Introduction
There are certain cat breeds that exhibit dog-like personalities and behaviors. While cats and dogs certainly have their differences, some felines can be incredibly social, playful, energetic and affectionate in a way that is more commonly associated with canines. This article will provide an overview of cat breeds that often act like dogs due to their friendly temperaments and activity levels.
The thesis is that certain cat breeds, such as the Abyssinian, Maine Coon and Ragdoll, are known for having outgoing, social personalities akin to dogs. Their playful natures, ease around strangers, and enjoyment of activities like fetch make these cats seem more dog-like than other feline breeds. However, while they share some behavioral traits with dogs, these cats still retain quintessential cat qualities as well.
Personality Traits
When looking for a cat breed that acts like a dog, key personality traits to consider are affectionate, loyal, playful, energetic, and intelligent. Certain cat breeds are known to exhibit dog-like behaviors and form strong bonds with their owners.
The Ragdoll is an affectionate and people-oriented breed that enjoys following their owners around the house. They are playful, laid-back, and loving. The Maine Coon is an energetic, social and loyal breed often referred to as “dog-like cats”. They thrive on playtime and attention from their families.
The Abyssinian is an intelligent and energetic breed that forms strong bonds. They are eager to please, playful, and affectionate. The Bengal is known for being dog-like in both personality and appearance. They are lively, loyal, and loveinteractive play.
Overall, breeds like Ragdolls, Maine Coons, Abyssinians, and Bengals demonstrate more “dog-like” traits in their energetic,playful, and people-oriented personalities.
Breeds
There are several cat breeds known for exhibiting dog-like personalities and behaviors. Some of the most popular include:
The Ragdoll is a large, laidback breed that is often referred to as “puppy-like”. They are extremely affectionate and tend to follow their owners from room to room, much like a loyal dog. Ragdolls are intelligent and enjoy playing fetch and learning tricks. Chewy.com
The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds and is known for its friendly, outgoing personality. They bond strongly with their families, often greeting owners at the door and enjoying playtime. Maine Coons can be trained to walk on a leash and play fetch. Litter-Robot
The Manx breed tends to be highly energetic, playful and loyal like a dog. They often retrieve toys and enjoy learning tricks from their owners. The Manx is an affectionate, social breed that forms strong bonds. Chewy.com
The Turkish Van is an energetic, athletic breed often described as “dog-like” in temperament. They enjoy playing fetch, learning tricks, and going for walks on a leash. Turkish Vans bond very closely with their owners. Prudent Pet
The Bengal is a hybrid breed derived from the Asian Leopard Cat that is energetic, playful and highly intelligent like a dog. Bengals are devoted to their families, enjoy playing fetch and learning tricks. They often greet owners when they return home. Litter-Robot
The Abyssinian is a loyal, people-oriented breed that tends to bond very closely with their human families. They are energetic, friendly cats that often play fetch and learn tricks. Abyssinians enjoy going for walks on a leash. Prudent Pet
History
Cats were first domesticated in the Near East around 10,000 years ago.[1] The earliest archeological evidence of cat domestication comes from a 9,500 year old burial site in Cyprus that contained a human skeleton buried with a cat.[2] Over time, cats began to be valued as hunters, pest controllers, and companions.[3] As cats spread to different parts of the world through trade and migration, localized populations of domestic cats developed into distinctive breeds.
According to the Scientific American, most modern cat breeds originated in Britain in the 19th century, based on the writings and illustrations of English naturalists at the time.[4] The first documented cat show was held in London in 1871 at the Crystal Palace.[5] This spurred an interest in creating standardized cat breeds with consistent physical and behavioral traits. While early breeds were derived from naturally occurring subpopulations of domestic cats, modern breeds have been shaped through selective breeding for desired qualities like coat color and length, body type, and temperament.
Some of the early and influential cat breeds developed in Britain include the Persian, Siamese, Abyssinian, and Russian Blue. Other breeds originated elsewhere, like the Maine Coon and American Shorthair in the United States. Today, there are over 70 recognized cat breeds around the world, although many non-pedigreed domestic cats do not belong to any particular breed.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestication_of_the_cat
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestication_of_the_cat
[3] https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-taming-of-the-cat/
[4] https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-taming-of-the-cat/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestication_of_the_cat
Training
Cats can be trained to perform tricks and walk on leashes, similar to dogs. With consistent, positive reinforcement training methods like clicker training, most cats can learn simple behaviors like sitting, high-fiving, jumping through hoops, or retrieving toys. According to How to Train a Cat: The Ultimate Cat Training Guide, short 3-5 minute training sessions once or twice a day work best when first training a cat.
Teaching a cat to walk on a leash also requires patience and positive reinforcement. Let the cat get used to wearing a harness and trailing the leash around indoors first before going outside. Reward with treats for staying calm on the leash and gradually work up to short walks. Proper leash training allows cats safe supervised time outdoors to explore and get exercise.
Activity Level
When looking for a cat breed that acts like a dog, it’s important to consider the cat’s activity level. Some breeds, like the Bengal, are known for being highly active and needing daily interactive playtime. The Bengal is an energetic breed that needs at least 30-60 minutes of playtime per day, preferably using interactive toys that make them run and chase. Bengals love activities that provide an outlet for their natural hunting instincts. With their high energy level, Bengals do well when provided climbing structures, puzzle feeders, and even a wheel for exercise. By providing the right toys and activities, the Bengal’s exercise needs can be met, enabling them to behave well-behaved in the home when their owner is busy or away.
Grooming
Grooming is very important for high maintenance cat breeds to prevent tangles, mats, and skin issues. The three breeds that require the most frequent grooming are the Birman, Himalayan, and Persian due to their long coats [1]. Daily brushing and combing is recommended to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils throughout their coat [2]. Their long fur can easily become matted if knots are not brushed out. A metal comb should be used in addition to a slicker brush when grooming.
These breeds need baths every 4-6 weeks to keep their coat clean and shiny. Their facial fur should be washed weekly. Nails should be trimmed every 2-3 weeks to prevent overgrowth and scratching. The fur between the paw pads also needs trimming regularly [3].
Health
Like any cat breed, some health issues are more common in certain breeds than others. Some purebred cats are prone to genetic diseases due to years of selective inbreeding.[1] For example, Persian cats often suffer from breathing problems, tear duct issues, dental malocclusion, and polycystic kidney disease.[2] Other breeds like Norwegian Forest Cats can be prone to heart conditions like HCM, joint issues like hip dysplasia, and glycogen storage disease.[3]
In general, mixed breed cats tend to be healthier than purebreds since they have a more diverse gene pool. With purebreds, it’s important to find a reputable breeder that screens for genetic diseases. Regular veterinary care can also help catch issues early. Diet, exercise, environment, and routine care can also impact a cat’s health and lifespan regardless of breed.
While some breeds may be prone to certain conditions, every cat is different. Doing research on your desired breed can help you understand potential health risks. Working closely with your veterinarian and providing excellent care can help mitigate breed-specific risks. Being an informed pet owner is key to promoting your cat’s long-term wellbeing.
Adoption
If you’re interested in adopting one of these dog-like cat breeds, there are a few places you can check. Many local animal shelters and rescue organizations will have cats available for adoption. Be sure to let them know you’re looking for a cat with a dog-like personality so they can match you with the right fit. You can also check petfinder.com, which allows you to search for adoptable pets by breed, age, location and more. Specific breed-focused rescues are another good option, as they will have extensive knowledge of the breed’s typical traits and can help match you accordingly.
Adoption fees vary but are typically $50-$150 for adult cats from shelters and rescues. Purchasing a kitten from a breeder will be more expensive, ranging from $600-$1500 depending on the breed. Be sure to factor in initial vet exams and getting the cat spayed/neutered as well. The advantage of adopting from a shelter is you may be able to find an adult cat whose personality traits are already apparent, whereas a kitten’s adult personality will develop over time.
Whichever route you choose, make sure to ask about the cat’s behavior and interactions with people so far. Spending time playing with and interacting with the cat before adoption is ideal. Patience may be required to find just the right dog-like cat, but it will be worth it to find your feline companion.
Conclusion
While no cat breed is exactly like a dog, some do exhibit dog-like personalities and behaviors. The breeds covered in this article, like the Ragdoll, Savannah, and Bengal, are often noted for their social natures, trainability, and activity levels that are uncharacteristic of the average housecat. With proper socialization and training, these breeds can potentially learn to walk on a leash, play fetch, and respond to commands. However, it’s important to keep in mind their fundamental nature as cats – independent, natural hunters who need proper enrichment. While they may act “like dogs” in some ways, they should be appreciated for the unique qualities they possess as felines. With the right breed selection and training, certain cats can make for delightful furry companions.
