Ever wondered what it would be like to have a cat that greets you at the door, plays fetch, or follows you around like a loyal pup? You’re not alone. There’s something oddly fascinating about felines that break every stereotype in the book. These cats don’t just tolerate you – they genuinely want to be part of your life.
Here’s the thing: not all cats are aloof and independent. Some breeds have personality traits that blur the line between canine and feline behavior. Let’s be real, if you’re someone who loves dogs but can’t commit to daily walks or you just prefer a smaller companion, these cat breeds might be the perfect middle ground. So let’s dive in and explore seven remarkable breeds that bring the best of both worlds to your home.
Maine Coon: The Gentle Giant Who Thinks He’s a Retriever
Often referred to as dog-like due to their large size and pleasant mannerisms, Maine Coons closely follow their owners and obey them. These large, fluffy felines follow their owners from room to room and come when called, and they’re surprisingly good at learning tricks and commands, with some even mastering fetch or walking on a leash.
Males weigh between 12 and 18 pounds, with females coming in between 10 and 14 pounds, making them as large as many toy dog breeds. Despite their impressive size, they’re incredibly gentle and social. Unlike many cats, Maine Coons like water, which is another trait more commonly associated with dogs. If you want a cat that’s playful, intelligent, and genuinely enjoys your company without being overly needy, this breed is worth considering.
Abyssinian: The Athletic Adventurer on Four Paws
Abyssinians have a tendency to follow their owners around the house and can respond to leash training. Think of them as the border collie of the cat world. The social Abyssinian doesn’t like to be left out or left alone and wants to be close to their humans and assist with all daily activities, whether you want them to or not.
These cats are constantly on the move, exploring, jumping, and seeking out new adventures. With their interest in playing with their owners combined with their curious intelligence, Abyssinians are nicknamed the Clowns of the Cat Kingdom. Honestly, if you’re looking for a couch potato cat, look elsewhere. This breed needs stimulation, interaction, and someone who appreciates their endless curiosity.
Ragdoll: The Floppy Lap Cat With Puppy Energy
Known for going completely limp when you pick them up, Ragdolls are laid-back, mild-mannered and loving pets that adapt easily to their environment and get along with both children and adults, along with other dogs and cats. Despite their name suggesting passivity, don’t be fooled.
These gorgeous blue-eyed cats welcome family members at the door and follow them closely, mimicking the loyalty of a faithful dog. Ragdolls can be trained to play fetch and come when called, just like a well-mannered dog. They’re patient, gentle, and surprisingly interactive for a breed that seems so relaxed. If you want a cat that’s both a cuddle buddy and an engaging companion, Ragdolls deliver on both fronts.
Burmese: The Sociable Chatterbox Who Loves Everyone
An intelligent and amusing breed that’s devoted to its people, the Burmese is an excellent family pet, particularly for households with children, and they’re known to sit and wait for their food, just like dogs. They love to be in the company of people, and will greet both their family and visitors joyously at the door.
Burmese are persistently more vocal than other breeds, enjoying engaging in conversation, and their energetic nature encourages play to an extent far more commonly associated with dogs. They’re not the type to pick just one favorite person. Instead, they thrive in family settings where multiple people can shower them with attention. Let’s be honest, these cats are basically extroverts in feline form.
Turkish Angora: The Mischievous Swimmer With Canine Devotion
Intelligent, loyal and vocal, Turkish Angoras are devoted to their families and love being involved in whatever you’re doing, and they’re playful, mischievous and determined, making them well suited for a home with lots of activity. They like to chase after toys, pounce at anything moving quickly, and can be trained to fetch, and they also enjoy water and are considered strong swimmers.
Here’s something you don’t hear every day: a cat that actually likes water. You might expect this level of loyalty from a canine, but Turkish Angoras are known for being remarkably dog-like in their devotion. These cats aren’t content to sit on the sidelines of family life. They want to be involved in everything, sometimes to the point of being hilariously intrusive.
Bombay: The Velcro Cat Who’s Game for Anything
Bombay cats may look like mini panthers, but they act more like bouncing black Labradors – they’re friendly, outgoing, and just a bit naughty, but they’re fun to live with and certainly never dull. Bombays have earned the nickname velcro cats, and these doglike cats tend to keep close to their owners, often following them from room to room.
They can be taught to walk on a leash and play fetch. Unlike other cats, they won’t dash under the bed when people come over – in fact, they’re likely to greet you and anyone else at the door. If you’re looking for a cat with endless personality and zero shyness, the Bombay fits the bill perfectly.
Manx: The Tailless Guardian With Surprising Tricks
Manx might look a bit like bunnies, but they have personality traits similar to dogs, and many Manx like to play fetch, and some have even been known to bury their toys. Manx cats can be trained to learn commands like no or come, just like a well-behaved dog, and if this breed were to be summed up in just a few words, it would be clever, devoted and social.
The Manx breed is unique not only because they are tailless but also because they exhibit a dog-like tendency to come when their owners whistle or call their name. Manx can also learn fun tricks, and they remain quite playful and kitten-like well into adulthood, and they are also highly social, forming close bonds with their human families. It’s hard to say for sure, but this might be one of the most underrated cat breeds out there for dog lovers.
Finding Your Perfect Match
The truth is, every cat has its own personality regardless of breed. Still, these seven breeds consistently display traits that’ll make any dog lover do a double take. They’re loyal, trainable, social, and genuinely enjoy being around people – qualities that challenge everything we think we know about typical cat behavior.
Whether you’re drawn to the gentle giant Maine Coon, the athletic Abyssinian, or the social butterfly Burmese, each of these breeds offers something special. They prove that you don’t have to choose between cat independence and dog-like devotion. You can have both in one furry package.
What’s your take on these dog-like cats? Have you experienced any of these breeds firsthand? The line between cats and dogs is more blurred than you might think.
