Can a cat be jealous? They don’t feel exactly what we think

We tend to anthropomorphize our pets, attributing them with human characteristics. For example, labeling them as jealous or envious. But are they really capable of these feelings? Researchers provide the answer!

I myself have heard the statement that a cat can be jealous – of another cat, the neighbor’s dog, or the newly arrived baby. Animal behavior experts have also been concerned with the question of whether they really experience what we call jealousy or envy. But what do we exactly mean by that?

Jealousy or envy?

By definition, “Jealousy generally refers to the thoughts or feelings of insecurity, fear, and concern over a relative lack of possessions or safety.” However, “Envy is when you want what someone else has, but jealousy is when you’re worried someone’s trying to take what you have.” So, the two terms used synonymously in the first paragraph – jealousy and envy – can actually refer to two different emotions.

Nevertheless, both are worth examining, as among the remarks regarding cats, there are some that can be described more as envy (not wanting the owner to pet the other favorite), or wanting the owner to share the food with the other (jealousy).

It comes in a different form

Behavioral researchers believe that cats also exhibit behavior very similar to human envy or jealousy, but in a different way and for different reasons. As they explain, in cats, these behaviors are mostly manifested in the form of aggression, directed towards those who threaten their safety. Especially if their territory (you know, territorial animals) or their position is threatened. As they put it, aggression mainly surfaces when the animal feels it is not in control of its environment.

(Just as a side note, without a more serious behavioral study or psychological explanation, it is often observed in children. When they are jealous or envious of someone, they physically demonstrate it. For example, they might push or take away what they desire from the other. As adults, we can control these impulses.)

Fundamentally, when we judge that a cat is jealous, we are actually seeing a stress reaction. Its source is uncertainty: it doesn’t understand the situation, or it doesn’t feel its environment is safe. And that’s threatening to it. The arrival of a new pet can also create fear, as it might wonder if there will be enough “resources” (food, space, attention) for both of them in the future.

So, your cat doesn’t behave like this out of malice. It is acting like this because a changed life situation has caused real existential uncertainty for it. When it feels someone has intruded on its territory, it tries to drive them away.

What can trigger a stress reaction in your pet?

Essentially, we’ve already listed the possible reasons: another pet – whether a dog or a cat; smaller ones, like a hamster or an aquarium of fish, are less threatening – a new family member, a long-term guest, or a roommate.

Of course, it also depends on the cat’s temperament how intensely it will react. Some cats are calmer, more accommodating, while others are more vehement.

How can the problem be solved?

From the above, it’s clear that your task is to reassure your cat. On one hand, continue to give it all the attention and care it’s used to. On the other hand, ensure its personal space. Let it keep its own feeding and watering bowls, and make sure its litter box remains its domain.

Don’t expect it to be generous (again, human traits, right?) and share. It’s not capable of reacting this way to the changed situation!