You just adopted a new kitten. You can’t resist how cute and cuddly he is so you’ve been petting him a lot. But your cat keeps interrupting or swatting at the kitten. What’s wrong with your cat? Can cats get jealous?
We’ll take a look at the emotion jealousy, and whether a cat experiences it. We’ll also discuss how a cat could be affected by jealousy and what you can do.
Does a Cat Get Jealous
Cats are known for their independent and aloof nature, but despite their reputation as solitary creatures, they can still experience jealousy.
Jealousy is a feeling of resentment or bitterness towards someone or something because of a perceived threat to one’s own relationship or position. While jealousy is often associated with humans and dogs, it is not uncommon for cats to display similar behaviors.
Why Do Cats Get Jealous
The root cause of jealousy in cats is often related to their instinctual drive to protect their territory and resources, such as food, toys, and attention from their owners. Cats are hardwired to be protective of what they consider to be theirs, and they may view the presence of other pets or objects as a threat to their status.
Another factor that may contribute to jealousy in cats is their need for routine and predictability. Cats are creatures of habit, and they like to know what to expect from their environment and the people around them. When something changes, such as the arrival of a new pet or the introduction of a new object, it can disrupt the cat’s sense of stability and security, leading to feelings of jealousy.
Not All Cats are Jealous
It’s important to note that not all cats will display jealous behaviors, and the intensity of the jealousy will vary from cat to cat. Some cats may only show mild signs of jealousy, such as ignoring the new pet or object, while others may become aggressive and territorial. The severity of the jealousy will depend on the individual cat’s personality, as well as the perceived threat to its resources.
3 Examples of a Jealous Cat
- Jealous of other pets: Many cat owners have reported instances of their feline friends becoming jealous of other pets in the household, such as dogs or other cats. For example, a cat may become jealous of a new pet that has taken its place as the center of attention or receives more affection from its owner. This can result in the cat displaying aggressive or territorial behavior towards the new pet, or even towards its owner.
- Territorial about objects: Cats may also become jealous of objects, such as toys or beds, that they perceive as being taken away from them. For example, if a cat has a favorite toy that it always plays with, it may become jealous and aggressive if another pet begins to play with it. Similarly, if a cat has claimed a certain spot as its own, it may become jealous and defensive if another pet tries to take it over.
- Owners preoccupied: Another common scenario in which cats may exhibit jealousy is when their owners pay attention to other people or objects instead of them. For instance, if a cat is used to getting lots of affection and attention from its owner, it may become jealous if the owner begins to pay more attention to their phone or computer. In such cases, the cat may try to interrupt the owner’s activities by jumping on their lap, meowing loudly, or even scratching them.
If you suspect that your cat is jealous, there are several things that you can do to help alleviate the situation.
This includes paying more attention to your cat or offering extra toys and playtime. If you have a new kitty or pup, gradually introduce them to your cat so they don’t perceive a threat. Never punish a cat for jealousy. It will only make matters worse.
With love and patience, you can help your cat overcome their jealousy.
Cats have different ways to communicate and share their needs. This Cat Language Bible may help you understand your cat better. Keep in mind we receive a spiff if you buy, at no additional cost to you.