There’s something magical about cats that possess that special combination of feline grace and canine charisma. While dog lovers have traditionally favored loyal, playful, and social companions, many are discovering that certain cat breeds offer surprisingly similar qualities. These remarkable felines challenge every stereotype about aloof, independent cats.
The world of cat breeds is incredibly diverse, with some breeds displaying personality traits that mirror the qualities dog enthusiasts adore most. From interactive play sessions to devoted companionship, these cats prove that the line between “dog person” and “cat person” isn’t as clear as we once thought. So let’s dive into the fascinating world of cats that even the most devoted dog lovers find irresistible.
Maine Coon: The Gentle Giant with a Golden Heart
The Maine Coon truly lives up to its reputation as “the gentle giant of the cat world,” with these majestic cats weighing between 10 and 25 pounds and often described as “dog-like” because of their loyalty and love of people. These cats are laid-back, get along well with everyone including other animals, and while they may look like giants, they have very gentle hearts.
Dog lovers will be particularly happy to learn that Maine Coons enjoy exploring the outdoors and can even be trained to stroll the neighborhood on a leash with patience and diligent training. As a people-oriented breed, Maine Coons are easy to train and can even learn to walk on leashes. Their impressive size combined with their sweet temperament makes them perfect for families who want a cat with serious presence.
Ragdoll: The Ultimate Cuddle Companion
One of the most dog-like cat breeds is the Ragdoll, known for their large size, striking blue eyes, and irresistibly affectionate nature, called “Ragdolls” because of their tendency to go limp when picked up. These cats are known for their calm and affectionate nature, going limp like a rag doll when you pick them up or cuddle them, with mesmerizing blue eyes and silky fur that makes them as beautiful as they are cuddly.
Ragdoll cats are one of the most cuddly cat breeds existing today, and while most cats enjoy time alone, ragdoll cats enjoy participating in day-to-day chores and will follow their favorite human around the house. Ragdolls are famously friendly, delightfully docile, and absolutely adore being held and cuddled. Their devotion to their human family makes them perfect for dog lovers who crave that constant companionship.
Siamese: The Chatty Social Butterfly
If you’re a fan of the way dogs crave human attention, you may want to look at the highly social Siamese, as these affectionate cats are hugely interactive and enjoy the company of other cats, children, and even strangers. Siamese cats make terrific companions for anyone searching for an affectionate, social, and interactive pet, and they’re not picky about their friend circle either.
Just like dogs, Siamese cats are highly trainable, and they can be taught to play fetch and even give high fives. These highly social cats are known to engage in “conversations” with a variety of meows and chirps, and their striking blue eyes and distinctive masked appearance add to their allure. Their vocal nature and interactive personality make them ideal for dog lovers who appreciate an engaging companion.
Bengal: The Wild-Looking Playmate
No one ever said that Bengals were a low-maintenance breed, but for dog lovers, that’s kind of the point, as this lively and exotic-looking cat has a magnetic energy and will keep you on your toes with spirited hijinks. Bengals love to play and are constantly on the move, and this breed also has a unique affinity for water, so it’s not unusual to find a Bengal splashing playfully in a sink or bathtub.
When not exploring every nook and cranny of your home or jumping from counter to counter, these athletic, extroverted cats love to be social and interact with their pet parents, making wonderful companions for those who can provide ample mental and physical exercise. These cats have been known to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood as well, and one thing’s for sure – these cats are anything but boring.
Abyssinian: The Mischievous Acrobat
Aptly nicknamed the “Aby-silly-an,” this playful cat breed will have you doubled-over with laughter over amusing tomfoolery, as Abys are highly active cats constantly climbing, jumping, and exploring their surroundings, exhibiting a doglike attachment to their owners. This playful breed is one of the most doglike cats you can find, being highly active and always on the move – climbing, jumping, and exploring, and they’re an extroverted breed with a doglike attachment to their owners.
Left in solitude, an Abyssinian can suffer depression, so this is definitely a breed for people who can lavish their pets with attention. Interested in a cat that you can enter in agility competitions? The Aby is a solid choice, as these cats are highly intelligent and can be successfully clicker-trained to perform tricks.
American Bobtail: The Clownish Companion
Confident and friendly, the American Bobtail is a highly intelligent breed with a clown-like personality, and despite their wild expression similar to that of a bobtailed wildcat, this rare and athletic breed is friendly and affectionate. American Bobtails are friendly, engaging cats that form tight bonds with their humans, typically getting along with kids and dogs and eagerly greeting visitors, being affectionate and devoted without being needy.
Both athletic and playful, the Bobtail is always up for some fun, with favorite activities often including games of fetch, hide-and-seek, and strolling through the neighborhood on a leash. Thanks to their easy-going nature and clown-like antics, Bobtails make excellent therapy cats capable of brightening anybody’s day. Their therapeutic nature makes them perfect for dog lovers seeking emotional connection.
Burmese: The Loyal Shadow
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), Burmese cats exhibit puppy-like traits, including an aptitude for cuddling and a desire to be in the company of their owners as much as possible. These sleek, muscular cats have a playful, affectionate, kitten-like nature that persists into adulthood, and Burmese cats are almost dog-like in their loyalty to their humans.
The Tonkinese, a hybrid of Siamese and Burmese cat breeds, is another cat with a dog-like personality that adores the company of other pets, known to be incredibly lovable, goofy, and always eager for affection. Their unwavering loyalty and affectionate nature make them ideal for dog lovers who want a devoted feline friend.
Manx: The Tailless Wonder
Best known for their tailless posterior, Manx cats are gentle, affectionate, and people-oriented, with fans of the breed loving this cat for many canine characteristics, as they’re playful and intelligent cats who enjoy learning new tricks and can often be found playing fetch or roaming the house with favorite toys in their mouths, thriving on human companionship.
There’s more to the Manx cat than its famously tailless posterior, as this doglike cat is a people-oriented breed whose playful demeanor and superior intelligence make it a good choice for dog lovers, enjoying learning new tricks and appreciating interactive toys and puzzle feeders.
Savannah: The Athletic Adventurer
The lovely Savannah cat displays a wide range of doglike traits, being fiercely loyal and attaching strongly to their owners, while also being athletic adventure-seekers adept at jumping and swimming, and they can even be trained to walk outdoors on a leash. The Savannah cat, a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, exhibits unique qualities that can resonate with dog lovers, known for their high energy levels, curiosity, and strong social inclinations.
Savannah cats are a famously doglike breed, and they exhibit a bunch of canine traits, being fiercely loyal and attaching strongly to their owners. Their wild heritage combined with domestic temperament creates a fascinating companion for adventurous dog lovers.
Siberian: The Adventurous Pioneer
The Siberian is a breed with an adventurous, pioneering spirit not often seen in cats, and being agile and muscular, Siberians have a habit of getting into things, whether it’s scaling your bookshelves or rummaging through your cabinets. Sibbies are regarded by experts as being more like dogs than other cats, known to be highly intelligent, inquisitive and can be trained.
The affectionate, curious, and cool Siberian cat loves giving and receiving attention, making great pets for young children and known to adjust to and even welcome canine family members, so expect lots of singing from your vocal kitty. These balls of fluff are outgoing, affectionate, and known to get along with almost any pet or human, with their friendly nature and adaptability making them excellent family pets.
Devon Rex: The Playful Pixie
The Devon Rex is a very short haired breed with a medium build and a unique head type which gives the breed a ‘pixie-like’ appearance. Petite size, pixie-like facial features, and an incredibly sociable personality make the Devon Rex cat a favorite breed among cat lovers, with their unique coat that makes it stand out from the rest: soft, ultra-fine fur with a wavy texture.
The friendly, playful Devon rex has a distinct elven appearance, kind eyes and an endearing personality, so expect lots of clowning around and loud purrs with this breed, as Devon rex cats are especially great for cat-friendly dogs and young kids desperate to hold and pet their new feline friend. Sometimes described as part dog, part cat, and part monkey, Devon Rex cats are accomplished climbers who are easily trained and find great enjoyment in outdoor walks and rousing games of fetch.
Bombay: The Velcro Cat
Bombays have earned the nickname “velcro cats,” and for good reason, as these doglike cats tend to keep close to their owners, often following them from room to room, being incredibly social and interactive, making them a wonderful alternative for the animal lover who can’t own a dog. The Bombay distinguishes itself from wild cats thanks to its sociable nature, combining the curiosity of a monkey with the affectionate and loyal sense of play you’d find in a domesticated dog, resulting in a cat that’s sometimes alarmingly clever but also loves to burrow under covers.
They’re not shy around strangers – unlike other cats, they won’t dash under the bed when people come over, and in fact, they’re likely to greet you and anyone else at the door. Their greeting behavior and social nature make them perfect for dog lovers who want an outgoing companion.
Conclusion
These remarkable cat breeds prove that the ancient rivalry between cat and dog people might just be a myth. Each of these felines brings something special to the table: the Maine Coon’s gentle strength, the Ragdoll’s cuddly devotion, or the Siamese’s chatty personality. They challenge every preconception about aloof, independent cats.
Whether you’re drawn to the athletic Bengal, the loyal Burmese, or the playful Devon Rex, there’s likely a cat breed that matches your dog-loving heart perfectly. These cats offer the best of both worlds: feline elegance combined with canine-like loyalty and affection. What do you think about these amazing breeds? Tell us in the comments which one captured your heart!
