Most dogs spend their days fetching sticks, wagging their tails, and chasing anything that moves. But not Milo. Milo is a three-year-old Shiba Inu who, for reasons no one fully understands, is absolutely convinced he’s a cat.
And honestly? Watching him live out his feline fantasy might be one of the funniest things you’ll ever see.
The First Signs
When my friend Kelly adopted Milo from the shelter, she thought she was getting an energetic dog who would love long walks and the occasional game of fetch. What she got instead was… different.
From the very first week, Milo ignored the plush dog bed she bought for him and instead curled up in the sunny spot on the windowsill—exactly where her actual cat, Whiskers, usually slept.
At first, Kelly thought it was just a quirky habit. But then the other behaviors started.
The Cat-Like Habits
Milo started perching on the back of the couch, balancing like a gymnast as if he was surveying his kingdom. He began using his paws to bat at dangling objects—keys, phone cords, even Whiskers’ favorite feather toy.
And the strangest part? He stopped responding to “dog” activities. Throw a tennis ball? He’d watch it roll away, unimpressed. Toss a squeaky toy? He’d sniff it once and walk off. But if you dangled a string in front of him, he’d pounce like a kitten on a mission.
The Grooming Routine
Another clue that Milo thought he was a cat came from his grooming habits. While most dogs might give themselves a quick lick on the paw now and then, Milo takes it to an entirely new level.
He’ll sit in the middle of the room and meticulously clean his paws, face, and even behind his ears—exactly like a cat. Kelly swears he learned it from watching Whiskers, and now the two of them will sit side by side, grooming in unison like some sort of bizarre synchronized cleaning team.
The Climbing Obsession
Then came the climbing. One day, Kelly walked into the kitchen to find Milo on top of the refrigerator. How he got up there is still a mystery, but Whiskers was sitting next to him looking smug, as if she had just shown him the ropes.
Since then, Milo has been spotted on bookshelves, window ledges, and even the top of the wardrobe. Kelly has had to “cat-proof” her home for her dog—which is a sentence no one should ever have to say.
The Cat Nap Expert
Milo has also mastered the art of the cat nap. While most dogs crash hard after a walk or a play session, Milo prefers short, strategic naps in high places. He’ll curl up on the arm of the couch, the laundry basket, or the very top of the stairs—perfect spots to spy on everyone in the house while still resting.
Kelly jokes that he’s studying “cat surveillance techniques” for his future career as a neighborhood gossip.
The Relationship with Whiskers
The funniest part of all this is Whiskers’ reaction. At first, she seemed irritated—her spots were being invaded, and her toys were being “stolen.” But over time, she’s come to accept Milo as an honorary member of her species.
Now they nap together, share sunbeams, and even take turns chasing each other through the house. It’s the kind of unlikely friendship that makes you wonder if Whiskers is secretly impressed by her canine protégé.
When Visitors See Him
Whenever friends come over, Milo’s “cat moves” steal the show. People expect to be greeted by a typical dog—tail wagging, eager to sniff everyone. Instead, Milo saunters into the room, hops onto the nearest chair, and stares at them with the same aloof expression Whiskers has perfected.
If he’s feeling generous, he might allow someone to pet him—on his terms. And if not, he’ll just flick his tail (yes, he even uses his tail like a cat) and walk away.
Why This Is So Funny
Part of the humor is the commitment. Milo doesn’t just occasionally act like a cat—he has fully adopted the lifestyle. From his graceful leaps to his preference for high perches, he’s living proof that dogs can defy all the “rules” we think we know about them.
And honestly? It works for him. He’s happy, healthy, and seems to love his identity as “the cat-dog.”
Final Thought
Milo might be a dog by breed, but in his mind, he’s 100% feline. And maybe that’s the lesson—being yourself doesn’t always mean being what people expect you to be. Sometimes it means climbing the fridge, napping in a laundry basket, and ignoring tennis balls in favor of a good feather toy.
If you ever visit Kelly’s house, don’t be surprised if the “cat” you’re admiring turns out to be her Shiba Inu. Just remember—he probably won’t fetch for you, but he might let you dangle a string in front of him.