Have you ever seen a dog act like a cat? It sounds strange, but that is exactly what happened in this funny and heartwarming story. A smart black cat accidentally taught her energetic Belgian Malinois sister some very cat-like habits.
At first, it looked cute and harmless. But now, the cat might be wishing she had kept those skills to herself.
If you know about the Belgian Malinois breed, you already understand that these dogs are extremely active, intelligent, and full of energy. When that kind of dog starts behaving like a mischievous cat, things can get very interesting!
Let us look at how this happened and what it teaches us about raising a Belgian Malinois properly.
How the Black Cat Influenced the Belgian Malinois
Anika, the Belgian Malinois, grew up very close to her black cat sister. For a long time, the cat was her only companion. Because of that strong bond, Anika began copying everything her feline sister did.
Instead of acting like a typical working dog, Anika developed some very “cat-like” behaviors, including:
- Pushing and swatting people and objects
- Curling up tightly when sleeping
- Loafing like a cat
- Making “biscuits” with her paws
It is adorable to watch, but it also shows how smart and observant dogs can be. The Belgian Malinois is known for high intelligence, and they quickly learn from their surroundings.
Why Did Anika Copy the Cat?
Dogs learn by watching others. Since the black cat was Anika’s main role model during her early life, she naturally copied her behavior. This is common in multi-pet homes.
However, there was one big challenge.
The Belgian Malinois has extremely high energy levels. The black cat? Not so much.
Being the only playmate for such an active dog became exhausting for the cat. While Anika wanted to play and push all day, the cat just wanted to relax.
Do Belgian Malinois Do Better With Another Dog?
Seeing that their cat needed a break, the family decided to adopt another dog named Milo. Milo is a rescue dog, and his exact breed mix is unknown. But one thing became clear very quickly — he was the perfect play partner for Anika.
This raises an important question:
Do Belgian Malinois do better in pairs?
The answer depends on the individual dog, but in many cases, having a second dog can be very helpful.
Benefits of Having Two Dogs
Below is a simple table to understand the advantages:
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Built-in Playmate | Burns extra energy daily |
| Easier Training | Younger dog learns by watching |
| Less Boredom | Reduces destructive behavior |
| Shared Energy | Dogs entertain each other |
| Protects Other Pets | Reduces pressure on smaller animals |
For high-energy breeds like the Belgian Malinois, companionship can make daily life easier. But it is not necessary for every dog.
If you choose to keep only one Malinois, you must spend enough time with them. Daily exercise and mental stimulation are extremely important.
Best Enrichment Activities for Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is not an average pet dog. This breed was developed for police work, military tasks, protection, and herding. They need a job to feel happy and balanced.
Without proper activity, they may become bored, frustrated, or even aggressive.
Here are some of the best activities for this energetic breed:
1. Foraging and Scent Games
Hide treats around your home or garden and let them search. This keeps their mind active.
2. Long Walks, Runs, and Hikes
Short walks are not enough. Malinois need structured exercise daily.
3. Swimming
Many Malinois enjoy water activities. Swimming helps burn energy safely.
4. Herding Games
Even without livestock, herding balls are a great alternative.
5. Professional Bite Work Training
With proper professional guidance, bite work can provide strong mental and physical stimulation.
6. Interactive Feeding
Using puzzle feeders or lick mats makes mealtime more exciting.
In Anika’s case, though, nothing seems more fun than playfully pushing her siblings around — especially her cat sister.
This sweet and funny story of a black cat teaching a Belgian Malinois to push shows how intelligent and adaptable dogs truly are. Anika simply copied the companion she loved most.
While it created some chaotic and amusing moments, it also highlights an important truth — the Belgian Malinois breed needs structure, exercise, and mental challenges.
Adding a second dog helped balance the household and gave Anika a proper outlet for her high energy. But whether you have one Malinois or two, the key is daily training, exercise, and engagement.
When their needs are met, Belgian Malinois are loyal, loving, and incredibly impressive dogs. Without that balance, they may turn into playful troublemakers — just like Anika!