For those torn between being a dog or a cat person, why not have the best of both worlds? Some cats defy their feline nature, behaving more like dogs with their playful, loyal, and affectionate personalities. These furry friends love to fetch, follow you around, and even greet you at the door. So, if you’re a dog lover with a soft spot for cats, these 15 breeds might be perfect for you!
1. Maine Coon: The Gentle Giant of the Cat World
Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, often referred to as the “gentle giants” of the feline kingdom. These big cats can weigh up to 18 pounds, and their heart is just as large. Known for their friendly, laid-back personalities, Maine Coons are incredibly social and thrive on human interaction. Much like a dog, a Maine Coon will follow you from room to room, greeting you at the door with an affectionate nuzzle. Their playful nature also makes them great at games like fetch, and they love being involved in whatever their human is doing, making them the perfect loyal companion.
2. Abyssinian: The Playful Pup of the Cat Kingdom
If you’re looking for a cat with endless energy and curiosity, the Abyssinian is your breed. These cats are incredibly intelligent, active, and love to engage in playful activities. Known for their ability to learn tricks and play fetch, Abyssinians often act more like dogs than cats. They are highly social creatures who will follow you around the house, always eager to be part of the action. Abyssinians are also known to climb to the highest spots in the house, keeping a watchful eye on their domain, much like a vigilant dog. Their playful and affectionate personality makes them a delight for anyone looking for a cat with a canine touch.
3. Ragdoll: The Laid-Back Lap Cat-Dog
Ragdolls are known for their relaxed, floppy nature, making them one of the most easygoing and affectionate breeds out there. These cats enjoy being held and will often relax completely in your arms, going floppy like a soft toy—just as their name suggests. Ragdolls are very people-oriented and will follow you around the house, seeking out your attention. They enjoy being involved in family life and are known for their gentle demeanor, making them great companions for families with children or other pets. If you’re looking for a laid-back cat that will loyally stick by your side and enjoy quiet moments together, a Ragdoll will fill that role—much like a devoted dog.
4. Burmese: The Chatty Companion
Burmese cats are known for their friendly, people-loving nature. These social butterflies form strong bonds with their owners and have a knack for communicating their needs—often quite vocally! Like a loyal dog, a Burmese will follow you around, always curious about what you’re up to and eager to be involved. They thrive on human interaction and dislike being left alone for long periods. Playful and affectionate, Burmese cats are also known to enjoy fetch, bringing their toys back to you with dog-like enthusiasm. Their loving, dog-like loyalty ensures that you’ll never feel lonely with a Burmese around.
5. Manx: The Tail-less Wonder with a Dog-Like Spirit
With their distinctive tailless appearance, Manx cats are one of the most recognizable breeds. But it’s their loyal, playful, and energetic nature that truly sets them apart. Manx cats are known for their dog-like behavior, including their love for playing fetch and their tendency to bond closely with their humans. They’re excellent companions, often following their owners around the house and coming when called, traits that are far more common in dogs. Despite their playful demeanor, Manx cats are also protective of their family, acting as little watchdogs, making them a great mix of feline independence and canine loyalty.
6. Siamese: The Chatty, Loyal Sidekick
Siamese cats are famous for their vocal nature, often “talking” to their owners with a distinctive, almost dog-like conversational style. But it’s not just their voice that’s reminiscent of a dog—Siamese cats are incredibly loyal and love to be around their people. These elegant, sleek felines form deep bonds with their owners and will follow them around the house, always eager to be involved in whatever’s going on. Their playful nature means they enjoy games like fetch, and their intelligence allows them to learn tricks quickly. With a Siamese by your side, you’ll have a loyal companion who acts more like a dog than a typical aloof cat.
7. Chartreux: The Fetch-Loving French Feline
The Chartreux is a breed known for its striking blue-gray coat and dog-like devotion to its owners. These cats are quiet, calm, and easygoing, but they also have a playful side that comes out when they engage in games like fetch. They will happily bring a toy back to you for another throw, just like a dog. Despite their independent streak, these cats form strong bonds with their humans and enjoy being close by, whether lounging next to you or following you around. Their unique combination of playfulness and loyalty makes them a perfect fit for someone seeking a canine-like cat companion.
8. Turkish Van: The Swimming Cat with Dog-Like Energy
Turkish Vans are famous for their unusual love of water, earning them the nickname “the swimming cat.” But their dog-like traits don’t stop at their affinity for a good splash—they’re also incredibly playful, energetic, and loyal. Turkish Vans are known to follow their owners around the house, engaging in play and sometimes even learning to fetch. Their boundless energy and curiosity make them fun and interactive companions, always eager to be part of the family action. For those who want a cat that’s as adventurous and loyal as a dog, the Turkish Van is an ideal choice.
9. Tonkinese: The Friendly Fetcher
Tonkinese cats are the life of the party, always ready to interact and play. They’re highly social and form close bonds with their humans, much like a loyal dog. These cats love to fetch, happily bringing their favorite toy back to you over and over again. Tonkinese cats also thrive on companionship, meaning they’ll follow you around the house, always eager to be near. Their dog-like need for interaction and their playful, affectionate nature makes them perfect for households that want an engaging, loyal feline friend who’s always ready for a game or a cuddle.
10. American Bobtail: The Playful Pup in Cat Form
American Bobtails may look a bit wild with their short tails and sturdy build, but their personalities are all about playfulness and loyalty. These cats have an almost dog-like tendency to form deep bonds with their families, often following their owners around the house and even playing games like fetch. They’re social, interactive, and curious, always wanting to be where the action is. American Bobtails are also known for their watchdog-like behavior, keeping an eye on their territory and alerting their owners to anything unusual. If you’re looking for a playful, protective, and loyal companion, this breed is a perfect mix of wild charm and dog-like devotion.
11. Ocicat: The Spotted, Dog-Like Adventurer
Ocicats may have a wild appearance with their striking spotted coats, but their personality is all about playful, dog-like companionship. These energetic cats love to play fetch and enjoy interactive games with their humans. Ocicats are known for their adventurous spirit and can even be trained to walk on a leash, making them perfect for families who want a pet that’s as active and engaging as a dog. Their strong attachment to their owners means they’ll follow you around, eager to be involved in everything you do, making them a fantastic option for those who love a bit of feline adventure with their dog-like loyalty.
12. Norwegian Forest Cat: The Viking with a Gentle, Dog-Like Soul
The Norwegian Forest Cat, or “Wegie” as fans affectionately call them, is a large, fluffy breed with a personality as big as its size. These cats are known for being incredibly gentle and friendly, and much like a dog, they’ll follow you around the house to keep you company. Despite their rugged, outdoor appearance, Norwegian Forest Cats are affectionate and loyal, often forming strong bonds with their families. They’re playful without being overly demanding and enjoy climbing, exploring, and relaxing near their favorite humans. If you want a loyal, gentle giant with a dog-like nature, the Wegie is a perfect match.
13. Savannah: The Wild, Dog-Like Companion
Savannah cats are a unique hybrid breed, combining the wild look of African servals with the domestic traits of house cats, resulting in their strikingly exotic appearance and bold personality. These cats are incredibly active, playful, and loyal—often displaying dog-like behavior, such as playing fetch and greeting their owners at the door. Savannahs are known for their high energy levels and love of adventure, which makes them ideal for families who want a pet that’s as interactive as a dog. Some Savannahs can even be trained to walk on a leash, and they enjoy being part of the family action, blending wild beauty with dog-like devotion.
14. Sphynx: The Naked Clown with a Dog-Like Heart
Don’t let their lack of fur fool you—Sphynx cats are known for their incredibly affectionate, dog-like personalities. Despite their hairless appearance, they have an irresistible charm, often showing playful, clownish behavior. These cats are highly social and love to be around people, frequently trailing their owners from room to room, always seeking attention and affection, much like a loyal canine companion. They’re also incredibly social and enjoy being the center of attention, often performing little tricks or stunts to keep their humans entertained. If you’re looking for a cat that’s as affectionate and attention-seeking as a dog, the Sphynx is a perfect choice.
15. Cornish Rex: The Agile, Dog-Like Acrobat
Cornish Rex cats are known for their sleek, wavy coats and their high-energy, playful personalities. These agile cats are often compared to dogs because of their love for interactive play, especially games like fetch. Cornish Rexes are incredibly social and thrive on human interaction, following their owners around the house and always eager to be involved in whatever’s going on. Their acrobatic abilities and energetic demeanor make them a joy to have around, especially in active households that want a cat with the energy and loyalty of a dog. They’re playful, affectionate, and always ready for fun.
