Can Pets Get Jealous? Experts Weigh In

When your dog pushes between you and your partner during a hug, or your cat knocks items off your desk while you’re working, you might wonder: “Is my pet jealous?” For years, scientists dismissed the idea of pet jealousy as anthropomorphism—attributing human emotions to animals. However, recent research suggests our furry companions may indeed experience something akin to jealousy. This article explores what experts have discovered about pet emotions, particularly jealousy, and what it means for our relationships with our animal companions.

The Science Behind Animal Emotions

Animal emotions have been a contentious topic in scientific circles for decades. Charles Darwin first proposed in the 19th century that animals experience emotions similar to humans, but the scientific community largely rejected this idea until recently. Modern neuroscience has revealed that mammals share similar brain structures involved in emotional processing, particularly the limbic system. According to Dr. Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, “The same neural circuits and neurochemicals that mediate human emotions are present in other animals.” This biological foundation suggests that while animal emotions may not be identical to human feelings, they likely experience basic emotions, potentially including jealousy.

Defining Jealousy: Human vs. Animal

In humans, jealousy is a complex emotion involving feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety when someone perceives a threat to a valued relationship. It typically requires self-awareness and the ability to understand relationships between others. For animals, researchers propose a more primitive form of jealousy that doesn’t require the same level of cognitive complexity. Dr. Christine Harris from the University of California, San Diego, suggests that what we observe in pets might be a “proto-jealousy”—an evolutionary precursor to human jealousy that functions to protect important social bonds and resources. This distinction is important because it acknowledges that while pet jealousy may not mirror human jealousy exactly, it still represents a genuine emotional response.

Groundbreaking Research on Dog Jealousy

The first controlled study on dog jealousy was published in 2014 by Dr. Harris and her colleague Caroline Prouvost. They observed 36 dogs in their homes while their owners ignored them and interacted with a realistic-looking stuffed dog, a jack-o-lantern pail, or read a children’s book aloud. The results were striking: dogs showed significantly more jealous behaviors—such as pushing between the owner and object or snapping—when their owners interacted with the fake dog compared to the other objects. This suggested that dogs were responding to perceived social rivalry, not just seeking attention. A 2018 follow-up study found similar results and confirmed that dogs were more likely to show these behaviors when their owners paid attention to a social rival (another dog) than to non-social objects.

Signs of Jealousy in Dogs

Dogs display a range of behaviors that owners and experts interpret as signs of jealousy. These include pushing or inserting themselves between their owner and the “rival,” whining or barking to get attention, pulling on the owner’s clothes, or showing signs of aggression toward the perceived competition. Dr. Laurie Santos, director of the Canine Cognition Center at Yale University, notes that these behaviors appear targeted toward regaining attention rather than random attention-seeking. Some dogs may also exhibit behaviors like leaving the room (avoidance) or showing displacement behaviors such as excessive licking or scratching. Certified animal behaviorist Mary Burch points out that these reactions are most commonly triggered when attention is given to other pets, people (especially children or new partners), or even inanimate objects like phones or computers that take an owner’s attention away from the dog.

Do Cats Experience Jealousy?

While cats have a reputation for being more independent than dogs, research indicates they too may experience jealousy. A 2019 study from the University of Vienna found that cats showed more affiliation behaviors toward owners who were petting other cats than toward owners who were not interacting with other felines. Feline jealousy might manifest differently than in dogs—common signs include hissing or swatting at the “rival,” refusing to use the litter box, excessive grooming, or destructive behavior. Mikel Delgado, a certified cat behavior consultant and postdoctoral fellow at the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis, explains that cats are territorial by nature and may view attention as a limited resource worth competing for. “When we see behaviors consistent with jealousy in cats, it often relates to their natural territorial instincts and their desire to maintain access to valuable resources—including human attention,” says Delgado.

Jealousy in Other Pet Species

Jealousy-like behaviors aren’t limited to just cats and dogs. Bird owners frequently report jealous behaviors in their feathered companions, particularly in highly intelligent species like parrots. Dr. Irene Pepperberg, known for her work with Alex the African Grey Parrot, has noted that parrots may show signs of distress when their owners interact with other people or animals. Horse owners and trainers have long observed that horses can become possessive of their human handlers and may display agitation when attention is diverted elsewhere. Even small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs have been reported to show behaviors consistent with jealousy, though less research exists on these species. The common thread appears to be that social animals who form strong bonds with humans may develop expectations about those relationships and react when those expectations are violated.

The Evolutionary Purpose of Jealousy

From an evolutionary perspective, jealousy serves an important function. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, professor emeritus at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, explains that “jealousy likely evolved as a mechanism to protect valuable relationships and resources.” For social animals, maintaining access to care, protection, and food sources provided by social bonds was crucial for survival. Dogs, having co-evolved with humans for at least 15,000 years, may have developed enhanced sensitivity to human attention as a valuable resource worth protecting. Cats, while domesticated more recently and differently, still formed mutually beneficial relationships with humans that provided food, shelter, and protection. This evolutionary context helps explain why our pets might experience something akin to jealousy—it’s a protective mechanism for maintaining important social bonds that historically enhanced survival.

Can Jealousy Lead to Behavioral Problems?

When pets experience jealousy, it can sometimes escalate beyond mild attention-seeking to problematic behaviors. Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall warns that chronic jealousy in pets can manifest as aggression, destructive behaviors, inappropriate elimination, excessive vocalization, or even self-harm through excessive grooming or chewing. These behaviors not only affect the household peace but can indicate significant distress in the animal. A survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that behavioral problems, including those stemming from jealousy, are among the top reasons pets are surrendered to shelters. Dr. Overall emphasizes that addressing these issues promptly is crucial, as prolonged emotional distress can lead to chronic stress, which has negative health implications including compromised immune function and increased susceptibility to diseases.

Managing Jealousy in Multi-Pet Households

Managing jealousy becomes particularly important in homes with multiple pets. Certified applied animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell recommends several strategies for maintaining harmony. First, ensure each pet has equal access to resources—separate feeding stations, multiple water bowls, and sufficient resting areas throughout the home. Second, establish consistent routines that include individual attention for each pet. Third, use positive reinforcement to reward calm, non-jealous behavior rather than responding to jealous actions with attention, which can inadvertently reinforce the behavior. Animal trainer Victoria Stilwell suggests teaching a “place” or “settle” command that can be used when jealous behaviors emerge. For especially problematic situations, Jackson Galaxy, cat behavior expert, recommends the “scent soaker” technique—rotating blankets or beds between pets to help them associate each other’s scents with positive experiences, gradually reducing territorial responses.

How to Help a Jealous Pet Adjust to New Family Members

When welcoming a new baby, partner, or pet into the home, existing pets may experience jealousy as their routine and attention patterns change. Dr. Sophia Yin, renowned veterinary behaviorist, developed a protocol for introducing dogs to new babies that involves gradual exposure and positive associations. The process should begin before the new arrival, with changes to the pet’s routine implemented gradually. When introducing pets to new human family members, experts recommend controlled, positive interactions with plenty of rewards. For new animal additions, parallel experiences—where pets can see and smell each other but interact with their own humans separately—can ease transitions. Veterinary behaviorist Dr. E’Lise Christensen emphasizes that maintaining some one-on-one time with existing pets during transitions is crucial. “Even five minutes of focused interaction daily can help your pet feel secure in their relationship with you during times of change,” she advises.

The Role of Training in Addressing Jealousy

Training plays a vital role in managing pet jealousy. Certified professional dog trainer Amber Burckhalter recommends implementing a “Nothing in Life is Free” approach, where pets earn attention and rewards through obedience or calm behavior. This establishes clear expectations and gives pets appropriate ways to seek interaction. For both cats and dogs, training alternative behaviors that are incompatible with jealous reactions can be effective. For example, teaching a dog to go to a mat and stay when visitors arrive prevents pushy, jealous behaviors at the door. Clicker training can be particularly useful, as it allows for precise marking of desired behaviors. Dr. Sophia Yin’s “Learn to Earn” program has shown success in redirecting jealous behaviors by teaching pets that calm, patient behavior results in attention and rewards. Consistency is key—all family members should follow the same protocols to avoid confusing the pet with mixed messages about what behaviors earn attention.

When to Seek Professional Help

While mild jealousy can often be managed with consistent training and attention management, some cases require professional intervention. Dr. John Ciribassi, past president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, recommends consulting a veterinarian first to rule out medical causes of behavioral changes that might appear as jealousy. Signs that professional help is needed include aggression toward people or other pets, self-injurious behaviors, property destruction, extreme anxiety when left alone, or significant changes in eating or elimination habits. A certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB), veterinary behaviorist (DACVB), or certified professional dog trainer (CPDT) can develop a tailored behavior modification plan. In some cases, medication may be recommended alongside behavioral therapy. Dr. Ciribassi emphasizes that early intervention typically leads to better outcomes: “The longer problematic behaviors continue, the more ingrained they become and the more difficult they are to modify.”

The growing body of research on pet emotions suggests that the jealousy we observe in our animal companions likely represents a real emotional experience, even if it differs somewhat from human jealousy. Understanding this aspect of our pets’ emotional lives helps us respond more appropriately to their needs and behaviors. Rather than dismissing jealous behaviors as “just seeking attention” or anthropomorphizing them as identical to human emotions, we can recognize them as legitimate expressions of our pets’ social and emotional needs. This awareness allows us to create environments where our pets feel secure in their relationships with us, potentially preventing behavioral problems before they develop. As science continues to explore the depths of animal emotions, we may discover even more about how our pets experience the world—deepening the bonds we share with these beloved members of our families.