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5 Rare Cat Breeds That Act Exactly Like Dogs, According to a Behaviorist

By Leslie Leon Parade Pets

Updated June 6, 2026 11:30 AM

arena photography — Daria Shatova / Unsplash

For most dog lovers, the main difference between having a dog or a cat is their contrasting behaviors. In general, dogs are mostly seen as lovable and cuddly pets, while cats tend to have a reputation for being a bit more aloof and distant. It's a stereotype that cats haven't been able to shake, no matter how many adorable cat videos pop up on social media showing them as friendly, loving and social pets.

Overall, although cats indeed have a different personality from dogs, that doesn't mean you can't experience the same level of love and companionship from a feline friend. Depending on the breed, certain cats may actually be closer to having a ‘puppy cat' personality, which is much more in line to the behavior you'd expect from a dog.

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If you're looking to adopt a more dog-like cat breed, you've come to the right place. We spoke with an expert behaviorist to learn which cat breeds are more likely to have the ‘puppy cat' personality. And even though these cat breeds tend to have more dog-like characteristics, they still hold on to their true cat instincts, so you really get the best of both worlds with these breeds of cats.

Plus, who doesn't love having a cat around that likes to defy the mold? If you ask us, that's the ultimate cat behavior.

The 'Puppy Cat' Personality: What Does It Actually Mean?

Just like with dogs, there's no one personality type across all cats. 'Puppy-cat' breeds are breeds of cats that tend to defy the stereotype of cats and show more dog-like behavior in cat size.

"Certain breeds are known for dog-like tendencies, such as following their people from room to room, greeting at the door, playing fetch, vocalizing more, being highly social, trainable or even leash tolerant," says Amber Batteiger, a veterinary technician and the public relations and communications manager at Embrace Pet Insurance with experience in animal welfare shelter environments. "But personality is never guaranteed by breed alone."

Similar to certain dog breeds like golden retrievers that are known for being goofy and high-energy, puppy-cat breeds tend to deliver personalities that are much more social and outwardly friendly than other cat breeds. However, just as with dogs, there's no certainty that your pet will exhibit these exact behaviors.

Rare Cat Breeds That Act Like Dogs

While many cat breeds share certain characteristics, there are several cat breeds that tend to act more like dogs.

Batteiger says these cat breeds are commonly described as being dog-like:

Abyssinian
Turkish Van
Maine Coon
Burmese
Devon Rex

She also notes that these cats often require more engagement, enrichment and social interaction than you may expect, so keep that in mind if you're considering one of these dog-like cat breeds.

These cats are known for being more energetic and social, which are traits typically associated with puppies. However, a higher energy level also calls for much more physical activity and mental stimulation to keep them happy.

The Catch to Owning a 'Puppy Cat'

Like adopting a dog, there are pros and cons when bringing a ‘puppy cat' into your home. Just as dogs need more mental stimulation to keep them healthy and regulated, these cat breeds will need more one-on-one attention than other breeds, which may mean a significant lifestyle change for you as well.

"A highly social, intelligent cat can become bored, stressed, destructive or vocal if their mental and physical needs aren't met," Batteiger says. "A dog-like cat may need puzzle feeders, interactive play, climbing opportunities, training, companionship and routine, not just a scratching post and a bowl of food."

Why a Dog-Like Cat Needs More Than Just a Scratching Post

As Batteiger said, dog-like cats require much more than just a bed and scratching post to keep themselves entertained and happy. Just as important as physical exercise, these cat breeds also need mental stimulation to help deter destructive behaviors like clawing, biting or scratching, which may happen if a cat is bored and understimulated.

Puzzle feeders and interactive play may help these cats burn off extra energy and give them the chance to act on their cat instincts in a safe and fun way.

Can They Be Left Alone?

Whenever you leave a pet alone at home, it's important to take into consideration their individual personality and behavior.

"It depends on the cat, but many of these personalities do better with substantial enrichment, consistent interaction or even another compatible pet," Batteiger says. "Some are far more social than the stereotypical 'independent cat' people imagine."

Is a 'Puppy Cat' the Right Fit for Your Home?

Adding any new pet to the home calls for plenty of research and realistic expectation setting. Depending on your lifestyle and willingness to alter your routines, you may find that a more social cat may or may not be the best fit for your life and lifestyle.

Batteiger says expectation setting matters. "People often want a cat because they assume it's lower maintenance than a dog, but some of these cats function more like tiny, opinionated roommates with very strong feelings and enrichment needs," she says.

If you find that a dog-like cat might be too much high maintenance and you aren't able to put in as much time, it might be best to lean toward a more traditional low-maintenance cat breed.

Where to Ethically Find These Rare Breeds

No matter where you're looking to adopt a cat from, whether it's from a shelter, a foster rescue or a breeder, it's important to do ample research on who you are reaching out to and learn more about their organization and policies.

"I'd encourage conversations around responsible breeders, health testing [and] temperament, and avoiding impulse purchases based on viral personality trends or aesthetics," Batteiger says. "Rescue cats and mixed-breed cats can absolutely have 'puppy-cat' personalities too, and shelters are full of highly social, people-oriented cats that may surprise you. If someone is looking for a dog-like cat, I'd encourage them to tell shelter staff or foster-based rescues exactly what traits they're seeking."

Batteiger adds that "breed can influence tendencies, but individual temperament matters just as much."

While these cat breeds might be more inclined to act like a typical dog, it shouldn't be surprising to find that they may act differently than you would expect. Once you find a feline friend you want to bring home-whether it's a dog-like cat breed or another cat breed entirely-it's important to do a few things first. To ensure a happy match for both of you, interact with and get to know the cat, ask questions, see if they have the personality you're seeking and learn if they fit with your lifestyle.

This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 11:03 AM.