Dog Behavior in Cats

While dogs have always had a reputation as man's best friend, cats have always suffered from the stigma of being self-centered pets. Sometimes, however, pet owners have recognized dog behaviors in their cats--everything from fetching toys to being constant and loyal companions.

  1. Dog-Like Behaviors

    • Many owners have used the Internet to post stories of pet cats who fetch and bring back toys, follow owners everywhere, drink from toilets, chase their tails and crave attention. For example, Youtube.com features thousands of videos of cats acting like dogs posted by users from around the world.

    Cat Breeds

    • Many owners of certain cat breeds often describe their pets as displaying dog-like behavior. Cat breeds often characterized to act like dogs include Maine coons, Persians, ragamuffins and Bengals. These cats are often described as craving affection, more playful and more social than the perceived behavior of other domesticated cats. A California breeder has also recently claimed to have developed a new breed of cat, called the Puppykat, to act "puppylike" and that is reported to even come when called, according to an article in the North County Times, a newspaper in suburban San Diego.

    Socialization

    • Whether a cat is purchased from a breeder or adopted from a shelter as a kitten, the cat's early development plays a key role in her behavior later in life. Kittens who are socialized with lots of people and other animals tend to be more affectionate and playful than other cats. Like dogs, cats can also be trained to avoid unwanted behaviors, according to Christianne Schelling, DVM , of Cattraining.com. For example, cats can be trained to use a litter box, stay indoors and enjoy being held.

    Personality

    • The reality is that cats--just like their canine counterparts--have individual personalities that help define their behaviors. While some are aloof and standoffish, many more are affectionate and playful. Every cat is different. Research has shown that some cat breeds do display certain dog-like behaviors more than others, but the ultimate factor in behavior is dependent on the individual cat, according to www.thecatsite.com

    No Reason to Worry

    • If your feline friend sometimes acts like a dog, there is no reason to worry. When all is said and done, cats are generally more self-sufficient, more clean and less needy than dogs.