Vet shares the most-playful cat breeds for dog people

If you love the energy and companionship of dogs but can’t realistically have one—maybe your lease won’t allow it, or your schedule makes it tough—you are not the only one looking for other options. And if you’re leaning toward a cat but want one that is up for playtime instead of snoozing all day, some breeds are a much-better fit than others.

That hesitation around pet ownership is common. Those who have never had a dog or cat in their households gave reasons for not considering ownership, according to the American Humane Association. The group’s survey found that the top three reasons cited for never owning a dog are lifestyle (30 percent); cleaning up after them (30 percent); and the general expense of maintaining a pet (29 percent).

Cats still come with responsibilities—litter trays don’t clean themselves—but many people see them as easier to manage day to day, especially if they don’t have the time or space a dog typically needs.

Still, veterinarian Dr. Julie Hunt told Newsweek that the right feline can scratch that “dog person” itch: social, interactive, and always ready to play. Hunt shared the breeds she says are most likely to win over dog lovers.

1. Siamese

Siamese cats are for people who want a pet that is in the middle of everything. Hunt calls them “extremely athletic and playful,” saying you should expect a Siamese to “enter your home like they own it and to immediately explore every corner of it, including getting up on every surface that you didn’t even think a cat could access.”

Siamese cats don’t just bring energy—they bring company. “They’re very intelligent and affectionate and naturally seek out the companionship of their owners,” Hunt said.

Siamese cats are also famously chatty. Hunt, who works for Embrace Pet Insurance in Ohio, said: “They’re known for being very vocal, communicating in far more than the standard ‘meow’ that other cats are limited by.”

Hunt added that they will keep the conversation going with “a variety of sounds, including ‘brr’ and ‘mrrr’ and many other sounds in their vocal repertoire.” For anyone who likes a pet that responds and engages, she described them as “interactive and playful with their owners,” and “a perfect choice for someone who wants a friendly, social, and interactive cat.”

2. Bengal

Bengals tend to feel like cats with a bit of a wild streak but in a good way, said Hunt. She described them as “friendly, intelligent, and a little wild,” and added that they are “very energetic and playful, preferring play that mimics stalking and hunting.”

They are the kind of cat that often surprises first-time owners with how involved they want to be. “They often can be trained to walk on a leash and play fetch,” Hunt said. “Many owners even report that their Bengals love playing in running water.

“Bengals are vocal in many ways beyond the typical ‘meow’ sound,” Hunt said, adding that they need stimulation and structure. Without that, they don’t do well in “boring homes where they may become destructive or develop bad habits.”

3. Maine Coon

Maine Coons are the big-hearted heavyweights of the cat world. Hunt referred to them as the “gentle giants,” and said they are often a natural match for dog people.

“They are often compared to dogs because they love being involved with their humans, often following them around the house, and can be trained to fetch,” Hunt said.

Along with being playful and smart, they are typically easygoing in busy households. Hunt added they “typically get along well with children and other pets because of their patience.”

They have a few quirks that dog lovers tend to find charming, too.

“Maine Coons often like water, similar to Bengal cats,” Hunt said, and she added that, “like Siamese and Bengal cats, they’re also known for making a variety of vocal sounds.” Because Maine Coons are so social, she added that “they prefer not to be left alone for long periods of time.”

4. Domestic Shorthair

You don’t need a rare breed to get a playful, people-friendly cat. Domestic shorthairs can be nonstop entertainment.

Hunt said that some people may be surprised they made her list, but she added: “this common kitty is a playing machine.”

“Built for hunting, the domestic shorthair cat is always ready to play,” Hunt said, especially when they are adopted young and confident. “Particularly when adopted as an outgoing and well-socialized kitten, this creature is always looking to attack whatever toys, shadows, laser lights, other animals, unsuspecting humans, dust motes, or imaginary things may come into its path.”

And domestic shorthairs don’t necessarily grow out of it. “As they grow up, most will continue their extremely playful ways as long as you continue playing with them,” Hunt said.

For dog people thinking about making the switch (or at least widening the circle), the takeaway is simple: pick a cat that actually wants to do life with you. Hunt’s picks show that plenty of cats aren’t just loungers; they are companions, comedians, and little sidekicks who want in on the action.