Step right up, cat lovers! Have you ever met a kitty who seems convinced they were born in the wrong species? Cats who think they are dogs are hilarious! You know the type—the ones that wag their tails like Labradors, play fetch like a golden retriever, and greet you at the door as if you’ve been away for decades.
These whiskered wannabe pups never fail to leave us laughing and scratching our heads in disbelief. From leash-loving felines to toy-fetching fluffballs, let’s explore the hilarious ways some cats seem to have skipped “Feline 101” and gone straight to “How to Dog 101.”
1️⃣ The Door-Greeting Devotee: Cats Who Think They are Dogs in Action
Dogs are famous for racing to the door when their favorite human comes home. But some cats have decided this should be their gig, too.
Instead of the aloof feline stereotype, these kitties practically roll out the red carpet every time you return—chirping, meowing, and rubbing against your legs like you’re their long-lost hero.
In my house, Snowflake takes this role very seriously. The moment I turn into the drive, he’s already watching from the window. By the time I get to the gate, he’s bolted down the stairs and is waiting with the loudest “hello” meows you’ve ever heard. Twilight comes too, but with a very different style—she sits neatly at the bottom of the stairs, blinking slowly like a calm little queen welcoming her human home.
👉 Related read: Is My Cat Actually Bossing Me Around? (Probably: Yes!)
2️⃣ The Fetch Fanatic – When Cats Act Like Dogs (and Love Every Minute)
Think only dogs fetch? Think again! Some cats will proudly chase down tossed toys, drag them back (sometimes soggy with drool), and demand another throw.
It’s part adorable, part confusing, and 100% hilarious to watch your “dignified” cat acting like the family retriever.
In our house, Twilight is the fetch champion—but with her own flair. Forget tennis balls, she prefers hair ties. She’ll chase one down, trot back proudly, and drop it at my feet with that “again, human!” look in her eyes.
💡 Pro tip: Want to try this with your cat? Start with lightweight toys like crinkle balls, soft mice, or feathered teasers.
👉 Browse interactive cat toys here: Amazon Cat Toys

3️⃣ The Leash-Loving Explorer – Adventure Cats Who Think They are Dogs
While most cats scoff at the idea of leaving the safety of their kingdom (a.k.a. the living room), some bold adventurers happily strap on a harness and march out the door like a canine on a mission.
Sidewalk strolls, garden patrols, even small hikes—these cats are redefining what “walkies” mean in the feline world.
📖 Curious? The RSPCA recommends safe outdoor harness training as a way to enrich your cat’s life.

4️⃣ The Loyal Shadow – Felines With Dog-Like Devotion
Dogs are known for following their humans everywhere… even to the bathroom. Some cats, however, have decided this is their job now.
Expect a furry shadow trailing you from room to room, ready to supervise every move, tail wagging (or at least flicking) all the way.
🐾 Why We Love Our Dog-Like Cats
At the end of the day, whether your kitty meows or “barks,” plays fetch or naps like a champion, their unique quirks make them truly unforgettable.
Cats who think they’re dogs remind us that our furry companions don’t fit neatly into boxes—or even species labels. They’re just being their wonderfully weird, lovable selves.
So next time your cat wags their tail at the mailman or tries to join you for a morning jog, embrace the chaos. These moments are pure magic—the kind of laughter-filled memories that make life with our dog-like cats so special.
✨ In the end, Snowflake with his loud greetings and Twilight with her hair-tie fetch games prove that cats who act like dogs can absolutely borrow from the canine playbook—while still keeping their own feline flair. And honestly? That mix of quirks is what makes life with them so endlessly entertaining.
Here’s to our fabulous feline friends who keep us on our toes, blur the lines between cats and dogs, and bring joy to every wag, purr, and head bump. Long live the cats who think they’re dogs of the world! 🐾
🐾 About the Author

Denise Shafto – Cat enthusiast & founder of Whiskernest
Denise shares cozy tips, practical guides, and cat-approved finds to help whiskered friends live their best nine lives. When she’s not writing, she’s usually testing new toys with her own mischievous felines.
🐾 WhiskerNest Cat Picks
Our favorite finds for happy, healthy cats — chosen by Snowflake & Twilight! 😺
