It’s the classic cat vs dog debate. And it gets especially heated when you’re trying to decide on the best pet for you.
On one hand, you love the purring, pleasant, mellow company of a cat. You admire their independence. And the fact that they groom themselves, don’t smell, and are easy as pie to toilet train doesn’t hurt as well.
But at the same time, you also crave the athleticism and unabashed affection of dogs. You can take them on walks, play fetch with them, teach them a bunch of fun tricks and even go for a swim in the lake together. Plus, who doesn’t love coming home to someone who thinks you’re the best human ever invented
If you’re in the midst of a pet decision-making crisis, you’ll be relieved to know that there’s no compromise needed. Not when there are a bunch of wonderful cat breeds that act like dogs.
No, these kitties won’t slobber on your hand or go on a bark fest when you’re right about to drift into dreams – these cat breeds act like dogs in the best possible ways. Yes, this means these dog like cats come with all the benefits of being a cat as well as characteristics usually associated with dogs: they’re friendly, sociable and up for a walk, swim, and a game of fetch (or three).
Ready to meet these unique dog like cat breeds? Of course you are. Just a heads up for the previous dog owners before we get started – once you go cat, you never go back. You’ve been warned.
Abyssinian
Despite my elegant looks, I’m no gentle lap cat. In fact, I’m one of the most spirited, frisky cats in all the feline world! I prefer to live life on the edge, fueled by my insatiable curiosity to climb to the highest heights of the home, investigate everything my humans are up to and explore anything that catches my ever-alert attention.
Unlike most felines, I love water and I can play fetch with the best of canines. I’ve even been known to carry my favorite toys around in my mouth like a dog.
Want to put me on a leash so we can go explore our neighborhood? I’d be up for it – well, as long as you leash train me properly.
At this point, you’re probably thinking I’m rather doglike and yes, I’ll admit that does appear to be the case. Just keep in mind that, like with canines, I need a lot of stimulation and attention and can become depressed if you leave me alone too often.
Read more about the Abyssinian.
American Bobtail
Don’t let my wildcat looks fool you. Despite my rugged bobbed tail and muscular physique, I m as friendly and playful as a kitten.
I love the attention of my humans and I m not above asking for it so prepare for lots of playtime. That includes going for walks and teaching me tricks, which makes me sort of like a cleaner, smarter canine.
Am I sounding too good to be true? Well, here’s a little secret: I have a lot of energy and I need a regular regimen of vigorous playtime to burn it off. If I don’t get my fill cause you’re too busy for me, I have been known to do a number on the furniture.
So yes, I can be a little high maintenance. But given my outgoing disposition and general loveliness, I m so worth it. Read more about the American Bobtail.
Bengal
You might be confused – I mean, my appearance suggests more of a “tiger looking cat” than a “dog cat.” But don’t let my looks fool you. I may look like a wildcat, but I have more in common with the average canine.
Like what, you ask? For starters, I can be a handful with my super high energy levels and exceptional athleticism. But I am also a load of fun and can be trained, taken for walks and even swims!
And oh, you should know that I can do both cat and dog noises. I m very talented and can vocalize in a variety of tones. Just wait ’til you hear my cacophony of sounds!
If I don’t get the attention, stimulation and play that I need, you’ll find me meowing up a storm in gentle coos that escalate to playful howls and eventually turn into throaty growls. You don’t want to go there. So play with me already! Read more about the Bengal.
Chausie
True to my wildcat lineage, I am a fearless feline ? exceptionally fast on my feet and capable of heart-stopping feats of athleticism, like leaping six feet into the air! I m clever, too, which means I’ll be able to navigate to the highest, most out-of-reach spots around the house better stash away your valuables.
Of course, you could teach me to use my intelligence for good rather than evil. Like, I’ll be cooperative when you want to teach me a trick or two. I m even game for putting on a leash, going for a stroll, and playing a game of fetch in the park. A dip in a nearby stream doesn’t faze me either.
Just keep in mind that I love bonding with my humans and I have no qualms about public displays of affection. Expect lots of gentle head bumps, paw pats, and even a hug or two from me on a regular basis. Read more about the Chausie.
Egyptian Mau
I m a highly adaptable feline, suitable for both indoor and outdoor living. Should you let me out, you’ll be impressed to find I have top-notch hunting skills ? I may bring you back a treat or two. You might want to warn the neighborhood squirrels about me.
Love to run? So do I. In fact, I may try to race you from time to time. I also have a fondness for water and can be frequently seen playing with the kitchen tap, dipping a paw in the tub or even splashing the contents of my water bowl with my tail.
As doglike as all that may seem, I’m not as undiscerningly friendly like most canines. I play favorites with my humans and whereas I’m loyal and affectionate to the core with my humans, I don’t feel the same about the whole of your species. So don’t be surprised if I hunker off and hide when your friends are around. I’ll be back with my playful affections once they scoot off.
Read more about the Egyptian Mau.
Highlander
Don’t be intimidated by my wildcat roots – I m more of a jester than a predator and prefer to spend my days goofing around showing off my crazy antics. I love company and will let my human companions know that I m up for play as soon as they arrive.
I’ll even rush to greet people at the doorstep to initiate a game of tag or simply exhibit how high I can jump.
Unlike other cat breeds that can be a bit aloof, I am very sociable and like to mingle with other pets. I also don’t have difficulty adjusting to new people and environments. I’m also capable of mastering tricks and can be trained to walk on a leash as well as sit and even play fetch ? if you train me consistently.
Read more about the Highlander.
Kurilian Bobtail
With bobbed tails as unique as human fingerprints, I m a special cat. True to my wildcat looks, I m not opposed to some rumblin? tumblin? fun like hunting and going for swims – I love the water. But despite my powerful appearance, I have the gentle, loving disposition of a kitten and get along with pretty much everyone.
One thing you do need to know about me is that I’m all brawn…and brain. I’m a damn clever cat which gives me the ability to master tricks easily. It’s important to keep my brain engaged so make sure there are plenty of cat puzzle toys around if you plan on giving me a home, okay Read more about the Kurilian Bobtail.
Maine Coon
I m a true American ? big, hearty, and one of the oldest breeds to originate in the good old US of A. A rugged sort of cat, I m built to survive ? and thrive ? with my water-repellant fur and top-notch hunting skills but underneath my brawny good looks lies the heart of a gentle giant. I m as loving and affectionate as a kitten.
Although I tend to be easy going with my affections. I’m not a clingy sort so if you’re looking for some some activity, cuddles and alone time – I really am the cat’s meow.
Read more about the Maine Coon.
Manx
My lack of a tail isn’t the only un-feline thing about me. I m also highly sociable, protective of my home, and enjoy a game of fetch as much as your average canine. You might even hear me make a deep growling noise when unwanted visitors drop by.
Oh, and did I mention I can be taken for walks and bathed in water as well? Told you I wasn’t your average cat. Read more about the Manx.
Savannah
Beautiful, athletic, and smart, I m the sort of cat you’re going to want to show off to your friends. And you can, too, since I can easily be taught to walk on a leash and even master tricks like fetch? and sit . I m not shy at all so you can even catch performances of my climbing skills and ability to jump 8 feet straight into the air.
I’m also one of the largest cat breeds, making me the purrfect feline pick for cat lovers who’d prefer a big, athletic cat to a furniture with fur that lies around all day.
Siberian
Physically, I m built to survive in the rough, cold forests of Siberia, but emotionally, I thrive in the warm company of my humans. I m very sociable and affectionate and will frequently engage my humans in games.
That means I’ll be bringing you pretty much anything I can fit in my mouth like balls, keys, and plastic bottles in an attempt to get a game of fetch going.
That is, when I m not climbing to the heights of the house, playing with the faucet, or stealing your shiny objects.
Turkish Van
I m one curious kitty. I love to get in on everything my humans are doing in and around the house and will often follow you from room to room just to see what you’re up to. It’s all part-and-parcel of my easy sociability. You see, I m a friendly, people-oriented feline that has no issues getting along with humans and other pets.
But that doesn’t mean I’ll be constantly begging for your attention. I may be friendly, but I prefer to spend my free time on more productive activities, like working on my fitness. I am a marathon runner on ground, a master at scaling heights, and so good at swimming, I’ve been dubbed the Swimming Cat.
But despite my high-flying ways, I have a sensitive side and bond very closely with my humans so make sure you can commit for the long-term before inviting me into your life. Read more about the Turkish Van.
I love cats!
Hahaha, so do we. They’re the best!