Cats’ behaviors are typically distinguishable from other animals. When you think of cats, the initial habits that come to mind are purring, perching themselves almost everywhere, and chasing laser dots, among many other things.
But what does it mean when your dog starts to mimic most of these behaviors?
A variety of reasons influence dogs that act cat-like. It may be that your dog grew up with a cat and has been copying its actions, or it could also be that he’s just trying to get your attention.
If you think your dog acts like a cat in the sense that they’re stretching or jumping on tables or chairs, this may only just mean that they’re getting a better viewpoint.
If you find yourself asking: “Why does my dog act like a cat?” check some of these signs to see if your dog displays most of these actions.
How Your Dog May Act Like A Cat
1. LYING DOWN TO CUDDLE
This isn’t a behavior exclusive for cats; instead, it’s a habit that’s usually observable for both canines and felines. However, if you’ve grown used to living with a cat and then get a dog at a much later time, you might discover that dogs like cuddling too. Because of this, it will be natural for you to associate cuddling as a primary cat trait, especially since it’s the animal that made you aware of it in the first place.
Even so, being cuddly isn’t a habit that conclusively determines that your dog is acting like a cat.
2. GROOMS A LOT
If you notice that your dog seems to be licking themselves excessively, know that this is a behavior expected of most felines, but not as much with dogs.
3. CHASING LASERS
Observe if your dog acknowledges it when you point a laser light to the ground. In most cases, dogs often love chasing laser lights, which is a great resemblance to cats.
4. LOUNGING IN INAPPROPRIATE PLACES
Inappropriate places may be locations that dogs don’t typically sit or lay on. These can include the top of the sofa, your dinner table, or a chair at your dinner table as well. More than that, you may also find that your dog likes to frequent your lap, even with its size.
5. RUBBING BODY AGAINST YOU
Rubbing their body against you or leaning against your weight is common to both cats and dogs since they do this as a sign of affection.
Cause Of Behavior
Here are some of the specific reasons why your dog might be acting like a cat:
1. BREED
The fact of the matter is that some dog breeds tend to exhibit more cat-like behavior than others.
If your general judgment of cats is that they’re only good at chasing mice, scratching, or ignoring you, then you’re missing out on plenty of other great qualities. For instance, cats are also loving, cuddly, assertive, intelligent, self-confident, and loyal.
You probably think that your canine friend possesses these personality traits too, but some dog breeds come to the point where it’s almost similar to that of cats.
Certain breeds like Manchester Terriers, Whippet, Basenji, Poodles, Vizsla, Shiba Inu, and Italian Greyhounds tend to display cat-like habits such as grooming behaviors and even lounging. These breeds also exhibit the sense of being very self-assured, thinking that they’re the stars of the show, which is a behavior that most cats have.
2. FRIENDS WITH A CAT
Even if your dog isn’t one of the breeds mentioned above but still acts very similar to a cat, an apparent reason might be that it’s cohabiting or is friends with a feline. This cohabitation can enable both dogs and dogs and cats to pick up each other’s behaviors, even their owners too, which they do through mimicry. Like people, dogs can also experience emotional contagion, whereas emotions in one dog are transmitted to another one.
A research study discovered that canines familiar with other humans or dogs tend to mimic their actions further. While no research states why your dog exhibits cat-like mannerisms, likely, it’s only merely copying the behavior that he perceives. Your dog may have watched your feline lounge idly on your couch and even thinks that it’s cozy. Because of this, your dog might acquire it as his favorite spot for himself.
He might even see your cat grooming itself and then start feeling under-groomed, so he also mimics this action. If your cat, for example, sits on your lap and gets petted by you often, he might think that he should do that too and would try getting on your lap as well. When your canine witnesses such behaviors alongside the benefits he gets from them, he also tries them for himself.
You can think of puppies as like sponges. Whatever you show them, they will also try to remember and implement as well.
3. SOCIABLE CREATURES
It’s no surprise that dogs are always suited to seek security, company, and protection. With that being said, it’s only natural for canines to find themselves belonging to a pack.
This means that as owners, dogs consider you as an essential part of their pack. However, if you have another furry friend like a cat, and your dog is in a good relationship with them, he may treat the cat as part of the pack, too. Of course, if there aren’t other dogs around for them to play with, they tend to find some entertainment — even a partner in crime, in the face of a cat.
4. BOREDOM
One reason why they may also be acting like a cat is that they’re simply bored out of their minds and are looking for ways to play with you. This is especially true if you’re particularly busy with your duties and aren’t paying enough attention to them. Jumping on the sofa or walking on the edge of the couch can be a way for your furry friend to exercise at home.
It may also be that they just want to get your attention and opt for ways to test your boundaries, regardless of whether they’re timid in nature. Unusual behaviors usually stem from dogs seeking attention, which is why you might catch them doing something they usually would not.
5. SKIN ISSUES
If you notice your dog excessively licking themselves for a constant period, the reason behind this might be more than your dog just feeling dirty.
Excessive licking might be your dog’s way to alleviate the pain or discomfort caused by certain skin issues. However, it’s best to pay attention to this since too much licking can only worsen the problem. To make sure this is not an alarming health problem, consult your vet for a check-up.
6. ANXIETY
Aside from potentially dealing with a skin issue, another reason behind excessive licking could be that your dog has anxiety. In some cases, dogs would lick themselves time and time again as a gesture of self-comfort. In other terms, it’s a compulsive-obsessive disorder, which is a habit your dog thinks is necessary, even though it isn’t.
How To Get Your Dog To Stop Acting Like A Cat
If you think that your dog’s behaviors have gone too far to the point that it’s becoming bothersome for you, here are some training tips you can follow to get your dog to stop displaying cat-like behaviors.
1. REMAIN CALM
The most important thing owners should observe in the face of an abnormal or dangerous dog activity is to remain calm. Even if you’re not showing evident signs of distress, your dog might quickly know if you’re scared or frustrated since they are especially great at reading emotions. This alone can prompt them to become nervous and lose their grip.
2. REFOCUSING THE BEHAVIORS
If you see your dog jumping on unstable surfaces, it’s best to stay calm and act as fast as possible.
To ensure safety, you can refocus your dog’s behavior by giving them their favorite treat so that they’ll immediately come to you.
3. AVOID REWARDING UNPLEASANT BEHAVIOR
Does your over-sized canine often sit on your lap and make you feel as if they’ll squash you?
If that’s the case, you mustn’t tolerate behaviors such as this. Don’t respond to it by just sitting still and waiting for them to get off. Instead, stand up and make a distance between you and your dog. Better yet, you can also exit the room and wait for about 10 minutes before reentering. If your dog makes the same habit again, repeat what you just did.
By doing such exercise, you’re showing your dog that those kinds of behaviors are something that makes you leave. This will help your dog get the message easier, and then they’ll realize that they won’t want to lose the person they’re closest with.
4. NEVER YELL OR RAISE YOUR TONE ON YOUR DOG
Yelling at your dog only causes more harm than good.
Once you start raising your voice at them, chances are you’re only startling your dog, giving them anxiety. Worse, you can also trigger unwanted events like accidents like your dog losing its balance and falling off certain furniture.
References
Feature image by Ayla Verschueren
