8 Dog-like Cats That Love Interactive Tasks (And 8 That Are Happy Just Being Cats)

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

White cat playing with a pink toy against a blue background.
Kanashi/Pixabay

While cats are often seen as independent and aloof, certain breeds stand out for being highly interactive and affectionate, somewhat similar to dogs. These cats crave attention, enjoy being near their owners, and are thrilled by activities like fetch or learning new tricks. Conversely, other breeds enjoy their personal space and prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. Understanding these differences is important when choosing the right cat for your home. Here, we explore 8 playful, interactive breeds and 8 more independent, laid-back ones. Let’s dive into these cat personalities to help you make the best choice!

1. Siamese: Playful And Inquisitive

siamese
Martin Bahmann – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Siamese cats are widely recognized for their dog-like personalities, making them incredibly affectionate and interactive. They are known to be very social and loving, frequently seeking out attention and following their owners around. Siamese cats love engaging in activities, including fetch and learning new tricks, showing their playful side. Moreover, their intelligence means they catch on quickly to training. Siamese cats also communicate with their owners through vocalizations, making them an expressive companion. If you’re looking for a cat with a lively, playful nature who will be attached to you, the Siamese is an excellent choice.

2. Bengal: Energetic And Adventurous

A playful Bengal cat with a spotted coat reaching for a feather toy, sitting next to a small Yorkshire Terrier indoors.
Helena Jankovičová Kováčová/Pexels

Bengal cats are energetic, adventurous, and constantly on the move, making them ideal for active households. These cats require ample exercise, much like dogs, and enjoy engaging in various physical activities such as climbing and playing with puzzle toys. Furthermore, Bengal cats are incredibly curious and often follow their owners from room to room, always eager to be involved in the action. They are highly intelligent and love solving challenges, which keeps them mentally stimulated. Bengals are perfect for owners who have time to engage them in fun and adventurous play, keeping them active and entertained.

3. Maine Coon: Affectionate With A Laid-Back Personality

Maine Coon
Rhamely/Unsplash

Maine Coons are well known for their dog-like loyalty and affection, making them perfect companions for families. These large, majestic cats enjoy being close to their owners and often follow them around the house, seeking out attention and affection. While they may not be as energetic as some other breeds, they still enjoy interactive play, such as fetch or playing with toys. Moreover, their intelligence allows them to learn tricks, such as walking on a leash, adding to their dog-like appeal. Maine Coons are ideal for anyone looking for a friendly, devoted, and low-maintenance cat that loves human company.

4. Ragdoll: Relaxed Yet Affectionate

Ragdoll cat looking at a miniature red toy car
Kaboompics.com/Pexels

Ragdolls are famously calm, gentle, and affectionate cats, often described as being “dog-like” in their behavior. These cats love to be carried around and enjoy being close to their owners, often following them from room to room. Ragdolls are playful, but they are not overly demanding, making them perfect for people seeking a cat that enjoys attention without being too high-energy. They love interactive games, including fetch, and are also great with children and other pets. Their relaxed demeanor and love for cuddling make Ragdolls wonderful companions, particularly for those who appreciate a laid-back, affectionate cat.

5. Abyssinian: Energetic And Sociable

Abyssinian
Ingusk/123rf

Abyssinians are lively, curious, and social cats that enjoy being the center of attention. These cats are incredibly active and love to engage in play, especially games like fetch or chasing laser pointers. Abyssinians are highly intelligent and inquisitive, always eager to learn and solve puzzles. They are also quite social, frequently following their owners around, eager to be involved in whatever is going on. Additionally, Abyssinians form strong bonds with their human families, making them wonderful companions for people who enjoy an energetic and interactive cat. Their lively nature makes them perfect for active households.

6. Scottish Fold: Curious And Social

Scottish Fold kitten walking through grass.
Виктория Билан/Pexels

Scottish Folds are unique cats known for their calm demeanor and distinctive folded ears. Although they may not be as energetic as some other breeds, they are still quite social and love spending time with their owners. Scottish Folds enjoy following their humans around, especially when something is exciting happening, and they love engaging in interactive play. They are curious by nature, exploring their surroundings and learning new things. Their gentle, laid-back temperament makes them an excellent choice for families or individuals looking for a cat that enjoys companionship without being overly demanding.

7. Turkish Van: Water-Loving And Playful

A beautiful Turkish Van cat with white fur and orange markings lounging gracefully on a wooden shelf. The cat looks directly at the camera with alert golden eyes. Next to the cat is a digital thermometer showing temperature and humidity, and a green potted plant adds a touch of nature to the scene.
Анна Кухарчук/Pexels

Turkish Van cats are distinctive for their love of water, which sets them apart from most other breeds. These playful and curious cats enjoy engaging in activities such as fetching, swimming, and playing with water toys. Turkish Vans are energetic, intelligent, and highly interactive, often following their owners and eagerly participating in family activities. Additionally, they are very loyal and create strong connections with their human families. Their unique combination of playfulness, intelligence, and love for water makes them an exciting and engaging pet for anyone looking for an adventurous and fun-loving companion.

8. Birman: Gentle And Playful

birman cat
Manfred Antranias Zimmer/pixabay

Birman cats are known for their affectionate and playful personalities, making them wonderful companions. These gentle and friendly cats love to be around their human family members and enjoy interactive play, including games like fetch, laser chasing, and playing with toys. Birmans are not overly energetic, but their loving and playful nature makes them perfect for families with children or other pets. They enjoy being close to their owners and can form strong emotional bonds. Birmans are ideal for those seeking a loving and playful cat that isn’t too demanding but enjoys attention and companionship.

9. Persian: Independent And Laid-Back

Persian cat near a tree
Lindarczyk/Pixabay

Persian cats are known for their calm and independent personalities, making them the perfect choice for people seeking a more relaxed pet. While they enjoy being petted and cuddled, Persians tend to be more self-sufficient and don’t require the constant interaction that more playful breeds do. These cats prefer peace and tranquility, and they usually aren’t interested in playing games or following their owners around. Persians are content to lounge around, enjoying a quiet, laid-back environment. If you’re looking for a peaceful companion who enjoys attention but on their own terms, a Persian could be the perfect fit.

10. British Shorthair: Calm And Independent

British Shorthair with silver tabby coat
MelaniMarfeld/Pixabay

British Shorthairs are known for their relaxed and easygoing nature, making them perfect for people who prefer a more independent cat. These cats are not overly demanding and tend to enjoy their own space. While they can be affectionate, British Shorthairs prefer to seek attention when they feel like it, rather than being overly interactive. They are content to relax and spend time alone, but they do enjoy occasional cuddles. Their calm demeanor makes them great for families or individuals who want a friendly yet independent cat that doesn’t require constant attention or play.

11. Chartreux: Quiet And Relaxed

Chartreux
Julian Bektashi/Pexels

Chartreux cats are calm, quiet, and reserved, making them ideal for people who prefer a more relaxed companion. These cats tend to be low-key and don’t require much attention or playtime, making them perfect for those seeking a quiet, easygoing pet. Although they enjoy being around their owners, they are more likely to observe rather than engage in interactive activities. Chartreux cats enjoy spending time with their human friends but do so in a calm, unobtrusive way. Their serene nature makes them an excellent choice for people who want a companion without constant demands for attention.

12. Russian Blue: Elegant And Independent

Russian Blue cat with a green bowtie
VS_star/Pixabay

Russian Blue cats are known for their elegance, calmness, and independent nature. These cats are affectionate but usually don’t engage in active play or constant interaction. They love their own space and tend to relax in quiet spots around the home. Russian Blues can form strong bonds with their owners but prefer to seek out affection on their terms. Their self-sufficient nature makes them an excellent choice for people who want a calm, loving cat without the need for constant interaction or play. Russian Blues are ideal for those who value a peaceful, low-maintenance companion.

13. Norwegian Forest Cat: Independent And Adventurous

Norwegian Forest Cat standing on snow-covered ground.
TatianaDm/Pixabay

Norwegian Forest Cats are independent and adventurous, with a love for exploration. These cats enjoy climbing trees, exploring the outdoors, and discovering new places, making them ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities. While they are social and affectionate, Norwegian Forest Cats prefer to spend time on their own and often enjoy their independence. They are playful but not overly interactive, preferring their own space when indoors. Their adventurous nature and strong bond with their families make them perfect for people who want a companion that can entertain them while still sharing time with them.

14. Oriental Shorthair: Reserved And Low-Key

Oriental Shorthair kitten sitting on a table
TaniaVdB/Pixabay

Oriental Shorthairs are calm, easygoing cats with a relaxed attitude. These cats are affectionate but not particularly eager to engage in interactive activities or play games. They enjoy spending time in quiet spaces and will seek affection only when they feel like it. Oriental Shorthairs are reserved by nature and prefer a more peaceful existence, making them a great choice for people who want a cat that enjoys being around them but doesn’t require constant interaction. Their easygoing and independent personalities make them ideal for owners who appreciate a laid-back, affectionate companion without the constant demands of playtime.

15. Sphynx: Loving But Low-Energy

Sphynx cat with large eyes
Racool_studio/Freepik

Sphynx cats are affectionate and friendly, always eager to be around their owners. However, unlike other breeds, they tend to be less active and interactive. Sphynx cats love being near their family members but prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They enjoy lounging and cuddling rather than engaging in high-energy play or chasing after toys. Despite their calm nature, Sphynx cats are loving companions and enjoy human attention, though they do not need constant interaction. These cats are perfect for people seeking a laid-back, loving companion who enjoys company but doesn’t require constant stimulation.

16. American Shorthair: Calm And Independent

American shorthair cat
8dda/123rf

American Shorthairs are calm, independent cats that enjoy their own space and don’t require a lot of attention or playtime. These cats are easygoing and are content to spend time alone, making them perfect for people who want a more low-maintenance companion. While they can be affectionate, American Shorthairs are not overly demanding and prefer to seek out attention when they feel like it. Their calm demeanor and self-sufficient nature make them ideal for families or individuals who appreciate a peaceful and relaxed cat that doesn’t require constant interaction.

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