Is It Strange that Cats Act Like Dogs?
As humans, we tend to give our animal human-like characteristics to explain their behavior. However, sometimes felines act like canines, and some canines can have feline tendencies. This article from Cuteness.com discusses why those differences may exist:
There are dog people, and there are cat people, and those groups tend to choose their companions of choice by the behaviors they exhibit. Sometimes, however, there may be some crossover in the way they act, and cats may end up acting more like dogs than most people would expect. This could be thanks to being raised in close proximity to a canine, or it may just be chalked up to a cat’s specific breed or personality.
While dogs and cats do have some personal characteristics in common, there are a few very distinct differences between them.
Dogs and cats also have different tastes, literally. While dogs are omnivorous and able to eat a variety of foods from meat to vegetables, cats are what are known as obligate carnivores, meaning that they need to eat meat-based protein in order to remain healthy. When it comes to potty training, cats and dogs differ in a big way too — cats tend to pick up the litter box routine fairly quickly, while dogs usually take several weeks to months to learn when and where to relieve themselves.
How Cats Act Like Dogs
Which cat breeds act most like dogs?
Every cat is unique, but some breeds are more inclined to display dog-like behaviors than others. Among those, Catster has listed six breeds, including the Turkish Angora, which is known for being playful and social and may even join you in the water for a swim. The Manx cat is another social breed of cat, and are known for hanging around their owners. They’re said to enjoy walks with their human companions, but can become protective of their homes and may offer a warning meow toward anyone who dares to enter, much like a dog. Abyssinians are known for being easy to leash-train for walks and outings, Ragdolls are snuggly, Burmese and Siamese varieties are talkative like dogs, and Maine Coon cats are referred to as the “retrievers of the cat world,” which can make for canine-like playtime.
Some cats can grow up to act like dogs no matter their breed. If a cat grew up around dogs as a kitten and had only a canine companion to socialize with early on, chances are she will end up exhibiting some of the behaviors she picked up when she was at her most impressionable, like hanging around with people or rough playing.
Can you teach your cat to do dog-like things?
We hope you enjoyed this article on what creates the tendencies why cats act like dogs. Your cat acting like his canine friend is not bad or unusual. You can teach cats to do certain things through reinforcement, usually by starting when they are young. If you have questions about your cat’s behavior, we are happy to discuss them with you.
Related articles you may find interesting – Adopt a Cat Month and Global Cat Day – An Adopt a Pet Perspective
Attribution – Cuteness.com
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