Do Cats Get Jealous? Understanding Feline Behavior

We often attribute human qualities to animals: their behavior often makes us associate ourselves with our pets. Many say that animals typically resemble their owners. Does this apply to emotions?

“My cat is offended and ignores me,” “they smelled the dog on me, and now they are jealous, how cute”: these phrases can be regularly heard from owners. But is it true? Do cats get jealous? And if so, towards whom? Let’s find out more about the emotional intelligence of our furry friends!

Can Cats Feel Jealousy? What Science Says

How does jealousy work in humans? For our brain, jealousy is a biochemical reaction caused by stress based on adrenaline and oxytocin. It is due to evolution and socialization, as well as our desire to build long-term emotional bonds with others. Does this also work in cats? Can cats get jealous? 

Cats do not have the same strong cognitive structures that can cause jealousy. However, they experience emotions that can be interpreted as this feeling. Some experiments have shown that pets react negatively if their owner interacts more with other pets. Several factors can cause this:

• Social attachment. Cats have a reputation for being independent and self-sufficient creatures, but they are more attached to us than we imagine. If your attention switches to another object (another animal, a person, or even a gadget) when they need it, cats can show reactions similar to jealousy.
• Territory. Cats, especially males, are possessive regarding territory: they have their own comfort zone and responsibility, where strangers are not allowed. Suppose a new creature invades their space or uses resources (litter tray, water, food mask). In that case, this causes aggression and an instinctive desire to defend themselves.
• Emotional intelligence. Studies have shown that cats have a set of basic emotions: joy, fear, anger, and frustration. So, do cats feel jealous like us? Jealousy can result from anger and frustration over the loss of a resource. Your cat will feel similar emotions, whether it's food, toys, or your attention.

Cats show “jealousy” through aggression, ignoring the owner, and intentional actions like “accidentally” knocking things over. The other side of the coin of typical cat jealousy signs is an excessive desire to regain your attention: annoying behavior and actions, meowing, trying to climb on your lap, and so on.

Common Cat Jealousy Signs to Watch For

Cats have a variety of reactions to stimuli: some are more aggressive towards new threats, while some cats are more prone to showing fear. What about jealousy? Are there any signs to understand that a cat is jealous? We have identified several main signs:

• Aggressive behavior. Cats may hiss or growl and also attack the object of jealousy, for example, a person or another cat. Active territoriality also indicates aggressive behavior and the animal's desire to show who the boss is.
• Demonstrative behavior. If you notice that your cat has started trying to take up more space, meow, jump on tables, or stand between you and the “rival,” then you should know that and want to return your attention to them. Playing “out of spite” also belongs to this type.
• Change in habits. These signs indicate that the cat can feel jealous or they are uncomfortable and experiencing stress. This is evidenced by a change in eating habits, problems with the toilet, or deliberately ignoring you or their rival.

Many of these issues are similar to how cats react to stress or changes in their daily routine. Therefore, make sure that your cat is really jealous before you start doing anything about it. For example, if the cat actively shows aggression towards the “rival,” this may more clearly indicate jealousy.

Do Cats Get Jealous of Other Cats or Kittens?

Cats perceive us as someone from their social circle or family. We are the same cat for them with our habits, who care and pay attention only to them. Your pet may react negatively when a new kitten appears on the horizon.

Can this be considered jealousy? Yes, in a sense, it is. Many cats are not ready to face the appearance of a new family member, new smells, habits, and nuances. Moreover, they are scared and do not understand what is happening.

Why Do Cats Get Jealous of Humans or Babies?

Just like with other cats, a pet can feel competition with other people. Unlike people, they cannot directly say or ask, and they have to act based on their instincts and feelings. So, do cats get jealous of babies? Here are some reasons why your furry friend may be:

• Decreased attention from the owner. If you rarely invite guests and the cat is not used to new interactions, the appearance of new residents (even the smallest ones) will trigger them. Do cats get jealous of humans? Sometimes, yes, but it’s easy to navigate them. Moreover, cats get used to your usual daily routine, and changes in the schedule can lead to additional stress.
• Change in smells and surroundings. New people have their smells, and not all are pleasant for a cat. It can be perfume or a natural scent that they will not like. For a child, things like a stroller, crib, and baby clothes can also be unpleasant news for a cat.
• New noises. Crying in the middle of the night can frighten a cat because they are sensitive to loud noises and are naturally shallow sleepers. Sudden and rapid movements of children and their interest in the pet can also frighten a cat.

Despite these signs, most children and cats in a family get along well, even though cats can get jealous of other cats and humans. Perhaps a little selfishly, but cats love their owners and notice how warmly they treat a child. This can be a great start for their special relationship.

How to Deal With a Jealous Cat: Practical Tips

Jealousy, frequent meowing, isolation, and stress of a cat always make owners worry. Is everything okay with their health? How can we help the cat get used to new conditions and live on? Here are some tips for those who want to increase the comfort of your furry friend:

• Pay attention. Of course, this will be more difficult to understand how to deal with a jealous cat with the appearance of a new creature in the house. Find a free half hour in your schedule to play together. Feed the cat from your hands, fall asleep together, and so on.
• Distribute resources. If you decide to get a new pet, then you should understand that now they will have to get along in the same territory, which can be difficult for cats at first. Make them separate zones and ensure each has a bowl for food and water, a toilet, and a place to sleep.
• Encourage obedience. Try not to punish the cat for bad behavior since this can aggravate the situation. However, keep an eye on them when interacting with the “rival” and reward good behavior or the first signs of reconciliation.

The appearance of a new living creature at home is a novelty and stress for the whole family. Are cats jealous? How to manage their feelings? Let this process begin gradually if you want to ensure that your pet takes it as calmly as possible. For example, first, bring things with new smells into the house, and then a new animal or child.

Socialize and Learn More About Pets With FlatRover

Most cats experience jealousy easily and quickly adapt to new conditions. Do you want to meet new pets, care for them and travel? Then FlatRover is a great option for you! Our platform covers several of your needs at once:

• Travel cheaper. We unite owners and sitters, allowing you to stay in new places for free and providing sitter services while the owner is away. Take care of their home and animals and explore a new city at the same time.
• One application – several functions. You do not need additional things to start traveling with FlatRover. Built-in questionnaires and survey systems, detailed customer profiles, and the ability to chat in the app allow you to accept new offers faster.
• Trusted service. We have added a review system and rating so that you can find out what other users think about the traveler or property owner. This will help you find the best options for travel or reliable pet sitters.

No way to take your pet with you? FlatRover will save your time and psyche: reliable sitters, detailed questionnaires, and a convenient application system will make this process easier!

FAQ

Do cats get jealous of other cats getting attention?

Yes, cats can get jealous if they see the owner paying attention to another cat. They perceive this as a threat to their position in the house and can begin to demand more attention, become aggressive, or demonstratively avoid communication.

Why is my cat jealous of my new pet or baby?

Cats get used to the established routine and attention from the owner this is what you need to understand why cats get jealous. When a new pet or child arrives, the owner's attention is divided differently, and the cat may feel deprived. It may also be bothered by new smells, sounds, and environmental changes.

How can I tell if my cat is feeling jealous?

It is easier to confuse jealousy with a stress response than it seems. However, suppose your cat is aggressive towards the new creature in the house, meows loudly, isolates itself from others, or changes its eating habits. In that case, this indicates discomfort and the way cats experience jealousy. Spend more time with it and help it adapt so that this condition passes faster.

Can cats get jealous of humans or their owners?

Yes, cats can be jealous not only of animals but also of people. If the owner spends more time with another person (for example, a partner, guest, or child), the cat may feel "pushed aside" and try to get attention back.

What can I do to reduce jealousy between cats?

Cats can get jealous of each other. To minimize stress for both cats, introduce the new family member gradually. First, let your cat get used to the new smell. Then introduce them and let them feel that you have no favorites and value both pets. Use treats and toys to create a positive atmosphere.