Like people, cats have different personality traits. One of those happens to be jealousy—or, at least, what looks like jealousy. In fact, hissing, swatting, scratching, or spraying can all be ways that cats will attempt to control their environment.
Signs of Jealousy in Cats
Do cats get jealous of other cats? Sometimes, especially if they perceive more attention is being given to a new kitten, for example, or in households with multiple felines.
The reason for your cat's desire to be possessive over you is essentially because they are bonded to you. You make them feel good, keep them calm, and allow them to feel loved. Talking to your cat has many benefits, and it's a great way to build confidence in your cat, too.
The Best Way to Stop Your Pet's Jealous Behavior
The best thing to do to thwart jealous behavior is to ignore bad behavior or move to another space if your pet keeps interfering. If you have multiple pets, give each animal their own food dish, water dish, litter box, bed, etc.
When your cat meows repeatedly, give a signal, such as a light foot stomp. Only pet your cat or give a treat when he or she stops meowing. Likewise, you can redirect a needy cat by playing with him or her. Distracting him or her from irritating behavior can reduce it altogether.
If your cats suddenly start fighting when they previously lived together without altercations, the first step is to take them to your veterinarian for medical evaluation. Medical problems can cause a cat to be in pain, grouchy or confused, which increases the likelihood for aggressive behavior.
Cats tend to favor one person over others even if they were well-socialized as kittens. Cats are expert communicators and gravitate towards people that they communicate well with. Look for communication cues from your cat, such as your cat approaching you in search of food or petting.
Simple dominance will be exhibited by a cat by marking or spraying urine on territory, stealing and hoarding toys, rubbing its face on items it wants to claim as its own, claiming specific areas to sleep, pushing other cats away from the food bowl, and/or starting at or physically intimidating other cats.
The attitudes with which cats show that they are offended
It doesn't mean that she has been mistreated, but she may simply have felt neglected, or she may have got out of the habit of seeing you, fearing, at some point, that you would never be coming home again.
Cats are family-oriented and usually live with their relatives. Cats will sleep together, share common feeding areas, and groom one another within family groups. For this reason, cats often do well adopted in pairs.
“Cats don't forgive, and once they realize a person is causing them anxiety or hurt, they keep away.” So says John Bradshaw, an anthrozoologist at Bristol University and author of “Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet.”
Hissing, growling, biting, slashing, or digging their nails into your skin are fairly clear indications that a cat is not happy with you. Of course, some cats do play a little rough, and most cats will give a love bite now and then, but if your cat bites you hard enough to break the skin, that is one pissed-off cat.
They love spending time with you! If your kitty loves to lounge around with you and seems relaxed in your company, this is a good sign that they trust you. If cats feel worried or uncomfortable in a situation then they are likely to go and hide, so if your cat is happy to spend time with you it's a good sign!
Cats' territorial aggression is usually directly toward other cats, but it can be directed toward dogs and people, too. A cat can show territorial aggression toward some family members and not others and toward some cats but not others.
These are “alpha cats.” They are natural leaders; they refuse to be led and attempt to take charge of practically every situation. These cats like their food when they want it and the way that they like it … or else. They may only let you touch them for short periods of time and then again, only on their terms.
Just like humans, cats are left- and right-handed, preferring one paw over the other when it comes to going down stairs, grabbing food and other activities.
The author writes, “Although a cat may not care (as that word is generally used) about human morals, cats can and do distinguish between good and bad people, and are excellent judges of human character and emotion.
Sleeping with you provides them with security and an extra defense if a predator should launch a nighttime attack. They sleep with you because they trust you, they know you're not a danger and you can also provide an extra layer of defense if needed.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.
Never let the cats “fight it out.” Cats don't resolve their issues through fighting, and the fighting usually just gets worse. Interrupt aggression with a loud clap of your hands or spray from a water gun.
Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.
If your cat's behavior changes suddenly, your first step should always be to contact your veterinarian for a thorough health examination. Cats often hide symptoms of illness until they're seriously ill. Any change in behavior may be an early indication of a medical problem. Spay or neuter any intact pets in your home.