There is a reasonable debate in the scientific community about whether cats can feel jealous. However, many cat owners can attest to jealousy-like behaviors in their cats when there is new pet, a new baby, or a new boyfriend around the house. The cat may attack the stranger, urinate on personal objects, or seem to sulk and be standoffish. What’s going on here?

Animal experts caution against applying the test of human emotions to animals. However, it is believed that the observed changes in a cat’s behavior in reaction to a new presence in the house can be explained in terms of the cat’s worldview. Messy Beast provides an in depth look at your cat’s emotions in a copyrighted article by Sarah Hartwell.

All animals have emotional responses that are categorized as the Four Fs - "fight", "flight", "feed", and "reproduce" - these emotional responses are hardwired by our genes. According to Hartwell, a cat will be protective of its territory and defends it.

A newcomer may trigger a territorial fight/flight response. "Few cats respond to a new arrival with enthusiasm" she explains. Therefore, a new situation should be evaluated in terms of how it affects the cat’s feelings of security, safety, and sense of well-being. Any change that affects a cat’s privileges, attention received, and normal daily life can cause a reaction that may look like jealousy.

Here are a couple things you can do to reduce your cat’s anxiety and therefore his apparent jealousy. When introducing a new cat to the home, go slowly. For the first few days, place the new kitty in a room by herself, with food, water, and litter box. Allow the cats to smell one another through the door but not be in direct contact.

Gradually allow some supervised face-to-face time. The key word here is supervised. Do not use your resident cat’s things with the new cat - get new ones. Follow the same slow introduction with a new dog. One advantage of introducing a dog to the resident cat is that you can keep the dog on a leash and remove it quickly, if necessary.

Before a new baby comes to live at your house, use baby lotions and powders on your skin so your cat can adjust to the new smells. You can try playing baby-crying sounds or have a friend bring over a baby to help your kitty become accustomed to the new noises.

Again, supervise closely! Also try to spend some extra, quality time with your resident cat. Let him or her know that they are not being replaced and that they will not lose food or time with you because of the usurper. Remember - try to see the world with your kitty’s eyes.

Do Cats Have Emotions?

Posted by Barbara.