10 Signs Your Cat Thinks They’re a Dog
Most cats are perfectly happy being cats—but a few seem to have missed the memo. From greeting visitors at the door to splashing around in water, here are 10 signs your cat may secretly think they’re a dog.
1. Your Cat Plays Fetch
When you throw a toy, most cats will chase it once, then either bunny kick it or stare at you as if asking to throw it again. Cats who think they are dogs, however, will bring the toy back. Some breeds, especially Bengals, Ragdolls, Maine Coons, and Siamese cats are naturally more likely to enjoy interactive play, though many non-pedigree cats enjoy a game of fetch, too.
2. Your Cat Follows You Everywhere
Dogs are famous for becoming their owner’s shadow, but some cats follow their human around, too! If your cat follows you to the bathroom, supervises your showers, or keeps watch while you cook dinner, they just might think they’re a dog. Be sure to reward them every now and then with a pat on the head or even a belly rub!
3. Your Cat Loves Belly Rubs
A cat’s belly may be adorable, but it’s a very vulnerable spot. The abdomen contains many important organs which is why most felines prefer to keep it well protected. Dogs, meanwhile, seem to have the opposite philosophy and would happily accept belly rubs all day long.
So if your cat greets you by rolling onto their back, proudly displaying their fluffy tummy, they might be channeling their inner dog. Most likely, however, they are showing you that they completely trust you. Just don’t let your guard down completely though. It might all be a trap.
4. Your Cat Greets You at the Door
Most cats pretend they didn’t notice you were gone. A dog-like cat? They sprint to the door the second they hear your keys. Once you enter, they will rub against your legs, meow dramatically or demand immediate attention. It’s basically the feline version of a golden retriever losing its mind when you finally return home.So if your cat greets you by rolling onto their back, proudly displaying their fluffy tummy, they might be channeling their inner dog. Most likely, however, they are showing you that they completely trust you. Just don’t let your guard down completely though. It might all be a trap.
5. Your Cat Comes When Called
Most cat owners know the classic routine:
- You call out your cat’s name
- The cat pretends not to hear you
- You wonder who actually owns whom
But, then there are cats who do respond to their name and come running, meow back at you, or roll onto their back for attention. If your cat does so, you definitely have a dog-like cat.
6. Your Cat Enjoys Walks on a Leash
Believe it or not, most cats can be leash-trained. This is so helpful if you love taking your feline friend with you on outdoor adventures. If your cat enjoys going on a leisurely walk or a hike with you, your cat just might secretly be a dog.
7. Your Cat Learns Tricks Easily
Dogs may get all the credit for learning tricks, but cats can be surprisingly trainable too. Our office cat, Pixi, happily sits and gives a paw when a treat is on offer. Some cats can even spin on command or leap through hoops. If your cat enjoys learning new tricks, they might just have a little border collie hiding inside.
8. Your Cat Is Extremely Social
Many cats prefer to keep to themselves, but cats with dog-like personalities are a different story. They’ll happily greet visitors, seek out attention, and make themselves the center of the action. Just remember to give them plenty of playtime and social interaction, as these extroverted cats love being part of the fun.
9. They Crave Constant Attention
Dogs are famously attention-seeking, and so are some cats. Does your cat constantly try to draw you attention by meowing loudly, pawing at your arm or face, sitting in front of the tv or on top of your keyboard, and do they get jealous when you spend too much time with other family members? Congratulations, you’ve got yourself a dog-cat.
10. Your Cat Actually Likes Water
While most cats prefer to keep their paws dry, a few actually enjoy getting wet. Turkish Vans are well known for their comfort around water, and many Maine Coons have earned a reputation for splashing around and even going for a swim. If your cat sees a puddle as an opportunity rather than a hazard, they might just have a dog-like streak.
