These cats are social and affectionate and could be nice selections for households with youngsters and different pets.
Able to Deliver House the Purrfect Cat?
Identical to people, each cat’s character is completely different because of their breed, temperament, and atmosphere. Many cats have the calm and social personalities most frequently related to canines, however their breed is not any assure {that a} cat will act the way in which you need it to. That’s why it’s essential to take the time to know your cat and the way they specific themselves, so you’ll be able to higher meet their wants as a pet mum or dad. Go to your native rescue or shelter and discover the right cat to undertake into your loved ones at present.