People love to throw around phrases like "dog-eat-dog world" or strive to be the "top dog"—but let’s be honest, it’s the cats who are really in charge.
With quiet confidence and zero need for barks or brute strength, cats somehow always get their way. Whether they’re living with humans or coexisting with dogs, they usually end up ruling the roost. And more often than not, everyone else just goes along with it—because resisting a cat’s authority? Good luck with that.
Surprise Attack
This cat practically materialized out of nowhere. Just as the dog relaxed and let her guard down, the sneaky kitten launched upward and landed a swift swipe right to the face. Classic feline ambush—stealth mode: activated.
Seconds Before Disaster
It's incredible how dogs, despite their status as non-human entities, have a way of mimicking human facial expressions. In this case, you can tell exactly what this dog is thinking.
"He's right behind me, isn't he?" you can practically hear the dog whispering, as he ponders the downright evil-looking cat perched behind him.
King Of The Castle
It's a tale as old as time: a dog who's absolutely petrified of crossing a cat, despite being significantly bigger. All the cat needs to do to prolong this standoff is to keep standing here, because there's no way that this dog has the courage to initiate a confrontation.
The Redditor who posted this wrote that they moved the cat after awhile because otherwise, their dog "would have been trapped on the stairwell for who knows how long."
Merry Christmas To You Too
It's the holiday season in this household, and peace and quiet didn’t make the guest list. Forget the classic tale of a mouse stirring—this time, it’s the cat causing all the ruckus. And judging by the look on the dog’s face, he’s too rattled to even move, frozen mid-panic as festive chaos unfolds around him.
An Older Pup And An Annoying Cat
This senior pup looks perfectly content, ready to soak up some sunshine and drift into a well-earned nap. But with that cat lurking in the background, peace might be short-lived. Cats have a knack for stirring things up—especially when someone else is trying to relax.
Feed Me First
This cat has cleverly claimed the top of the dog's food container, ensuring there’s no way around him when it’s mealtime. It’s a bold move that leaves the owner with only one option: serve the cat first. Who knew feline scheming could be this precise?
A Comfy Bed
This cat couldn't be bothered by the fact that he’s claimed the entire dog bed—despite having a perfectly fine, cat-sized one waiting in the other room.
All the while, the dog’s face says it all: he’s definitely not pleased with the arrangement.
Scaredy Pup
This cat clearly knows how to command respect—just look at that golden retriever, who seems downright petrified. Whatever the feline pulled off, it was more than enough to put the so-called "big, tough" dog in check—no barking required.
A Comfy Place To Sit
This cat has determined that the comfiest, warmest spot in the entire house is perched right on top of a sleeping dog. Fortunately, the dog doesn't seem to be all that bothered by it.
Not His Crate
This cat has officially taken over the German shepherd's crate, and he’s not giving it up anytime soon. The dog definitely didn’t approve of this hostile takeover—and by the look on her face, she’d really like her crate back.
The Cat Is Clearly Winning
This puppy hasn't quite figured it out yet, but he’s already got the strength to outmatch the cat casually lounging on his back. One day, when he’s all grown up, he might finally score a win in one of their playful wrestling bouts. For now, though, the cat’s still calling the shots.
Cowering In Fear
This pup is so scared of these four little kittens that he's hiding on a chair that he doesn't really fit on. What could these little kittens possibly do to this big dog?
The Wrestling Champion
This cat is clearly the wrestling champion in this household. The little dachshund underneath him didn't stand a chance. He doesn't even look that mad about it. He almost looks like he's smiling.
Hoarding The Bone
This cat couldn't care less about that bone. She’s not interested in chewing it, licking it, or playing with it. At most, she might use it as a makeshift pillow—and even that’s a stretch.
Just A Little Poke
This dog owner heard some growling coming from the kitchen during mealtime and went to investigate. What she found? A very smug cat helping herself to the dog's food—while the poor pup just sat there, clearly too intimidated to stop her.
He's Had Enough
This dog looks completely over the kitten's nonstop antics. His expression says it all—he can’t catch a break with this clingy new feline friend constantly by his side.
No Stairs For You
This Dalmatian just wants to go downstairs, but she's very aware that if she passes that cut, she might get swatted in the face. The two of them just stared at each other like this for a while.
Right On The Head
Out of the blue, this cat took it upon himself to smack the golden retriever on the head for absolutely no reason. The dog was simply minding his own business when a grumpy feline paw struck without warning.
Right On His Face
This cat has decided that the best place for him to sit is right on this dog's face. He doesn't care that the dog can't see now or that his canine friend isn't very comfortable.
Swapping Beds
There's something wrong with this picture. There's a rather big dog in a rather small bed and a rather tiny kitten in a bed fit for a king. The dog looks pretty defeated.
Ready To Pounce
This little kitten isn't even a year old yet, and he's already testing the boundaries of his relationship with this older dog. Who do you think is going to win this fight?
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
This dog just wants to be able to sleep without interference from a striped cat paw. This cat can't keep his paws to himself. He can't let sleeping dogs lie.
Down The Stairs
This big orange cat is taking up an entire step, making it very difficult for this dog (and anybody else) to get down or up the stairs. The dog looks very apprehensive.
The Dog Just Takes It
This cat is fully taking a bite out of this golden retriever's head and the dog doesn't seem to mind one bit. I mean, he probably minds, he's just too lazy to do anything about it.
Back From The Groomer's
This dog just got back from the groomer and this cat is not happy to see her. This cat would like her to spend some more time out of the house.
A Smooth Criminal
This stealthy cat just slid into the frame, grabbed this dog's bone, and slithered away. What use does a cat have with a dog bone? He just likes making trouble.
Another Stair Hog
We've seen quite a few stair hogs on this list already. This cat has claimed a step, and he's going to swat at anybody who tries to pass by him.
Around The Corner
This cat is just waiting for this German shepherd to make a wrong move so he can get his claws out and go in for the swat. His face definitely means business.
What's A Dog To Do?
This dog is bigger and stronger than the cat who is currently curled up in his bed. There are several things he could do to reclaim his territory. The cat has won this mental war, though.
You Shall Not Pass
This dog tried to bring his toy upstairs only to be turned away by the powerful cat who guards the top landing. The dog decided it was safer just to turn back.
Let Him Drink In Peace
This dog just wants to get a drink of water in peace, but this cat isn't going to let that happen. She's going to guard that water bowl like it's her job.
Blocking The Doorway
This big, bad Bernese mountain dog is too scared to even look at the cat who's blocking his path. If he can't look his enemy in the eyes, how does he expect to win?
Right On The Neck
This kitten was lounging peacefully in the sun with his dog friend when all of a sudden, he got the idea to bite the dog on the neck. We may never understand why.