A Cat That Can Be Trained To Play Fetch Is The Perfect Breed For 'Dog People'

Some dogs can be very cat-like, while some cats can be very dog-like. If you've seen some amazing cats that play fetch well online, you may be wondering if there's a breed particularly adept at this talent. Pet parents more experienced with owning dogs may also wonder what the best cat breeds for dog people are. Luckily, one breed will have even the staunchest dog people falling head over heels: the Siamese.

The Siamese is a cat breed with a long history dating back hundreds of years. Vocal, devoted, and highly intelligent, this breed wants to be where the people are. What's more, the Siamese is considered a really smart breed, perfect for anyone wanting a highly trainable, loving companion. Siamese cats are also very social and want to involve themselves in whatever activity you're doing.

This incredibly friendly nature and natural curiosity makes the Siamese the perfect dog-like breed, especially if you want to teach a cat tricks. Siamese cats can learn many things, including to play fetch, give high-fives, and even walk on a leash outdoors. They generally love to give everything they learn their all.

Can cats play fetch? Absolutely! Siamese cats are naturally curious, and if yours is already interested in toys, you can teach it how to fetch with a few easy steps. Start by gently tossing the toy nearby, and reward your cat when it shows interest. If it chases the toy or brings it back, offer it a treat to encourage continued play. 

Trainer Julie from the YouTube channel Cat School Clicker Training suggests teaching fetch as a chain of behaviors — aka working on each step individually. These individual behaviors include having your cat pick up the toy, dropping it into your hand, and then moving further away each time. One key tip is to use a clicker, which will help your cat know when it's doing the right thing.

You can also teach your Siamese cat many other behaviors. Consider trying out clicker training or leash-walking to provide extra enrichment. Starting young can help your cat pick up training more quickly, but Siamese cats of all ages can have fun learning. Since these cats are very intelligent, this extra enrichment can also help prevent boredom behaviors like scratching or clawing up furniture. Ultimately, training and playing games are also great ways to bond with a new cat, especially when it comes to one of the most dog-like cat breeds around.