Have you noticed that your cat tends to behave like a dog? Does your cat love to chase a ball? Is your feline prone to following at your heels when you walk from room to room in your home? Is your cat extremely vocal or extra playful? These traits are usually reserved for the family canine, but some cats seem to believe they are dogs, rather than cats. Find out why.
Normal cat behavior
Most cat owners will say that they don't own their cat, their cat owns them. Like humans, every cat is unique, and has a unique personality; however, they all manage to convey what they want to their owners. If they want food or attention, they rarely seem to have any difficulty in alerting their families to their needs or desires. This is normal behavior for all cats.
Most cats are fine with being left alone for hours at a time, and many cat owners choose to have cats, over dogs, for just this reason. Cats are believed to be a much lower maintenance pet, then dogs. While cats do get lonely, and should never be left alone for an extended period of time, they do not normally require the extra care that dogs need. Cats don't need to be walked, and they don't need to be bathed regularly. Cats seldom over-eat, so it is possible to put an entire day's food down for them, and they will eat what they want, when they want.
In general, most cats are capable of entertaining themselves, and they decide when or if they want human interaction.
Cat breeds that are likely to exhibit dog-like traits
Listed below are three cat breeds that are known to behave in canine fashion.
- Bengals — these cats are a cross between a domestic cat and a wildcat species. They are fun loving, good with children and other pets, and are very loyal to their human families. Bengal cats have a fascination with water, and have been known to join their owners in the shower.
- Maine Coon — this beautiful cat breed is quite large in size, and full grown they would measure about the same as a small dog. They are smart, playful, and full of energy. They get along very well with other pets and children. Maine Coon cats are quite talented with their paws. It is not unusual for them to turn a doorknob, and open a door, flip a light switch, and turn a ceiling light off or on, or use their paws to scoop up or hold onto their food.
- Siamese — are very social cats. They are also extremely vocal, and they can alter the tone of their voice depending on their mood. A happy and content Siamese cat has a very pleasing voice, however, if they are unhappy, or feel neglected their voices can become very loud and demanding. These beautiful cats are very playful, curious, intelligent and active. Like dogs, Siamese cats require a lot of attention from their human families, if they do not receive the attention they desire, they may grow bored and become semi-destructive in their efforts to find a way to entertain themselves.
Dog-like, cat behavior
Some cats require much more human attention from their families, than other cats. These unique felines are extremely playful, and like a dog, they enjoy doing silly antics in order to entertain their owners. Following on the heels of a family member, meowing or talking loudly in order to tell their people what they want is another dog-like behavior adopted by these types of cats.
Dogs will often sit on or near their owners in a show of affection and loyalty, a cat that exhibits dog behavior might be found helping with everyday chores like; washing dishes, running the vacuum cleaner (or rather, riding on top of the vacuum), sweeping, mopping, dusting and even doing laundry. They love to be in the midst of most anything, as long as their owner is close by.
Rejoice, if your beloved feline behaves like a dog
If you own a cat, that seems to think it is a dog, enjoy it! You have an amazing, loyal, intelligent, fun and loving pet that is sure to provide you with hours of entertainment, and lots of loving attention.
Kelly Dupree - My love of animals, especially cats, and my interest in science has led to a serious passion to write well researched articles.
