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Donata Ruzgaitė

50 Dogs Who Clearly Think They’re Cats, And Honestly, No One Can Blame Them (New Pics)

What is life without a little identity crisis? That feeling when all you knew about yourself suddenly crumbles and the pesky “Who am I?” question starts to appear in our minds. However, it seems that we aren’t the only species experiencing this. The same can be said about animals too. 

Well, at least about these adorable doggos who are totally convinced they’re cats. From climbing the tallest surfaces, invading cat trees, and sleeping curled up in a box, scroll down to see the most adorable pooches that are better at living the feline life than the canine one.

#1 She’s Been Spending Way Too Much Time With The Cats

Image credits: ZealousidealAd2251

#2 My Dog Greets Me Through The Cat Door Every Time I Get Home

Image credits: nickypoopoo69

#3 "Cat" Tree

Image credits: micmac2869

Dogs can start acting like cats because they are highly impressionable. If the pooch has spent more time around felines than their own species, there’s a high chance that they’ll start imitating the behavior of the cats. 

Since they’re easily influenced (this makes them easily trained, too!), they start copying their actions because they think that’s what they should be doing. Some may start using the litter box, try to squeeze into boxes, or repeat any other mannerism of tabbies. 

#4 Raised Around Cats, He’s Just Trying To Fit In With Them

Image credits: I_Boop_Noses

#5 Does Anyone Else’s Australian Shepherd Think They’re Part Cat?

Image credits: Altruistic-Web8306

#6 Is Your Dog A Cat In Disguise? Know The Signs

Image credits: reddit.com

In fact, certain dog breeds have natural cat-like characteristics due to their genetics. Let’s take Basenji, for instance. They are often called the cats of the dog world and are independent, intelligent and even groom themselves like the felines. 

Italian Greyhounds are sensitive and like to sunbathe like cats, while Whippet enjoys lying around and chasing prey.

#7 Well, Definitely Not A Cat In A Tree. Caldwell Fire And Caldwell Police Responded To A Dog Stuck In A Tree, This Afternoon. After Much Coaxing, The Canine Was Brought Safely To The Ground

Image credits: caldwellfireidaho

#8 My Cats Are So Cute

Image credits: Derpazor1

#9 This Dog In My Neighborhood Sits On This Fence, Like All The Time

Image credits: espensive

Some dogs are just naturally independent. Greyhounds, Basset Hounds, Maltese, and poodles can exhibit such traits. The individualistic behavior is often ascribed to cats, but it isn't uncommon to see in dogs too. Some pooches, just like us, prefer more company, while others less of it.

#10 Enough People Called So They Had To Put Up A Sign

Image credits: lsaunders6

#11 On Today's Episode Of My Dog Being A Cat. In Her Cat Sweater On The Cat Bed, While Being Glared At By The Small Dog

Image credits: luckyscout

#12 How Can I Tell Amaterasu She Isn’t A Kitty Cat? She Only Wants To Be On My Desk When I’m Trying To Work

Image credits: limabeanspice

Health and nutrition might also have a play in this. If the dog receives a high-protein diet, similar to cats’, they might start pouncing on toys or scaling the sofa as well. The proteins that are in the food might heighten their energy levels, leading them to cat-like behavior.

#13 Pupper Near My Grandma's House Sleeps On This Very Car Everyday

Image credits: QueefingPigeon

#14 Dog Invades Cat Tree

Image credits: dpzr07

#15 Spying On Cats In The Laundry Room

Image credits: the_real_Cucuy

However, sometimes it’s not just the individual dog’s traits that have them acting like a feline. Health issues might also be involved. For instance, some dogs may try escaping pain and discomfort by seeking high places due to arthritis or other conditions. Hiding away while sick is a very cat-like characteristic. 

#16 Australian Cat-Tle Dog

Image credits: surfingboyo

#17 Waiting For His Owner To Be Done With The Laundry Like A Good Boy

Image credits: macrisanto

#18 Is Anyone In The Mood For A Corgi In A Cat Tree?

Image credits: DaniTheLovebug

Meanwhile, active self-grooming can be an indication of skin diseases or mites. Cats do so to keep themselves clean, whereas dogs typically have a precise reason for it. Certain skin conditions may cause discomfort, which can be relieved by licking. They may also resort to grooming themselves when they’re anxious or bored. This is their way of finding something to do or cope with the nervous feelings. 

#19 My Dog Likes To Climb The Tree In Our Backyard And Get On The Neighbor's Roof

Image credits: WrongRepublic_1110

#20 Saw A Dog With Cat Software Today

Image credits: dabblingdelilah

#21 Brother’s Cat Knighting The Dog

Image credits: brock2344

Therefore, if the owner notices a sudden change in their behavior or they’re playing cat too convincingly, it might be beneficial to have a visit or a chat with a vet. If they’re habits that the pooch exhibits frequently, there’s probably nothing to worry about—they're just imitating their feline friends or like some time to themselves.

#22 Took A Dab Look Out My Patio 1st Thing I Saw

Image credits: Illustrious-Research

#23 Pretty Sure This Dog Was A Cat In A Past Life. She Chases Laser Pointers Too

Image credits: Danasai

#24 Being A Mailman In An Area Where Dogs Are Evolved To Ninja Dogs

Image credits: cukorbogyo

Even though we see that cats and dogs can very much enjoy each other’s company and aren’t really the natural arch nemeses, it’s still important to supervise their play. To keep each pet safe, it’s important not to force them to interact and to ensure that they’re socialized as early as possible. The secret to building a long-term friendship is not to rush anything and let them get familiar at their own pace! 

#25 Cute Cat-Puppy

Image credits: thehappiestcloud

#26 Raised Comfortable Bed vs. Cheap Box For Dog Toys

Image credits: DinerElf

#27 My Dog Is A Cat

Image credits: yourecorrecthorse

#28 Channeling Her Inner Cat

Image credits: Ok-Builder-8711

#29 Neighbor's Dog Chillin On His "Roof"

Image credits: Butterbean2323

#30 My German Shepherd Dog Visits My Work (Vet Hospital). Misunderstands The Cat Bed But Is Still Grateful

Image credits: Dark_WebNinja

#31 He Thinks He Is A Cat

Image credits: Sg1207Sg

#32 If I Fit, I Sit

Image credits: Athletic_Seafood

#33 What Happens When Your Pit Bull Is Raised With Cats

Image credits: nicoleturcotte87

#34 I Maintain That Caira Is In Fact A Cat

Image credits: Turmoil-Fox

#35 I Am Cat-Dog

Image credits: eurasier_sasha

#36 If I Fit I Sit

Image credits: pifuthepei

#37 Dog Thinks He’s A Cat

Image credits: emmasgrove

#38 So Our Dog Has Grown Up With Cats. This Cat Acts Like A Dog Sometimes And The Dog Acts Like A Cat Sometimes. Here They Both Are Being Little Loafs

Image credits: lucyinthesky33

#39 Poppy Is A Cat-Dog And Likes To Be Near The Cat Who Barely Tolerates The Intrusion Into Her Mojo Dojo Casa House

Image credits: withlove_piper

#40 Cat Or Cattle Dog?

Image credits: AlternativeTax4408

#41 Not Sure If The Cat Thinks He Is A Dog Or The Dog Thinks She Is A Cat

Image credits: Baileysince92

#42 When Your Dog Is Convinced She's Actually A Cat

Image credits: bexhbear

#43 Stray Dog Sleeps On My Neighbor's Car

Image credits: Vivid_Specialist_966

#44 I Was Asked To Dog Sit But I'm Not 100% Convinced This Isn't A Cat

Image credits: DefinitelyNotAliens

#45 Anyone Else’s Shiba Think They Are A Cat And Constantly Try To Get On Tables?

Image credits: jeremeybearimy

#46 Anyone Else Think Their Shiba Is A Cat?

Image credits: GHJ46W

#47 The Heck Are You Doin Up There Guy?

Image credits: delamerica93

#48 When Your Dog Is Having An Identity Crisis

Image credits: stellathepupper1

#49 Part Cat

Image credits: googs2

#50 Felt Like I Was Being Watched While I Was Parking Today

Image credits: wwwwwwdotcom

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