People tend to fall into two camps: cat people and dog people. Cat breeds that act like dogs can bring the two halves of humanity together. These cats resemble dogs in their behavior, personality and habits. Get one, and you’ll never have to choose sides again. In this article you’ll find a full list of cats with dog-like personalities and learn about their temperament and care. For convenience, the breeds are listed in alphabetical order.
What Makes a Cat Dog-Like?
Some cat breeds show dog-like traits, such as:
- Following their owner from room to room and waiting by the door.
- Greeting you at the door when you come home from work.
- Being wary of strangers and protective of their people.
- Enjoying water and swimming well.
- Easily learning to walk on a leash and harness and enjoying walks outside with their owner.
- Being smart, easily learning commands and performing tricks, like playing fetch with a toy or ball.
- Wanting to be with people all the time and showing affection and loyalty.
Cat Breeds That Act Like Dogs
- Abyssinian
- American Curl
- Birman
- Bombay
- Burmese
- Chartreux
- Cornish Rex
- Devon Rex
- Kurilian Bobtail
- Lykoi
- Maine Coon
- Manx
- Neva Masquerade
- Ocicat
- Oriental Shorthair
- Ragamuffin
- Ragdoll
- Siberian
- Sphynx
- Turkish Angora
Here’s a closer look at each breed.
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is the most loyal, dog-like cat breed of all. Like dogs, Abyssinians become deeply attached to their owners. They’re ready to follow you everywhere and join in everything you do. These active, smart and curious cats are friendly and playful. Many enjoy water, and they easily learn to walk on a leash and harness and to carry toys in their mouths and bring them to you. This is the best choice for people who are used to dogs.
Good to know
Abyssinians need more attention than most other breeds. Left alone too much, they can become bored and depressed.
Price
In the US, an Abyssinian kitten usually costs about $1,000–$2,000.
See also: The smallest cat breeds.
American Curl
This breed, easy to recognize by its curled-back ears, has a “dog-like” reputation. Friendly, playful and affectionate, these cats are incredibly attentive. Nothing escapes their notice. They watch every move their owner and the family make and follow them around the house. They get along well with other pets and children. American Curls are happy to share your bed, just like dogs do.
Good to know
Kittens of this breed have very delicate ear cartilage. Handle the ears gently, and teach young children not to bend or tug them.
Price
In the US, an American Curl kitten usually costs about $1,000–$2,000.
See also: Cat breeds with bent ears.
Birman
An energetic, playful breed with dog-like habits and temperament. If you’re busy, a Birman won’t pester you, but it will happily play with you once you’re free. Birmans like to stay close to their people and love curling up at their owner’s feet. Birmans easily learn commands and enjoy following them. Many like walking on a leash and don’t mind a bath. They quickly learn the house rules and are good at figuring things out.
Good to know
Smart and sensitive, Birmans pick up on the emotional atmosphere at home. Avoid raising your voice and arguing: these cats understand more than you think, get upset and try to make peace.
Price
In the US, a Birman kitten usually costs about $1,000–$2,500.
See also: The fluffiest cat breeds.
Bombay
Dog lovers will definitely like the Bombay. This cat is a dog, a cat and a monkey all rolled into one. Bombays learn to walk on a leash and are always inventing new games to play with their owners. They love attention and are loyal and affectionate. This striking “mini panther,” developed in Kentucky in the 1950s, often picks one favorite person and gives them its total respect, which makes training surprisingly easy. Bombays happily greet their owners at the door and are very sensitive to their person’s mood.
Good to know
Bombays get very attached to their owners, so don’t leave them alone for long. Lonely Bombays can become depressed.
Price
In the US, a Bombay kitten usually costs about $800–$1,500.
You might also like: Black cat breeds.
Burmese
The hallmark of this breed is dog-like loyalty, which it shares with the Abyssinian. Burmese cats are very intelligent and always try to follow their owners. Burmese are very talkative and even try to argue with their people. These loving, affectionate cats crave company, greet their owners at the door and “tell” them all about their day. They defend themselves and their territory just like dogs do.
Good to know
Burmese cats are incredibly active and need plenty of wand toys, tall cat trees and tunnels. Without toys, they’ll pester their owners out of boredom.
Price
In the US, a Burmese kitten usually costs about $1,000–$2,000.
See also: The 10 rarest cat breeds.
Chartreux
This breed bonds quickly with people. Chartreux cats want to be close to their owner, so they follow them from room to room. Like dogs, Chartreux cats learn their name and come when called. They’re active and love playing with their people.
Good to know
Chartreux cats tend to bond strongly with one person and can get jealous. Introduce them to other pets slowly and make sure your cat gets plenty of one-on-one time.
Price
In the US, a Chartreux kitten usually costs about $1,500–$2,500.
Cornish Rex
These smart, very active cats are easy to train and can learn “dog” commands. They love climbing to the highest spots in the house and watching everything from up there. Cornish Rexes easily learn to walk on a leash and harness and enjoy going outside. Many aren’t afraid of water and like splashing in it. These incredibly energetic cats love playing ball and bringing toys to their owners in their mouths.
Good to know
Cornish Rexes can have a sensitive stomach, so choose their food carefully and switch diets gradually.
Price
In the US, a Cornish Rex kitten usually costs about $800–$2,000.
See also: Hypoallergenic cat breeds.
Devon Rex
These cats are as devoted to their owners as dogs. They’re peaceful and get along with everyone in the household, adapting to the temperament of their people and other pets. Devons love walks outside on a leash, wag their tails when they’re happy and follow their owners everywhere. They love chasing a ball but are just as happy to sit in your lap. Devon Rexes can easily learn simple commands like “Sit!”, “Down!” and “Come!”
Good to know
Devon Rexes need regular baths because their skin and coat get oily quickly. Many don’t mind water at all.
Price
In the US, a Devon Rex kitten usually costs about $1,000–$2,500.
You might also like: Gray cat breeds.
Kurilian Bobtail
Kurilian Bobtails learn commands easily and love keeping their people company on walks in any season. Kurilian Bobtails are highly intelligent. They usually choose one person as their “owner” and stay loyal to them for life, following them everywhere. They get along wonderfully with the rest of the family and can even act as a babysitter for young children.
Good to know
These cats handle separation from their owner poorly and can become withdrawn and moody. This breed isn’t a good fit for people who travel a lot.
Price
The breed is rare in the US. A kitten usually costs about $1,000–$2,500.
See also: Cat breeds with no tail.
Lykoi
This unusual cat, which looks like a werewolf from European folklore, is ready to protect its owner day and night. Lykois are known to stand up to anyone who threatens their people. Behind the strange look is a friendly cat that bonds deeply with its family. In behavior and personality, Lykois are a lot like dogs.
Good to know
Lykois tan very easily. Their skin can darken from sunbathing or even from lying next to a heater for a long time.
Price
In the US, a Lykoi kitten usually costs about $1,500–$2,500 or more.
Maine Coon
These beautiful cats, impressive for their size, are known for their dog-like devotion. They’re happy to spend the whole day near their owner without being pushy. Maine Coons are observant and very good at reading their person’s mood. They know when to come over and when it’s better to keep their distance. These loyal, loving, playful companions are cautious with strangers and choosy about whom they befriend. Many even learn to play fetch.
Good to know
If you get such a big, fluffy cat, be ready to groom its coat regularly and fight a constant battle with cat hair.
Price
In the US, a Maine Coon kitten usually costs about $1,500–$3,000.
You might also like: The largest cat breeds in the world.
Manx
These tailless cats from the Isle of Man can be as devoted and loyal as any dog. Smart Manx cats quickly learn to respond to their name. Loyal and sociable, Manx cats are often called “watchdog cats”: they keep an eye on the door just like dogs and may growl at strangers. They love playing with their owners, bring toys in their mouths and learn commands. This dog-like cat considers itself “man’s best friend.”
Good to know
The gene that makes Manx cats tailless can also affect the spine. Buy only from a responsible breeder and watch for any problems with walking or using the litter box.
Price
In the US, a Manx kitten usually costs about $800–$1,500.
See also: The most expensive cats in the world.
Neva Masquerade
These cats are true members of the family. They’re very sensitive to their people’s moods, seem to understand everything and love to “talk.” Neva Masquerade cats miss their owners and greet every member of the family at the door. These smart cats learn the names of everyone in the family as well as their own, and they come when called by name. They’re patient and gentle with children and never aggressive.
Good to know
The Neva’s luxurious coat needs careful grooming. Be ready to brush and occasionally bathe your cat.
Price
The Neva Masquerade (the colorpoint Siberian) is rare in the US. A kitten usually costs about $1,500–$3,000.
See also: Russian cat breeds.
Ocicat
Like a dog, the Ocicat loves learning, so it’s easy to train. The key is to keep training sessions short and fun, like a game. Ocicats quickly learn basic dog-training commands and can perform tricks. Ocicats love human company and follow their owners everywhere. They get their person’s attention with a whole range of chirps and purrs. You can take them for walks on a leash. The breed was developed in Michigan in the 1960s.
Good to know
Ocicats are curious and active and can get into mischief. They don’t tolerate being left alone for long.
Price
In the US, an Ocicat kitten usually costs about $800–$1,500.
See also: Spotted cat breeds.
Oriental Shorthair
These elegant cats are friendly and emotional. They quickly bond with their owners and don’t want to be apart from them. Orientals get used to a harness and leash, so you can travel with them. Oriental cats love to “talk” and have a sound for every occasion. They love playing with people and are happy to fetch a ball.
Good to know
Oriental cats need to feel their owner’s attention. Don’t leave them alone for long.
Price
In the US, an Oriental Shorthair kitten usually costs about $800–$2,000.
See also: Tabby cat breeds.
Ragamuffin
These friendly cats are smart and playful. They greet their owners happily after work and are friendly to guests. Ragamuffins love people and human company and follow their people around the house. They’re calm and avoid conflict. Usually they watch what’s going on from the sidelines, but they’ll chase a ball around the house like a dog.
Good to know
Ragamuffins tend to gain weight easily, so owners need to keep an eye on their diet.
Price
In the US, a Ragamuffin kitten usually costs about $1,000–$2,000.
See also: Cat breeds that look like bobcats.
Ragdoll
A calm, gentle, easygoing and people-oriented cat. Ragdolls adapt quickly to new surroundings and get along with people and other pets. They’re moderately playful and need physical contact with their people. Like dogs, these companion cats love to greet their owners at the door, and many follow their people around like puppies.
Good to know
Ragdolls get very attached to their owners and don’t handle loneliness well.
Price
In the US, a Ragdoll kitten usually costs about $1,200–$2,500.
You might also like: The smartest cat breeds.
Siberian
This dog-like breed doesn’t do tricks, doesn’t know commands and isn’t endlessly devoted. Siberians made our list because of their “guard dog” qualities and fearlessness. They aren’t afraid of dogs or loud noises. Siberian cats have a strong sense of territory and always keep an eye on what’s going on. They sense strangers from a mile away and alert their owners with restlessness and meowing.
Good to know
Siberians are very fluffy, so you’ll have to accept regular vacuuming to keep up with the shedding.
Price
In the US, a Siberian kitten usually costs about $1,500–$3,500.
See also: The most affectionate cat breeds.
Sphynx
Another breed that misses its owner and happily greets them at the door, wagging its bald little tail. Sphynx cats are sociable, affectionate and loyal. They can be a little too demanding of attention. Sphynx cats quickly learn the house rules, follow commands and love carrying things in their mouths. They aren’t jealous and get along with other cats and even dogs.
Good to know
Hairless cats need special care. They get cold in damp, chilly weather and can get sunburned in direct sun.
Price
In the US, a Sphynx kitten usually costs about $1,500–$4,000.
You might also like: Hairless cat breeds.
Turkish Angora
These smart cats look nothing like dogs, but they’re as devoted to their owner and family as any dog. They want to take part in everything the family does. The Turkish Angora isn’t afraid of water, enjoys a dip and is a decent swimmer. The breed gets along well with children and makes a great family pet.
Good to know
Turkish Angoras are mischievous and playful, so they do best with active, energetic families.
Price
In the US, a Turkish Angora kitten usually costs about $800–$2,000.
Sources:
- Chewy Pet Central: 10 most dog-like cat breeds
- Prudent Pet: Cat breeds like dogs
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA)
Still on the fence between a cat and a dog? Read 10 reasons why cats are better than dogs.
