The worst has happened. You have fallen in love with a cat person. And although your partner loves your dog, this mate with whom you now share a home has been angling for a feline pet. Or maybe your young child has reached an age at which she is making known her wish for a cat, even though she has been growing up happily enough with the dog(s) in her life.
Take heart. Not all cats are finicky and aloof, with an attitude of “take care of me; don’t touch me.” Granted, you will need to deal with a litterbox — and also find spots for a scratching post, a couple of hidey holes, and a high-up shelf or other perch. But even with those requirements, a number of cat breeds can fit reasonably well into a dog person’s life.
Give in on your significant other’s request with one of the cat breeds recommended here, and the gratitude may even translate into your never having to do the early morning walk again. Better still: your dog might enjoy the cat’s company. The truth about dogs and cats is that they often get along better than people think they will. The cats listed here in particular are known for their ability to get on with their canine brethren.
Siamese. Sia-mese cats are more than their striking blue eyes. These outgoing felines tend to be highly affectionate and social, and some will even play fetch. They’re smart, too. You can train them to do tricks. Many like to be walked on a lead attached to a cat harness. (But cats don’t walk far — maybe just part way down the block.) One last thing: Siamese are talkative! They have deep voices that are loud for their size and will enjoy telling you things.
Bengal. Sweet, loving, and loyal — terms often reserved for dogs — are the words that describe the Bengal cat. A Bengal will also tend to be active, even bold — and curious. And he’ll be vocal about his needs. You won’t have to get up to take him outside as you do with your dog, but he’ll let you know when it’s time to get up and feed him. He’ll also let you know when he wants to be entertained; Bengals really enjoy interacting with their people and will not be okay if you expect them to just hang out on their own all day.
Maine Coon. This gentle, long-haired giant often weighs more than many beagles,CavalierKing Charles spaniels, and Shetland sheepdogs, with males frequently tipping the scale at upwards of 20 pounds. As sweet-tempered as he is large, a Maine Coon (called “dog-like” by the Cat Fanciers Association) is an equal-opportunity family member, enjoying time with adults, children, dogs, and other cats.
Ragdoll. The Ragdoll is as go-with-the-flow as a cat can be. This semi-long-haired feline with dazzling blue eyes doesn’t know how good-looking he is. He just knows to go limp with contentment when you hold him (which has to do with how he got the name “Ragdoll”). He will also greet you at the door and does well with children, as long as they don’t take advantage of his good nature. Additionally, Ragdolls often make reasonable traveling companions, if, say, you have a vacation home that you frequently drive to.
Manx. The often tailless Manx is both playful and gentle and frequently enjoys carrying around her toys (think of dogs who like to walk around with their prized stuffed animal in their mouths). She also likes to converse with her people — in a sweet voice that’s like a trill. A Manx will form a strong bond with her family, whether it’s a full house or someone living by themselves. She loves to hunt, too. If you have a mouse in your residence, you won’t for long.
Burmese. These beautiful and spirited cats, often dark brown sable or champagne-colored,love attention, including from children. Both outgoing and athletic, they are happy jumping to a high perch or snuggling in your lap. One thing they do not like is being ignored. This breed is not like a goldfish simply to be admired from afar. Note: Burmese cats can get you to do their bidding with their beautiful, expressive eyes.
