Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Is a Fox a Cat or a Dog? Vet-Verified Facts & Info

A magnificent wild Red Fox

Springy, quick, fearsome predator—the fox. This interesting little predator sure has people confused. After all, you could look at it and see features of both dogs and cats, So what gives? Are foxes cats or dogs?

Do you have the debate set? Are your bets drawn? If so, we finally have the answer for you. Foxes are actually a member of the Canidae family, just like dogs are, so they have more in common genetically with dogs than cats. But foxes are their own species and are not the same species as dogs; they are just related to dogs.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Cat vs. Dog-Like Features

Let’s take a closer look at the sly fox—cat-like eyes, limber body, and dog-like snout. What kind of a creature is this? Let’s break down how foxes are similar to both dogs and cats, and what can lead to confusion.

orange fox near trees
Image Credit: Amanda Frank, Unsplash

Physical Features

If you look at the physical features of a fox, it does appear to carry both cat and dog-like qualities. The sly and graceful way it moves and the limberness it possesses could remind you of our feline friends. After all, cats almost always land on their feet, and balance seems to be a personal mastery for most cats.

Plus, unlike any other canine, some foxes like the gray fox have retractable claws. Their flexibility and agile nature can allow them to arch their back like a cat, too. Plus, they share similar whisker structures and use them for navigation.

However, if you look at the shape of the teeth, the elongated wolf-like snout, the stiffness and structure of a canine’s legs, you can certainly tell how a fox resembles a dog, too.

Hunting Style

What do we know about foxes? They are extremely efficient hunters. Unlike dogs, foxes also share the killing style with cats. Dogs tend to grab and shake, while cats go in for a kill strike. Foxes strike abruptly, going straight for the kill.

Excelling alone, the fox ever-so-sneakily slips into the most unlikely places to nab a chicken or spook a rabbit at rest. The solo nature of the hunt may remind you of a cat, as they also prefer solo kills.

Dogs, on the other hand, are pack animals. They are stronger in numbers. To a degree, they don’t mind sharing once they are reaping the reward of the hunt. However, they don’t do so hot as a predator when it’s a single dog.

brown fox walking on dried leaves
Image Credit: Zdeněk Macháček, Unsplash

Diet

Unlike cats and wolves, foxes are omnivores. They feast on both animal and plant material. These animals are scavengers and opportunistic eaters, meaning they will try just about anything they can get their little mitts on.

The most common components of a fox’s diet include:

  • Rabbits
  • Rodents
  • Birds
  • Chickens
  • Pigeons
  • Rats
  • Muskrats
  • Earthworms
  • Carrion
  • Berries
  • Fruit

So, foxes are much more similar to domestic dogs in this aspect.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_How Foxes Stand Alone from Dogs (and Cats)

Foxes are quite unique creatures in their own right. These critters are all their own, with their own characteristics that make them different from dogs and cats.

1. Foxes Have a Strong Odor

Foxes, unlike dogs and cats, have a very distinct odor. Think of a ferret and their musk. You could say a fox is almost skunk-like in smell, but not as potent.

brown fox lying on black rock
Image Credit: Dušan veverkolog, Unsplash

2. Foxes Have Eerie Vocalizations

You might think there is a banshee in the woods when you hear a fox around. They make all sorts of crazy sounds! Some people may say that a fox is “barking,” but if you’ve ever heard a fox, you know that it’s different from a dog’s bark.


3. Foxes Reproduce Once a Year

Foxes can reproduce only once per year, usually in the spring. Cats can technically get pregnant up to five times per year, and dogs can have two or more litters per year.


4. Arctic Foxes Can Change Color

Arctic foxes are quite lovely creatures that actually have color-changing capabilities. They remain white all winter but change to browns and grays in the warmer months.

arctic fox on snowfield
Image Credit: Jonatan Pie, Unsplash

5. Foxes Have Impeccable Hearing

Cats have better hearing than dogs, but a fox’s ears are even more sensitive. These animals use their keen sense of hearing to hunt, and they are capable of detecting prey from long distances.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Can Foxes Be Domesticated?

Foxes are wild animals and don’t make the best pets. They haven’t been domesticated and likely will never be able to be domesticated in the same way that dogs are.

Sure, there are plenty of TikTok videos where people have kept foxes as pets and constantly put out adorable fox content. But foxes are not meant to be in captivity unless they are unable to live in the wild for health or safety reasons.

Just because you shouldn’t own a fox doesn’t mean you always can’t. In many states, you may be able to own a fox if you get a permit or license to do so. Some states require that you be a wildlife professional, while others allow permits for pets.

Other states directly forbid the ownership of foxes.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_Conclusion

So, foxes, while wildly different and certainly mysterious, are directly related to our canine companions. Though they might have cat-like features and personality traits, they are more genetically similar to dogs than cats.

Now you can always remember that all foxes are part of the Canidae family—dogs at heart, if you will. However, these animals are not pets and should be in the wild where they belong.

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: Sandra Standbridge, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

15 Adorable Short-Legged Dog Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Each dog has its own unique way of being cute. They can have floppy ears, long and curly hair, a fluffy tail, or...

Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Red? 13 Likely Reasons (Vet Answer)

As pet owners, we all become concerned if we notice something wrong with our beloved canine. If you have noticed a red eye...

7 DIY Dog Bow Tie Patterns & How-to Guides (With Pictures)

There’s nothing quite as cute as a dog wearing clothes, especially if the clothes in question require a bow tie. While doggy bow...

How to Help an Old Dog With Bad Teeth: Vet-Verified Tips & Care Guide

Dental health is a key part of a dog’s overall health. Unfortunately, dental disease is a common, but often overlooked problem, especially in...

More related

Do Australian Shepherds Like the Cold? Vet-Verified Facts & Care Tips

When the winter months start to come around, it’s only natural to wonder how much cold your Australian Shepherd can handle. You don’t...

Merle Dogs: Breeding Problems With Colors

The dog world is full of astounding color variations and patterns, and Merle is one of the most prominent unusual coat types. In...

How Much Does a Thai Bangkaew Dog Cost? (Updated in 2025)

If you want to bring a Thai Bangkaew into your home, this is the guide for you. We’ll discuss how much you should...

Can Dogs Sleep With Their Eyes Open? Vet-Verified Facts & Info

Dogs can have strange or unique sleeping habits, and it can take us time to get used to them. Sometimes, dogs may startle...

Keep reading

9 Best Treats for Puppies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Giving treats is one of the most fun parts of owning a dog. Selecting treats for your puppy can be a daunting task with all the different options on the market. Pet parents find themselves scouring reviews for the best...

puppy having treats

Can Dogs Eat Beef Jerky? Vet-Approved Feeding & Health Facts 

Dogs are exceptional at persuading you to give them a bit of a treat. This interaction with your dog actually provides more than just a tasty snack for them; it also makes you feel good by increasing the bond between...

Can Dogs Eat Beef Jerky

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

If you have a dog, you know they love meat, which isn’t surprising since they were once predators that hunted other animals to survive. What is surprising is how many other foods the average dog loves, from bananas and cheese...

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers

Whole Earth Farms Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary If you’re a pet parent, then you’ve probably already heard of Whole Earth Farms dog food just because of their tagline, “Goodness from the Earth.” Whole Earth Farms is dedicated to providing pets everywhere, whether they’re dogs or...

Dogster_Whole Earth Farms Dog Food Review

Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Introduction When you’re searching for high-quality, protein-filled dog food for your canine pal, you want only the very best. However, you also want a company that delivers on its promise to provide your pet with the most nutritional...

Dogster_Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Review

Weruva Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls, and Guide

Review Summary Weruva may sound like an odd name for a pet food brand, but the name was actually inspired by the creators’ cats: Webster, Rudi, and Vanessa. The first syllables of each name were taken and blended to create...

Dogster_Weruva Dog Food Review

Are Dogs Allowed in Whole Foods? 2025 Pet Policy & FAQ

Many people like to shop with their pets, and you likely have seen a few dogs in stores during your shopping excursions, which might cause you to wonder if you can take your dog to the local Whole Foods. Unfortunately,...

woman holding shopping cart at a market

Can Dogs Eat Greek Yogurt? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Dogs are known for wanting whatever their human has, and if you are a dog owner, you will know what we are referring to! No matter what is on your plate, your dog will be at your feet, with its...

Can Dogs Eat_Greek Yogurt