Some cats have quirks that feel more puppy than feline, and it’s throwing people off.
Most people assume cats are aloof, mysterious, and far too independent to behave like dogs. Then one day, your cat greets you at the door, plays fetch, and follows you from room to room like a golden retriever. These unexpected quirks make you wonder if there’s a secret “dog mode” some cats are born with. Here are the strangest traits cats pull straight out of the canine playbook.
1. Some cats actually love playing fetch.
A surprising number of cats will retrieve toys, socks, or even crumpled paper balls and bring them back for another throw. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, this behavior is linked to hunting instincts but mirrors the fetch drive in retriever breeds. While dogs are bred for it, some cats figure it out on their own, turning a living room into a personal tennis court. It’s not rare for owners to claim their cats demand this game, dropping toys at their feet like tiny, whiskered Labradors.
2. Door greetings are not just for dogs anymore.
Dogs are famous for losing their minds when their humans come home, but certain cats have the same habit. As stated by the ASPCA, social cats form strong bonds and often wait by doors, chirping or rubbing as soon as you walk in. They may even vocalize loudly, pacing around you until you pick them up or give them attention. This is classic pack-animal behavior, which is unusual for cats but shows up in individuals who crave human interaction as much as food.
3. Cats can develop leash-walking skills that rival a spaniel.
The idea of a leashed cat seems absurd until you see one strolling calmly down the sidewalk. Reported by PetMD, leash training has grown in popularity, and many cats adapt well, enjoying outdoor exploration like a dog on a weekend hike. They often pause to sniff, mark, and observe, much like a curious beagle. While most felines still prefer indoor lounging, the ones who love leash walks blur the line between cat and dog behavior entirely.
4. Following humans everywhere is not always about food.
Some cats shadow their owners from room to room, even when meals and litter boxes aren’t involved. This attachment behavior is closer to how dogs operate, often rooted in a deep social bond rather than survival needs. Cats who do this aren’t just curious; they’re engaging in companionship behavior often associated with pack animals. For new cat owners, it feels oddly canine to have a furry shadow trailing them throughout the house.
5. Begging for food at the table can feel uncomfortably familiar.
Dogs have perfected the sad-eye dinner stare, but some cats are catching on. Certain felines learn to sit politely—or loudly meow—by the dinner table in hopes of scoring scraps. It’s not just hunger driving it. These cats are mimicking opportunistic feeding behaviors seen in dogs, quickly learning which family members cave first. It’s proof that cats can be just as manipulative and socially adaptive as their canine counterparts when food is involved.
6. Rolling over for belly rubs throws everyone off.
Most cats guard their bellies like a sacred zone, but there are exceptions who flop over and ask for rubs, just like dogs. This is unusual feline behavior because the stomach is a vulnerable area. When a cat consistently allows belly rubs, it signals extreme trust and social comfort, traits more commonly expressed by domesticated dogs. It surprises new cat owners expecting scratches and instead getting a purr-filled puppy impersonation.
7. Fetching slippers is rare, but following commands isn’t.
Some cats learn cues like “come,” “sit,” or even “stay,” behaviors traditionally associated with dogs. While they don’t have the same eagerness to please, cats can be clicker-trained and respond well to voice commands when motivated by treats. This ability shows they aren’t as independent as people assume, at least when there’s a reward on the table. It’s weirdly dog-like to see a cat respond instantly when called.
8. Sleeping in the exact same spot every night mirrors canine routine.
Dogs tend to have predictable sleeping habits, while cats usually sprawl wherever they feel like. Some cats, though, adopt a designated sleep zone near their human, often at the foot of the bed. That kind of loyalty and consistency is more aligned with canine pack behavior, signaling an unusually strong desire to stay close to their person even during rest periods.
9. Excited tail wagging looks suspiciously familiar.
Cats do wag their tails, but usually in irritation. Yet certain cats whip or flick their tails while happy or playful, which looks strikingly similar to a happy dog’s wag. This behavior often occurs during play or when their favorite person walks in the room. It confuses new owners expecting “angry tail” signals, only to realize their cat has turned into a one-animal welcome parade.
10. Some cats genuinely love car rides.
Most cats despise travel, but there are exceptions who jump into carriers or even directly into cars with enthusiasm. They perch on seats, look out windows, and remain calm as if it’s a casual outing, something normally associated with dogs. These cats often grow up socialized to travel, making them rare but memorable companions for road trips. It’s so un-cat-like that it turns heads at every rest stop.