Introduction
You’re relaxing on the couch with your husband and your cat, Charlie. Your husband starts gently rubbing your arm, but just as you begin to feel relaxed, Charlie hops on your lap and hisses at your husband. What gives? Is Charlie jealous of the attention you’re giving your husband?
Many cat owners have experienced their feline companions acting out when attention shifts away from them. Although jealousy is a complex emotion that’s difficult to study in animals, evidence suggests cats may display jealous behaviors in response to perceived threats to their bond with their owner.
What is jealousy?
Jealousy is an emotion that arises when someone fears losing something or someone they value to a real or imagined rival. It often involves feelings of anger, resentment, inadequacy, and possessiveness. While jealousy is a universal human emotion, research shows it manifests differently in humans compared to other animals.
In humans, jealousy arises when social bonds are threatened. It can stem from emotional insecurity and feelings of inferiority. Jealous thoughts may fixate on a rival’s appearance, status, abilities, or privileges we feel deprived of. Jealousy impacts not just relationships, but self-esteem.
In contrast, jealousy in animals like cats is driven by more primal, survival-based fears. Cats get jealous about resources like food, territory, and their human’s affection. Their jealousy is instinctive and motivated by competition for necessities. While human jealousy has an abstract psychological basis, a cat’s stems from concerns about physical needs and social dominance.
Signs of jealousy in cats
While some may doubt that cats experience jealousy, there are some telltale signs that a cat is feeling envious. According to WebMD, some of the most common signs of jealousy in cats include:
Aggression – A jealous cat may hiss, growl, or even swat at the object of their jealousy, like a new pet or new family member. Cats may act out due to feeling threatened that they are losing status or attention.
Attention-seeking – Cats who want your attention may head butt you, meow repeatedly, or even try to sit on you or block your view in order to regain your focus. Increased affection and demands for petting can indicate jealousy.
Possessiveness – Cats are naturally territorial, but jealousy can make them even more possessive. They may guard objects, locations, or even people that they view as “theirs.” Retreating to or blocking you from a favorite spot shows their desire for ownership.
According to The Spruce Pets, cats may also engage in reactive behaviors like scratching furniture, urinating outside the litterbox, or destructive chewing on objects when feeling jealous and insecure. Recognizing the signs of envy in cats can help you address the root issue.
Why Cats Get Jealous
Cats can display jealous behaviors when they feel threatened or worry they are losing access to your affection and resources 1. As creatures of habit, cats like their daily routines and environments to remain consistent. When something disrupts their schedule or encroaches on their territory, it can make them upset. For instance, when a new person or pet joins the household, your cat may start acting out because they now have to share your attention. They may hiss, bite, knock things over, or even urinate outside their litter box in response.
Cats are also very attached to their owners and can get jealous when someone else receives your affection instead of them. You may notice them trying to sit between you and the object of their jealousy, refusing to leave your side, or meowing for attention when you engage with the other person/animal. This stems from their desire for your love and resources. To your cat, they were here first and have primary rights to your lap, bed, and food.
Managing a jealous cat
If your cat is acting jealous, there are some things you can do to help manage the behavior. First, try to give your cat some alone time with just you. Set aside 10-15 minutes a day to interact only with your cat without your partner around. Play with toys, brush your cat, or give treats during this special bonding time. This focused attention can help reassure your cat and curb jealous behaviors.
It’s also important not to punish your cat for jealous behaviors like hissing or swatting. This will only make your cat more anxious. Instead, try redirecting their energy into positive activities. For example, if your cat hisses when your partner tries to pet them, calmly divert their attention to a toy or treat. With consistency and positive reinforcement, your cat can learn better ways to interact.
According to Petful, “Giving the jealous cat extra attention and maintaining his favorite routines goes a long way toward making him happy.” Make sure your cat still has access to all their preferred sleeping spots, toys, and other resources. Keep their schedule consistent for feedings, play time, and snuggling. The more you can preserve their routine, the more secure your cat will feel.
Could it be something else?
While jealousy is one potential cause of your cat’s behavior changes, there are other possible explanations you should consider as well. Significant changes in a cat’s behavior are often signs of an underlying issue.
Stress or anxiety can lead to unusual behaviors in cats. Changes to their normal routine, environment, or interactions can cause stress. Introducing a new pet or family member, moving homes, construction noise, or conflicts with other pets are common stressors. Stressed cats may hide more, stop using the litter box, or act aggressive or skittish.
Medical conditions may also alter a cat’s behavior. Dental disease, arthritis, hyperthyroidism, neurological issues, and other health problems can cause changes like increased vocalization, aggression, anxiety, or house soiling. Any sudden behavior changes in an adult or senior cat should prompt a veterinary exam to rule out illness.
Lack of routine and stimulation is another potential cause. Cats thrive on regular schedules and activities. Disruptions to their typical routines or not providing enough enrichment can lead to boredom and behavior issues. Make sure your cat has daily playtime, scratching posts, cat trees, puzzles, and affection.
While jealousy is one possibility, consider other explanations like stress, health problems, or boredom first. Seek veterinary care to address any medical causes. You can also minimize stress and add enrichment to help get your cat’s behavior back to normal.
When to seek help
If your cat’s aggressive behavior seems extreme or is causing clear distress, it’s important to seek help from a veterinarian right away. According to The Spruce Pets, you should call your vet if your cat shows concerning symptoms for more than 12 hours. Signs to watch out for include aggression, hiding, vocalizing, loss of appetite, lethargy, and eliminating outside the litter box. As Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine notes, recognizing signs of distress in your cat can help prevent injury and get your cat the care they need.
Making your cat feel secure
There are several ways you can help make your cat feel more secure in your home, especially if there have been recent changes like a new family member. Increasing playtime, maintaining a set routine, and providing cat furniture are some strategies to consider:
Cats thrive on routine and familiarity. Set up a regular schedule for feeding, playtime, and social interaction. Try to keep their main routines consistent even when changes occur in the household. Knowing what to expect at certain times of day can be very comforting for cats.
Make sure your cat gets plenty of playtime and activity throughout the day. Interactive play helps satisfy their predatory instincts. Try fishing pole toys and other games that stimulate your cat mentally and physically. Active play before bedtime can lead to better sleep.
Provide cat trees, scratching posts, and hiding spots around your home so your cat has places to perch, climb, scratch, and retreat when needed. Vertical territory and high vantage points help cats feel more secure. Place cat furniture near windows for bird watching.
In addition, using synthetic pheromones like Feliway can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats. Pheromones mimic the scent glands and facial pheromones cats use to mark territory and feel safe. Diffusers, sprays, wipes, and collars with pheromones are available to help soothe cats.
Introducing a new partner
When introducing a cat to a new partner, it’s important to go slow and make the experience positive for the cat. As noted by PetSecure, “Make sure you give your cat lots of affection when your partner is around so your cat doesn’t feel left out. Provide treats and playtime when your partner is over to reinforce that good things happen when this new person is around.”
The ASPCA also recommends taking things slowly: “Introduce your partner gradually so as not to overwhelm your cat. Ask your partner to offer treats, petting or play, and make sure these interactions are gentle and positive.” Give your cat space and don’t force interactions. Allow the cat to approach on their own terms.
It can also help to give your partner an article of clothing with your scent on it to allow the cat to get used to their smell beforehand. Trading scents can help them familiarize with one another. Overall, a slow introduction paired with positive reinforcement helps cats accept a new partner into their environment.
Sources:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/ aggression-cats
Conclusion
In summary, while cats can display behaviors that may seem like jealousy, most experts agree they do not actually experience complex emotions like jealousy or revenge. Cats are territorial animals that thrive on routine. Any change to their environment or your affection can trigger anxiety and stress responses. The best way to manage a cat’s apparent jealousy is to ensure you maintain their routine, give them plenty of playtime and affection, provide them with vertical space and hiding spots, and make gradual introductions to new people or animals in the home. With patience and care, you can help your cat adjust to changes and feel secure.
The important thing is continuing to meet your cat’s needs for love and attention. Make sure they get daily play sessions, petting, treats, and lap time with you. Keep their schedule consistent and don’t isolate them from family activities. Give them vertical space to climb and hiding spots to retreat to if needed. With time, your cat is likely to become more comfortable with your spouse. However, if your cat’s behavior becomes destructive or aggressive, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying medical issues. Remember, while your cat may not feel jealousy, they still rely on you for their health and happiness.
