These cats fetch, follow, and fawn like man’s best friend.
Cats that fetch? Felines that follow you everywhere? If you’ve always loved dogs but prefer the independence of a cat, you’re not alone. Some cat breeds are so dog-like in behavior, it’s like they’re stuck in the wrong body. From greeting you at the door to learning tricks, these cats blur the line between purr and bark. Keep reading to meet the purring imposters that just might steal your dog-loving heart.
1. Abyssinian
Abyssinians are social butterflies that crave human interaction and love to play. They’re always curious, often exploring every corner of the house and even following you from room to room. This breed is known for its high energy and love of heights, but what makes it truly dog like is its tendency to play fetch and respond to its name. These athletic cats form strong bonds with their people and hate being left alone.
Source: Critical Hit
2. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is often called the gentle giant of the cat world, and it’s easy to see why. Despite its size, this cat is affectionate, easygoing, and friendly with everyone including strangers and other pets. They’ll follow you around the house, wait at the door when you come home, and even learn to walk on a leash. Their playful nature and loyal temperament make them feel more like a fluffy dog than a feline.
Source: MaineCoon
3. Ragdoll
Ragdolls are known for their laid back, cuddly personalities. They’ll flop into your arms like a plush toy and love to be carried around, which is a rare trait in cats. But what really gives them dog energy is their tendency to trail their humans, greet guests, and play games like fetch. Their people pleasing attitude and gentle nature make them ideal companions for those who want a dog like pet without all the barking.
Source: Ragdoll – Wikipedia
4. Bengal
Bengals are energetic, intelligent, and highly trainable, three traits you’d expect from a smart dog. This exotic looking breed thrives on mental stimulation and enjoys playing games, solving puzzles, and even learning commands. Many Bengal owners report their cats loving water, walking on leashes, and coming when called. Their bold personalities and strong bond with humans make them feel more like a mischievous puppy than your typical aloof cat.
Source: The International Cat Association
5. Turkish Van
This breed is famously known as the swimming cat, a trait not many felines share. Turkish Vans are playful, vocal, and unusually fond of water. They enjoy games of chase and fetch, and they bond deeply with their humans. These cats tend to stick close to their owners and often greet them at the door. With their loyal nature and high energy, Turkish Vans often act more like a Labrador than a housecat.
6. Manx
The tailless Manx is loyal, affectionate, and even protective of its family, qualities often found in watchdogs. This breed tends to pick a favorite human and form a deep attachment, shadowing them like a faithful pup. Manx cats are also known to be good at learning commands, and many enjoy interactive games. Their alert nature and willingness to engage make them perfect for families wanting a more dog like feline companion.
7. Somali
The Somali cat is the long haired cousin of the Abyssinian and shares many of its dog like traits. These cats are active, intelligent, and love being the center of attention. They’re curious explorers who often follow their humans and can be trained to fetch or walk on a leash. Somali cats enjoy routines, socializing, and engaging in play, making them feel more like an energetic terrier than a traditional lap cat.
8. Bombay
Bombays are sleek, shiny black cats often compared to miniature panthers, but their personality is all puppy. These affectionate cats love to be around people and will happily sit in your lap or follow you throughout the day. They can be leash trained, enjoy interactive games, and even perform tricks. Bombays thrive on attention and aren’t shy about demanding it, giving them a bold, loyal, and dog like demeanor.
9. Ocicat
Despite its wild appearance, the Ocicat is a gentle and friendly breed that behaves more like a dog than a jungle cat. It’s highly trainable, social, and enjoys being part of the family’s daily activities. Ocicats are often compared to dogs for their love of fetch, leash walking, and playing with kids. They’re confident and outgoing, making them great companions for households that want the fun of a dog with the grace of a cat.
10. American Curl
With its unique curled back ears and sweet disposition, the American Curl is a people loving breed that enjoys being involved in everything. These cats are adaptable, affectionate, and enjoy following their owners from room to room. They’re often compared to dogs for their loyalty and ability to learn tricks. American Curls are playful well into adulthood and love companionship, making them ideal for someone looking for a dog’s devotion in a cat’s body.
11. Burmese
Burmese cats are famously affectionate and people focused, often described as velcro cats because of how close they like to stay. They’re extremely social, love being held, and are known to follow their humans from room to room. Burmese cats are playful well into adulthood and enjoy fetch and interactive games. Their strong desire for companionship and their trusting nature makes them a fantastic choice for someone looking for a dog like relationship with their pet.
12. Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats are a mix between Siamese and Burmese breeds, and they carry the best of both worlds. They’re lively, friendly, and have no problem voicing their opinions. Much like dogs, they love being part of every activity and will often greet you at the door. Tonkinese cats are trainable and eager to please, which makes them great for families who want a cat that behaves like a loyal, energetic puppy.
13. Oriental Shorthair
With their long bodies and big ears, Oriental Shorthairs look exotic, but their personality is down to earth and incredibly affectionate. These cats are extremely vocal, outgoing, and thrive on human attention. They don’t like being left alone for long and often attach themselves to one person. Like dogs, they enjoy interactive play, learn routines easily, and often follow their owners around, making them ideal for those wanting a clingy but lovable companion.
14. Chartreux
The Chartreux is a quiet but devoted breed known for its calm demeanor and affectionate personality. Though they may not be as hyper as some others on this list, they form deep bonds with their humans and will quietly follow them around like a shadow. Chartreux cats are intelligent, trainable, and love playing fetch. Their loyalty, adaptability, and calm nature make them perfect for those who want a dog like pet with a more serene vibe.
15. Savannah
Savannah cats are a wild looking hybrid of domestic cats and African servals, but don’t let their exotic looks fool you. These cats are incredibly smart, active, and love being around people. They enjoy walking on leashes, playing fetch, and learning commands. Savannahs require a lot of stimulation and attention, much like a high energy dog breed. Their fearless curiosity and loyal behavior make them one of the most dog like cats out there.
16. Pixiebob
Pixiebobs are muscular, bobtailed cats that have a rugged look and a gentle, dog like heart. They’re known to chirp rather than meow and are very interactive with their families. These cats love car rides, leash walking, and even respond to voice commands. Pixiebobs tend to be protective and will often stick close to their favorite human. They’re great for people who want a loyal, playful cat with the devotion of a family dog.
17. Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds are famous for their folded ears and plush expressions, but they’re just as charming in personality. They’re calm, cuddly, and often follow their humans around like they’re on a mission. These cats enjoy routines, are trainable, and love interactive play. They’re content being involved in whatever you’re doing and can even learn to come when called. Their quiet loyalty and sweet behavior make them feel like the feline version of a lapdog.
18. Snowshoe
The Snowshoe is a charming mix of Siamese and American Shorthair, giving it both the vocal personality and the laid back friendliness many dog lovers enjoy. These cats are social, affectionate, and enjoy greeting people at the door. They’ll often form strong bonds with their humans and crave companionship. Snowshoes are known to play fetch and learn commands, which makes them ideal for families who want a cat with strong dog like tendencies.
19. Siamese
Siamese cats are known for their high intelligence, bold personalities, and strong attachment to humans. They’re extremely vocal, often holding conversations with their owners, and thrive on companionship. Siamese cats follow you around, demand your attention, and love to be part of every activity. They’re trainable, playful, and form deep bonds with their people, much like loyal dog breeds. Their high energy and strong presence make them unforgettable companions for any cat or dog lover.
20. Balinese
The Balinese is essentially a long haired Siamese and shares the same social, smart, and playful nature. These cats are active and vocal, and they love interacting with their humans. They often form strong attachments and hate being left out of the action. Balinese cats are known for learning tricks, enjoying fetch, and following routines. Their deep need for connection and their affectionate personalities make them a perfect cat choice for someone who wants a dog in disguise.
21. Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is playful, intelligent, and always on the move. Known for its energetic personality and pom pom tail, this breed loves games, especially fetch. They’re also known to follow people from room to room and chirp in response to conversation. Japanese Bobtails are social and curious, bonding deeply with their families. Their joyful nature and active lifestyle make them feel like a cheerful little dog in a sleek, feline body.
22. Singapura
Don’t let their tiny size fool you. Singapura cats are brave, outgoing, and packed with personality. They thrive on attention and enjoy being part of every family activity. These cats are highly affectionate and often ride on shoulders or follow you everywhere you go. Singapuras are playful, intelligent, and respond well to training. Their devotion to their humans and energetic curiosity give them an unmistakably dog like vibe despite their petite stature.
23. Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex cats have a unique appearance with their curly coats, but their behavior is what really sets them apart. These cats are agile, clownish, and always eager to play. They enjoy learning tricks, fetch, and even walking on a leash. Cornish Rexes bond strongly with their humans and often shadow them throughout the house. Their lively energy and constant need for interaction make them a great option for anyone who wants a pet that behaves like a playful dog.
24. Devon Rex
With its large ears and elfin face, the Devon Rex is a natural attention grabber. These cats are affectionate, mischievous, and often compared to dogs for their love of games and following people around. Devon Rexes are also very trainable and love being involved in family life. Their cuddly nature, loyalty, and eagerness to interact give them a personality that’s far more canine than your average aloof kitty.
25. LaPerm
The LaPerm’s signature curly coat isn’t its only standout feature. This breed is known for being friendly, intelligent, and highly adaptable. They’re curious without being overly demanding, and they often bond closely with their humans. LaPerms enjoy interactive toys, games like fetch, and being part of the household routine. Their easygoing yet affectionate nature gives them the kind of steady companionship that dog lovers often look for in a pet.
26. Siberian
Siberian cats are strong, athletic, and extremely affectionate. Despite their large size and fluffy coat, they’re agile climbers and active players. Siberians often come when called, play fetch, and follow their owners around like furry shadows. They are also very gentle with children and other pets, making them a top choice for dog loving families. Their loyalty, trainability, and sociable personality often leave owners saying they got a dog in a cat’s body.
27. Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat has the heart of a gentle giant and the soul of an explorer. These cats are independent yet affectionate, and they enjoy spending time with their humans without being overly clingy. They’re curious, love outdoor strolls on a leash, and are even known to retrieve toys. Their calm confidence and strong bond with their people make them feel more like a laid back dog than your average house cat.
28. Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthairs have the same sweet temperament as Persians but with a more playful and curious side. They’re affectionate, gentle, and love to be close to their people. This breed enjoys routines, can learn tricks, and often follows you from room to room like a little shadow. Their calm but loyal personality, paired with their cuddly nature, makes them an ideal choice for those who want the love of a dog without the high energy.
Do you have a cat that acts more like a dog? We’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment, share a pic, or tag a friend whose cat might secretly think it’s a golden retriever!
