My cat thinks she's a dog. Is this normal?

Question

I have a very timid 3-year-old cat who generally hides around new people and freaks out if you try to pick her up. I'm the only person she will be affectionate with... however, we just moved in with my boyfriend and she's started acting "like a dog". When he lays down to sleep, she goes downstairs, gets a little sparkly cat ball, meows three times as she runs up the stairs (yes, it's always three times-- a loud call almost like she's in heat) and drops the ball next to the bed. He picks it up, throws it does the stairs and she chases it. She plays with it for anywhere between 5 minutes to 5 hours before she brings it back and does it again. It's always the same ball, in the same part of the house and it's always when he's trying to sleep. Anyone experienced something like this with their cats?? Why is she so friendly with him all of a sudden? Any ideas? (Don't get be wrong... I'm not complaining. I think it's cute, but I'm just curious??)

Answer 1

Cats love to play fetch. Every cat I've had over the past 30 years (seven of them) played fetch, and each had a favorite object. One liked rabbit's feet key chains; another liked a particular hard candy wrapped to look like a strawberry. Sometimes they would bring it back immediately over and over; other times they batted it around for a while before returning it.

As far as the way she acts with your boyfriend, congratulations! Consider yourself very lucky. She trusts and likes him and has adjusted easily; you must have made a wise choice. Her meow could just be her way of saying, "Ready or not, here I come!", and she chooses his bedtime because she knows he's settled in and she can get his undivided attention.

Answer 2

i do not think that is usual, yet when the cats were the only different animals he comes into contact with, it must be predicted that he may imagine that is how he's meant to act. If it isn't any longer bothering you, i do not see the way it ought to surely be any challenge. I recommend I surely have a cat who thinks he's a dogs. i have surely tought him so sit down on command for a manage.

Answer 3

Hello I have a cat that I thought the same thing. Not only would she do those same things but she also would get up arch her back and accually growl at people that came into my room. She sounded just like a dog and of course I would just die laughing. It is normal for cats to act that way each one is different in there own way. My cat also plays with mice she wont eat them she will just play with them until she knocks them silly and they bring them right up to someone and drop it at their feet. With the friendly thing for some reason I think it has to do with men. My dad doesnt really like cats yet all cats like him lolol. We also have this cat we call the attack cat and she has attack him before and bit his nose but she now will rub up against his leg and let him pet her and she wont even let me pet her most of the time. I hope I was a good help.

Answer 4

Maybe your cat simply feels that your boyfriend likes her. And acting like a dog? Hm, I wouldn't say so, my cat does something similar, she loves playing with shoe laces and she always gets one and drops it next to my feet. When I throw somewhere she brings it back and it goes like this many, many times. She even growls like a dog at strangers but towards other cats she act - well, like a cat. So I think what your cat acts is pretty normal. Cats have their own personalities and this is simply part of hers.

Answer 5

Yeah my cat runs outside and "barks" at the kids at the school with my dogs.Ctas choose who they like, you can feed it expensive food and give itlove all its life and it will hate you but love some hobo, that cat chooses you you dont chose it.Shes probaly just having fun chasing the ball down the stairs, its like chasing a mouse.

Answer 6

Yes, my cat did something similar to what your cats done when she met my husband. She likes your boyfriend a lot. My cat is alos a girl cat. She only likes me. Once my husband however brought home his dog the honeymoon was over. everyonce in awhile she is nice to him after she does a good self cleaning she lets him know how soft she is. She has really soft fur and she like to show it of to him. She also came really close to our roommate whom was a guy friend. She only likes guys. When my son comes to visit she sleeps with him. Your cat is a one girl friend cat, but a man lover. LoL

Answer 7

Im not sure why your cat is acting like that except to say she really likes your boyfriend but dont be concerned my dog thinks hes a cat

Answer 8

I think it is completely normal. She probably just likes the extra attention form your boyfriend. My dog thinks he is a cat and always climbs along the back of the couch and sits in windows.

Answer 9

One of my cats loved to play fetch. Another of my cats (Fred) just adores males. When my husband comes home from work, Fred starts demanding attention. He always walks up to any male that enters the house and begs for attention by climbing onto their laps and licking/biting at their hands. When my husband comes home from work, Fred starts demanding attention. Every cat is different.

Answer 10

probably because he is a guy as to why she is affectionate! My cat never did like me, she is female, but totally loves my boyfriend. I don't know about the ball thing! Good luck!