Cats show jealousy-like behaviors, but scientists debate whether it's true jealousy or something else. The video explains feline social behavior, what those signs actually mean, and how to manage them without misreading your cat.
Many people claim that their cats are jealous when they display behaviors related to aggression or possessiveness towards a third party. Whether we are talking about a feline, a dog, or a human, however, are cats really jealous or is it just another form of humanization? Find out in this new video from Experto Animal. To begin with, we must ask ourselves if it is correct to say that cats are jealous, since jealousy is an emotion and feeling that until recently was attributed solely to humans. Although the domestic feline Felix Seal Westris catus is a solitary animal, domestication has allowed the species to receive important advantages by participating in social dynamics apart from those it maintains during reproduction, such as living with humans who provide it with food, shelter, and care, or with other domestic animals that become an important source of enrichment. In this way, the cat acquires a Persona with whom it relates, socializes, and carries out daily interactions. Technically, the reference figure is known as the valued social partner, and as we have mentioned, it can be another cat, a dog, or a human being. Ultimately, it is a social figure with whom the cat feels safe and may therefore be the feline's favorite person. On the other hand, the social rival is the figure that comes between the two and towards whom it may display what we interpret as jealous behavior, that is rejection and aggression. However, although it is more common to talk about jealousy in dogs, there are studies that use this term, although of course they are highly debated. There are no publications on clinical ethology in domestic felines, so it would still be a very imprecise term today. Without scientific studies that can support the existence of jealousy in domestic felines, it is difficult to find a pattern of behaviors that can alert us to the onset of jealousy in cats. However, if we look at those behaviors that are frequent in dogs or horses, the following stand first, the feline regularly seeks the attention of the reference figure. 2. Pay attention to the socialization of the reference figure and the social rival. 3. Interrupt the relationship between the reference figure and the social rival. 4. Make negative calming signals or even show aggression towards the social rival. What we may perceive as jealousy in cats may actually be various behavioral problems caused by poor socialization of the kitten. The appearance of fear is due to negative experiences or territoriality, among others. Frequently, a cat may show jealousy towards a baby, its owner's partner, or towards another cat or a dog. Especially if we are talking about a cat that is jealous of a baby or a child, it will be essential to take the pertinent security measures to prevent the cat from scratching the child. We will prevent the feline from having access to its room. In milder cases we can try to work with the cat ourselves, trying to make the presence of the social rival positive, always ensuring that its appearance is accompanied by pleasant experiences. We can use tasty treats, petting or kind words. It is also possible to apply calming pheromones to improve their well being using applicators or collars in the event that they become upset. We will try to calm the jealous cat by leaving it alone, thus providing it with peace and security. However, in the most serious cases it will be essential to go to a veterinarian specialized in ethology, the social reference figure who can help us diagnose a behavioral problem in the cat, offer management guidelines and even carry out behavior modification sessions. Do you think your cat is jealous? What things does it do? Tell us in the comments and don't forget to like and subscribe if you like this content and want to know more. Until next time, experts.
