Why do Yorkies act like cats ?5 Important facts you should know

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Why do Yorkies act like Cats?

Have you ever noticed your Yorkie perching on the arm of a couch? Is he looking for lights or laser dots? Is he floppily laying down, making little effort to maintain his form? 

Does he walk across your lap as if you were a piece of furniture? Has he leapt on furniture, such as a table, in order to move across it? Is he able to curl up in a ball and sleep anywhere? He’s never purred, has he?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have a dog who behaves like a cat.

Don’t worry, you don’t have a cat atrophy; you still have a dog.

Dogs can behave similarly to cats for a variety of reasons. They either grew up with a cat and are imitating its behaviour, or they are attempting to get your attention. If the dog behaves similarly to a cat, jumping on sofas, chairs, and tables, it could also be that they’re attempting to gain a higher vantage point.

This Behaviour may be because of cat-dog living together or even close friendship between them. Both cats and dogs can pick up each other’s behaviours- Studies Suggest

The Origins of Behavior Certain dog breeds resemble cats more than others. 

If you are a dog person who believes cats are just excellent for scratching, being picky, chasing mice, disregarding you, and jumping on furniture, you are losing out on some of their positive characteristics.

Cats are adored for their devotion, affection, snuggling, assertiveness, self-confidence, and intelligence.

You may believe that your dog possesses similar characteristics as well, however, some dog breeds exhibit them to such an extent that their behaviour resembles that of a cat. 

Some of the dogs breeds that Exhibit cat Behaviour are Yorkies, Basenjis, Shetland Sheepdogs, Manchester Terriers, Italian Greyhounds, Whippets and Poodles.

Yorkies are more prone than other breeds to exhibit cat-like behaviour. Additionally, these dogs exhibit cat-like lounging and grooming activities. 

Plus,  cats have the propensity to believe they control the show and are quite self-assured, which several of these breeds exhibit.

If you do not have one of those breeds yet your dog behaves like a cat, it could be due to both cat & dog living together in a Home or even close friendship between felines and canines 

Both cats and dogs, as well as their people, are capable of picking up on one another’s behaviour.

Yorkies  are smart and highly observant:

It’s not at all uncommon for a Yorkie to pick up the feline behaviours a cat exhibits. 

Especially if the dog notices some perks such as making themselves comfy by jumping on your lap and curling up there.

This is likely to not be as comfy for you as it is for them though.

Your Yorkie appears to be bored.

They could be bored or are merely looking for an alternative to playing with you (if you’re too preoccupied to notice them at the moment).  

Jumping on the couch and walking on the edge of the sofa are two possible exercises for your dog at home. 

Each of these activities requires concentration, balance, and strength. Or, to put it another way – dexterity.  

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Cat-like Behaviour by Yorkies

Canines are better at mimicking other dogs or humans according to studies.

While there is no clear research or explanation for why your dog acts like a cat, it is plausible that he is imitating observed behaviour.

Your dog might notice your cat lying on the couch’s arm, or even on the couch’s top, and infer that it appears to be quite content. That has suddenly become his new favourite spot.

He may get self-conscious about his lack of grooming after seeing your cat’s grooming techniques, at which point he will begin grooming himself more.

Your Yorkie may be Jealous

If your pet cat sits in your lap for an extended period of time and is petted, your dog is likely to seek the same treatment, which is why the hulking canine creeps into your lap. He, too, wants to be cuddled! As your dog gets more aware of the benefits of these activities, he will try them on his own.

Studies suggest dogs are more Jealous and can try to act like a cat to get their parents attention

Ref: Jealousy in Dogs

Does your Yorkie think it is a cat?

Jane says 

My Yorkies think they are cats, especially Tucker( male Yorkie). I will come down stairs and he will be laying in the sun on the coffee table, one day I looked and there he is sitting on the desk next to the computer like it was his. I sometimes wish I had the camera around my neck so I could catch all the comical things these pup do! Tucker can jump an 18 inch gate, it is scary.

One of the Main Reasons that your Yorkie acts cats is because Your dog has a feline companion.

According to a study published in the Journal of Research on Personality, dogs are inclined to copy their human companions’ personalities. 

Additionally, dogs may mimic the behaviour of a feline companion if one is present. Also, studies suggest dogs are more Jealous and can do such things to get their paw rents attention

Ref: Jealousy in Dogs

Has your dog grown up with a cat?

If this is the case, the canine may have absorbed some of the cat’s behavioural characteristics. 

It’s very understandable. Puppies are like sponges; whatever examples you offer them, they will remember, replicate, or incorporate in general.

Dog acting like cats confuse you?

You may be a dog person who believes that dogs should dominate and cats should drool, but you’ve ended up with a dog who acts like a cat.

This indicates that your dog may receive additional cuddles, a high level of devotion, a distinct and self-assured dog personality, and an extremely affectionate puppy.

Unwanted cat behaviours by your Yorkie include jumping on counters and tables, ruling the household, sitting in inappropriate areas, and being too intelligent and confident.

If your dog exhibits these characteristics, you may end up with a very huge, stubborn cat-dog(LOL) 

One significant distinction between dogs and cats is that dogs are considerably more trainable than cats. So, make use of it to train your Pooch to not to indulge in these cat-like behaviour.

You aim to dissuade others from engaging in these cat-like activities by your dog. Well,  If your dog weighs 50 pounds, he should not be jumping on the dining room table or kitchen counter, climbing to the top of furniture, or sitting in your lap.

Your cat may attempt to claim ownership of the house by climbing on things, peeing outside the litter box, or hiding beneath your feet until he receives a reward.

However, if your dog exhibits these behaviours, these are signals of dominance, and it is at this point that the cat-like behaviour must be modified. 

You do not want to create a situation in which your dog becomes the household’s Alpha male. If your dog is exhibiting undesirable behaviour, you must teach him to stop.

Cat owners frequently use a spray bottle of water or make noises that cats dislike to stop them from their behaviour, but the truth is that these methods will almost certainly fail to deter your dog.

Even though your dog behaves similarly to a cat, you must employ specific dog training strategies to eradicate undesirable tendencies.

Is this kind of Behaviour acceptable?

Each animal has its own personality, and if your dog has a tendency to think he’s a cat, that’s simply who he is. Perhaps he purrs, perhaps he snuggles, or perhaps he simply wishes for you to scratch his head. 

What you allow as a dog owner determines which behaviours are acceptable and which are not. Unless he is causing harm, being unduly aggressive or dominant, or endangering his own health, there is little reason to be concerned.

However, if a negative behaviour occurs, take him to the Vet or a Dog-trainer for advice or a checkup. 

Your dog is still a dog, with distinct needs from a cat, and should respond positively to dog behaviour training.

Dogs Acting Like Cats: It’s quite Normal most of the time

Dogs that act like cats most of the time are behaving quite naturally. 

It is possible for some dog breeds like Yorkies have personality traits to appear more feline-like than they actually are. 

Most likely, you have nothing to be concerned about if your dog has always seemed more cat-like.

If you detect a sudden change in your dog’s behaviour and it worries you, please do not hesitate to take your pet to the veterinarian. 

If your dog was originally “dog-like,” some medical issues may cause him to become more cat-like. 

For instance, when a dog is sick, it develops the inclination to be fearful, much like a cat. 

In this particular case, it’s a matter for concern since it does feel more feline-like to you, which it does.

Do Yorkies do well with cats?

Yorkies get along nicely with cats if they are properly socialised. If you spoil them — for instance, by letting them to jump on you in ways that larger dogs would not tolerate — their unrestrained egos might become a problem. 

This kind cat-like behaviour is jokingly referred to as Small Dog Syndrome, and it is the scourge of cat existence.

Final Thoughts

Some canines’ behaviour is just more cat-like by nature. Breeds like the Yorkies, Basenji , poodle and Shiba Inu may be more naturally cat-like than other breeds 

These dog breeds are known for lounging around the home like lazy cats. They’ll even groom themselves at times, much like a cat. There’s also a certain cockiness to them, which is common among cats.

Cat-like behaviour can be seen in certain dog breeds, but the most typical cause is that you have cats in the house, and your pooch is picking up on their antics as well. 

Your dog may copy your cat’s antics if they observe it being done by another canine.

Overall, if your dog appears healthy, eating and sleeping well you shouldn’t be too concerned.

Why do Yorkies act like cats ?5 Important facts you should know

About the Author: Dog Behavioural Consultant

Jennifer W loves Pets! She is an animal lover. She loves caring for and sharing her knowledge of all kinds of pets.

Her Love for pets made her Join the pet paws hub Team, to share knowledge with the world.

Jennifer W – Dog Behavioural Consultant

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