There are cat people…and there are dog people.
But what happens when a dog person and a cat person who live in the same house can’t
come to a decision on which pet to get?
Well, they compromise and get the one that can sit on the fence and straddle it—a cat
that acts like a dog.
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10.
Maine Coon
If all cats are standoffish and aloof, no one told the Maine Coon.
Maine Coons are like the dogs we’ve featured in “Velcro dog” videos.
They are playful, affectionate and love nothing more than to shadow their humans.
So, if you choose one as your furbaby, be ready to give up most of your privacy…and
since Mains are also about the size of small dog—a big chunk of your personal space.
9.
Sphynx
One major difference between parenting a cat and parenting a dog is you never have to bathe
a cat…unless you have a Sphynx.
Although the Sphynx is thought to be a hairless breed, it is covered with ultra-fine hairs.
But because their hair is different from that of other cats, they must be bathed regularly
to prevent skin problems.
Like dogs, Sphynxes are also known for their loyalty and devotion.
They prefer to stick close to their humans and will follow you to the ends of the earth,
wagging —yes, wagging—their tails all the way.
8.
American Bobtail
Got kids?
There’s a cat for that.
The American Bobtail is an affectionate, intelligent breed that readily forms a strong bond with
their humans.
Bobtails seem to be tailor-made for households with children.
They love to play games like fetch or hide and seek, and have a dog-like tolerance for
noise and chaos that helps them adapt well to the pandemonium that comes with family
life.
And you don’t have to worry about rough play between the kids and your Bobtail.
A stocky, sturdy breed, they also have delightfully nubby or “bobbed” tails that are difficult
for little hands to grasp—giving Santa one less reason to put your little ones on the
naughty list.
Which do you think is the better pet for kids—a dog, cat, or dog-like cat?
7.
Abyssinian
Oil and water don’t mix, unless it’s in milk or margarine—and cats and water don’t
mix unless the cat is an Abyssinian.
The elfin-faced Abyssinian loves water, so it’s a fantastic cat for dog people who
enjoy sailing, water sports, lazy days at the beach, bubble baths, long showers, washing
dishes…well, you get the point.
Other dog-like behaviors include a fondness for fetching toys, acceptance of leash-training,
and a constant need for attention.
If you’re not into Velcro dogs, then chances are you won’t be into Velcro cats either—but
who cares about a little adhesion when you have a cat you can take for a swim, a walk,
and will bring you your slippers after all that exercise!
6.
Ragdoll
Dogs have a reputation for being more easygoing than cats, but there is one feline that is
as laid-back as any canine—the Ragdoll cat.
Ragdolls get along great with both kids and adults and get their name from a rather odd
behavior.
Whenever you pick one up, it will go completely limp, like a ragdoll.
Why?
No one really knows.
It may be a passive-aggressive means of trying to stay put or simply an extension of their
calm, relaxed nature.
Whatever the case, this breed is intelligent, affectionate, can be trained to fetch, and
makes an excellent lap cat…Raggedy Ann ain’t got nothin’ on the Ragdoll.
5.
Manx
On any given day, the average housecat won’t even acknowledge your presence, let alone
react when someone calls their name.
But the Manx cat will not only socialize with you and your family, it will come when you
call its name.
So, if you call a Manx with a generic, “Here, kitty kitty,” you might want to make sure
your new pal’s name is actually Kitty.
Manx are very energetic and enjoy hunting rodents.
Other dog-like behaviors include shadowing, learning verbal commands, retrieving and sometimes
even burying small objects.
4.
Turkish Angora
When you hear their name you might figure that they’re some bougie, glamour-puss breed,
but the Turkish Angora is very friendly and outgoing, like most dogs.
Angoras are so hospitable, that at social gatherings they will greet guests at the door
and play co-host.
They will mingle with everybody on a one-on-one basis, giving you the opportunity to run to
the kitchen for another plate of hors d’oeuvres.
Although Angoras are the “social butterflies” of our list, they have a tendency to select
one particular family member to be their sidekick and will be very protective of them, much
like dogs.
They are also highly intelligent, easy to train, and exhibit basic problem solving skills
which they use to help their humans whenever they can.
3.
Chartreaux
Chartreaux cats are another breed that will choose a favorite human to bond with and shadow,
but there won’t be much chit-chat between the two, as Chartreaux rarely make sounds,
or are mute.
But what they lack in conversational skills, they more than make up for in intellect.
It is not unusual for Chartreaux to learn how to operate power buttons on electronics
and appliances or to open latches, and if there were a checklist of canine attributes,
we could put a checkmark in virtually every box.
They are quite playful, get along great with children and other animals, and will happily
challenge their dog siblings in a friendly game of fetch.
Like some of the previously mentioned breeds, Chartreaux will also answer to their names—
Checklist complete!
2.
Burmese
Who says you can’t be smart and funny?
Certainly, not anyone who is friends with a Burmese cat.
Burmese are sweet, intelligent and love to entertain themselves and their humans with
their dog-like shenanigans.
They are experts at retrieving and telling time…yes, telling time.
Well, not really, but at mealtime they will sit and wait by their bowl, just as dogs do.
If you have a Burmese as a housemate, it is recommended not to leave them alone for extended
periods of time.
As a breed that is known for being extremely dependent on their humans, it is best to find
someone to “cat sit” them while you are away.
1.
Ocicat
Although the Ocicat gets its name from its resemblance to the Ocelot, a wild cat that
is native to Mexico, Central and South America, and the southwestern US, it is probably the
most domesticated, puppy-like cat on our list.
They are, dare we say it—the “total package.”
Ocicats thrive on social interaction.
They are affectionate with their family, never meet a stranger, and are friendly to other
types of animals.
Like some of the previously mentioned breeds, Ocicats will choose one family member as their
favorite and latch on for dear life.
Most Ocicats can be trained to walk on a leash and to follow commands.
Like dogs, they can learn to come when called by name, sit, fetch, roll over, lie down and
a variety of other tricks.
Ocicats are extraordinarily agile—even for felines—and you can easily prompt them into
getting a good workout by playfully tossing their toys around.
And, as if they needed another behavior to add to their catalogue of canine characteristics,
some Ocicats take to water without hesitation.
What cat-like behaviors have you observed in certain dog breeds?