Dogs That Act Like Cats: You Have One of the Known “Cat-Like” Breeds
Some dogs are just naturally inclined to act more like cats! If you have a Basenji, Manchester Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Poodle, or a Shiba Inu, your dog might be more naturally cat-like than some of the other breeds.
Dogs from these breeds often lounge around the house like cats. They will sometimes even have very cat-like grooming behaviors, as well. There can also be an air of confidence to them, which you will find with many cats.
Therefore, rest assured that there is nothing wrong with your pet if you have one of these dogs. They might just be acting the way they should!
If the dog stares at the cat or the door separating the cat, try to distract him and get him to look away with treats, a happy voice or by gently guiding the dog away on a leash. Once the dog is away from the cat, try offering a treat. If he takes it, repeat this process until he is no longer focused on the cat or door.
Whether you already have a dog and are considering getting a cat, or vice versa, it is very important to think about their first introduction. By letting a loose cat and an off-leash dog meet each other in an open room for the first time, you are probably setting up both animals to fail. Instead, plan ahead and take your time.
âWhen we first got our dog, Pearl, our cats hissed and put up a fight; as a small puppy, Pearl was somewhat intimidated by them,â she says. âBut as time passed, they became friends, and before long, the dog and our two cats were curled up sleeping together on the couch.â
Weâve all heard the phrase âfighting like cats and dogs,â mainly to describe two animals (or humans, for that matter) that are always at odds with each other. However, relationships between cats and dogs are possible, depending on their personalities and their ownersâ patience and understanding. And while the initial introductory period can be tricky, this unique relationship can be quite rewarding both species.
For example, a dog raising his paw to a cat may mean he wants to play, but a cat can take it as a sign of an attack, prompting the cat to swat her paw at the dog, sending her into a hissing fit. Likewise, a cat that tries to rub up against a dog may be acting friendly, but a dog can interpret that as a threatâespecially if the cat is near his toys or foodâand can cause the dog to growl or bark.
By nature, dogs are predators and often chase things smaller than themâincluding cats. However, this doesnât mean that dogs and cats are not able to live in harmony. As the two most common household pets, the way dogs and cats relate to each other have a lot to do with their temperament, and whether either have had any adverse reactions to members of different species in the past.
As Cooper puts it, âItâs reassuring to know that dogs and cats can coexist in a household, and that I donât have to worry about leaving them alone together. Plus, Pearl and the cats seem to each take comfort from having someone that is more like them than we are, even if theyâre from different species!â