Can cats feel jealousy?
The feeling of envy is a complex emotional state that is accessible only to humans.
Its manifestation requires analysis of the situation and the ability to assess future possible threats, which is believed to be inaccessible to animals.
However, in real life, pet owners notice that their furry charges, under certain circumstances, can show signs of emotions reminiscent of envy.
Cats are territorial animals, and their comfort zone is not the place next to a person, but their home.
They are ready to defend their space from new participants laying claim to it. The same applies to household items of cats, which they consider their own: a sofa, a scratching post, a bowl.
If a new animal is introduced into the home, the established cat will likely exhibit behavior that could be interpreted as jealousy, although it more accurately represents protection of its territory and resources.
"Envy" when a newborn appears in the family is also a struggle for resources. In this case, we are talking about human attention, games, feeding and other aspects of interaction with the owner.
This is why a tendency towards "envy" can be typical for cats that faced problems with socialization in childhood.
However, it is important to note that the theory that cats can experience full-fledged envy like humans has not been proven.
How does envy manifest itself in cats?
Envy in cats is most often associated with dramatic changes in their lives and the stress associated with this. Therefore, the signs of envy are often similar to the usual signs of stress.
An envious cat may begin to hiss and adopt threatening postures, defend its territory, and sometimes become aggressive and attack.
Another obvious symptom of envy is an insistent demand for the owner's attention: the cat may meow for a long time, behave defiantly, or lie down on important things to emphasize its dissatisfaction.
Sometimes, on the contrary, your furry friend may seem indifferent to you. In such cases, he will try to leave and spend as much time alone as possible.
Does my cat seem jealous? What should I do?
As with any problem, it’s important to understand its roots. Try to remember what has changed in your pet’s life recently. Perhaps a new family member has taken over the space your cat thought was his, or something has changed in his routine.
Once you have identified the cause, try to eliminate it or help your pet adapt to the new circumstances.
If we are talking about envy of a new family member, then your task is to help the cat cope with the changes in her life.
Try not to change her usual routine, give her attention and extra affection. Give her new tasty treats, as the way to a cat's heart often goes through her stomach.
Don't forget to support your furry friend with communication and petting. Tasty treats and your attention will help her cope with stress more easily.
If your cat is jealous of another pet, give her her own space. Give her her own toys, bowls, and litter box, and make sure no one else uses them.
Earlier we wrote about why a cat growls while eating.
