People speak of seals "barking." The comparison to dogs is obvious. There seems to be a reason for that. What taxonomists call the pinniped order is also part of the caniformia suborder of the carnivores. So they do actually bear a relation to dogs.
There's no corresponding class of semiaquatic feliforms, though. Guess you'd hear a lot of loud meows on the seashore if there were.
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Seals definitely do bark, although we've never heard them do so in the wild, just on tv. They may even fetch if provided treats, but you're right about cats. Meowing on the seashore would be a bit disconcerting.
The funny thing, though, is that even though they're not related at all, other than being canivora, the semi aquatic creatures that most resemble cats are river otters. They're lithe, furry, have a penchant for seafood, and a lot of sharp teeth.
Interesting point about not hearing them bark in the wild. I wonder if captivity, or at least contact with humans, does bring out some different behavior. I'd believe it. And actually meowing on the seashore could make one believe in sirens.
Ah yes, those little bewhiskered fellows. River otters do come off as playful little kittens. Well, not so little in relation to kittens. Nice to see one enjoying itself.
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