Cat breeds that act like dogs? Yes, please! Some say that you’re either a “dog person” or a “cat person”, but there are certain feline breeds that bridge the gap. These cats act so like their canine counterparts that they can bewitch even the most monogamous of dog lovers.
Stereotypical doggy traits such as chasing balls, greeting you at the door, and walking on the leash aren’t exclusive to the canine world. In fact, there are many cat breeds that are more loyal than aloof, more affectionate than independent, and more devoted than indifferent. But one asset that characterizes all cats, whatever their canine antics, is their beguiling charm.
Here are 20 breeds that behave more like man’s best friends than cool kitties – arguably giving us the best of both worlds.
Cat breeds that act like dogs
1. Abyssinian
Like dogs, Abyssinian cats tend to have sky-high energy levels and love to play. They will indulge in a spot of fetch and are highly trainable, thanks to their smart brains and willing natures. You can even teach them tricks.
Another doggy affinity is that they like playing in water more than most cats. Plus, they tend to get on well with dogs.
2. American Bobtail
Can cats play fetch? This breed sure can! An active and sociable breed, the American Bobtail greets its owner at the door and can be trained to walk on a leash as well as other tricks. Some even wag their stubby tails! Just about the only doggy trait they don’t share is barking.
3. Balinese
Unlike many cat breeds, the beautiful Balinese is not a solitary type, preferring the company of its family and tending to follow their humans around the house. An intelligent breed, they are highly active and playful, and can be trained to do tricks.
They can be classed as a high-maintenance cat breed due to their grooming requirements, but they sure are a beautiful breed.
4. Bengal
The glittering Bengal cat looks highly exotic, almost wild, but they are incredibly loyal and eager to please. They have bundles of energy, like a bouncy puppy, and love to play and interact – they’ll retrieve toys, play in water sources, relish the big outdoors, and generally give every impression that they’re a dog.
We’d say their elegant feline appearance and striking coat are a giveaway, though...
5. Birman
Like a dog, Birman cats are loyal and playful, and can be taught to obey commands. They tend to be sweet and gentle characters, not as suspicious or haughty as some cat breeds! They aren’t naturally independent and would much prefer your companionship to time alone.
6. Bombay
These striking black cats thrive on attention and affection, and tend to get on well with both people and other animals, including dogs. While the Bombay shares only their coat color with a black Labrador, physically speaking, in temperament they are similarly playful and outgoing as their canine counterparts, and likewise are trainable, love exploring, and being center stage.
7. Burmese
Athletic, playful, and interactive, Burmese cats thrive on attention and stimulation, in common with a regular dog. An intelligent breed, they are similarly trainable.
Like a whining dog, they are one of the loudest cat breeds. They are quite vocal when they want to communicate something to their owners, and don’t enjoy being left alone.
8. Chartreux
Like a Weimaraner in coloring but nothing else in its appearance, the stout Chartreux is often described as being dog-like in behavior. An athletic breed, they can be taught to retrieve a ball and walk on a leash, and they relish interactive play with their owner.
They are known for their intelligence and affectionate, playful personalities, but tend to be far less demanding than a dog.
9. Chausie
A Chausie has the look of a wildcat, but the behavior of a sweet and loving dog. They are naturally affectionate, eager to please, and sociable, as well as being highly energetic. Like most dogs, they love running, jumping, and exploring, and so make a great fit for active families.
10. Egyptian Mau
These stunning spotted cats are extraordinary athletes – the greyhounds of the feline world. With a uniquely long stride for a cat, they can clock speeds of up to 30mph and are outstanding jumpers and hunters. As far as their temperament goes, they share the stereotypical doggy traits of loyalty, playfulness, and trainability.
11. Havana Brown
This intelligent and people-oriented breed loves to please and thrives on being the center of attention in the home. They’ll follow you around, try to engage you in a game of fetch, and tend to get along well with other pets, including dogs.
12. Maine Coon
These gentle giants are larger than many of the smaller canine breeds, and resemble dogs in many ways. More like a dog than a fellow cat, the Maine Coon is not naturally independent or aloof, loving to be at the heart of the family.
They’ll go for walks on a leash and harness, will play fetch, chase, and learn tricks, and even enjoy splashing about in water.
13. Manx
While the first thing most people remark about Manx cats is that they are tail-less, their most obvious character trait is how closely they resemble dogs.
They are smart, sociable, loyal, and playful, as well as curious about exploring their environment. They tend to hang out with their family like a dog would, walk by your side, and follow you around the house.
14. Ocicat
Despite its name, the ocicat is just as much dog in temperament as it is a cat. Unlike many feline breeds that enjoy spells of solitude, the ocicat thrives on being part of the family, being excited and curious to meet and greet people.
They are intelligent and trainable, can jump impressively high, and walk on a leash. But they also love nothing more than settling down as a “lap cat” for a stroke and a cuddle with their favorite human.
15. Ragamuffin
Unlike many dog-like cats, the ragamuffin is not a high-energy breed. However, they resemble dogs in their affectionate natures and propensity to follow their owners around. They are sociable, thrive on human companionship, and enjoy interactive play.
As big as many dogs in size, they’re calm, kind, and great around kids and other pets. One fun fact about ragamuffins is that just like dogs, they love a good belly rub.
16. Savannah
The Savannah cat looks like a leopard but acts like a dog, sharing many traits with the latter. These leggy cats are full of zest and require plenty of physical activity as well as mental stimulation, which will sound familiar to owners of any high-energy dog breed.
Like dogs, they are among the cat breeds that like water (some even swim), they’ll retrieve toys, and can be trained to walk on a leash – among other tricks.
17. Selkirk Rex
Mellow and affectionate, the Selkirk Rex makes a great family pet, being sociable and forming close bonds with their humans.
While many dog-like cats are hyper-energetic, these resemble the more laid-back canine breeds, being calm, easy-going, and friendly.
18. Serengeti
A domestic rare cat breed with a look of the wild, but its appearance is misleading, as it has no wildcat genes. This is a great option for active families, as Serengetis are full of energy, love to play and climb, while also being friendly and affectionate companions.
Like a bouncy pup, the Serengeti does need plenty of stimulation, both physical and mental, to thrive.
19. Siberian Forest cat
Siberian Forest cats are like dogs in the way they bond so loyally with their owners. They tend to follow their favorite human around the home and cherish interaction and attention.
They are known for their devoted personality, which makes them eager to please and trainable. While they are playful, adventurous, and powerful, they are also calm and kind.
20. Sphynx
The bald sphynx has several counterparts in the canine world, with hairless dog breeds including the Chinese Crested, Mexican Hairless, and Peruvian Inca Orchid. But that’s not where the similarities end. Sphynx cats are known to be affectionate and loyal, while also enjoying interacting with their owners and deciding when it’s playtime.
A few things to know about sphynx cats are that they tend to be welcoming and friendly, and are sufficiently intelligent to enjoy learning tricks, such as leash walking.
Read next: Best cat breeds for dog owners
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver
Last updated in July 2025.
