If you’ve ever seen your dog wedge themselves between you and another pet—or your cat shoot a withering glare at a new puppy—you might’ve asked: Do pets get jealous? The short answer is: Yes, they can—sort of.

Let’s break down what pet “jealousy” looks like, why it happens, and how to create harmony in a multi-pet household.

🧠 Is Jealousy a Real Emotion in Pets?

While pets don’t feel emotions in quite the same way humans do, many studies (and lots of pet parents!) suggest that animals are capable of complex emotional responses—including jealousy-like behaviors.

A 2014 study from UC San Diego found that dogs showed clear signs of jealousy when their owners gave attention to a plush toy that looked like another dog. Tailing, pushing, barking, and trying to get between their owner and the “rival” toy? Classic signs.

🔍 Signs Your Pet Might Be Feeling Jealous

Every pet expresses their feelings differently, but here are some common signs to look for:

• 🐾 Pushing between you and another pet

• 🐾 Whining, barking, or meowing excessively

• 🐾 Destructive behavior (chewing, knocking things over)

• 🐾 Regression in behavior (e.g., potty accidents)

• 🐾 Clinginess or demanding attention

• 🐾 Giving the look (yes, that side-eye is real!)

🐕🐈 Common Jealousy Triggers

1. New pets in the home
   Adding a puppy, kitten, or even another species can cause a shake-up in the hierarchy.

2. Changes in routine or attention
   Spending more time with one pet (or a new human baby!) can make others feel left out.

3. Feeding or treat favoritism
   If one pet gets a special meal or more treats, the others might notice—and react.

4. Affection imbalance
   Believe it or not, pets count cuddles. If one pet is getting more love, the others may try to “even the score.”

🛠️ How to Manage Jealousy and Keep the Peace

• Give individual attention
  Make time for one-on-one play, cuddles, or training with each pet. It reinforces their bond with you.

• Stay consistent
  Keep feeding times, walks, and routines as predictable as possible.

• Avoid obvious favoritism
  Share the love evenly. Rotate who gets the first treat or who sits beside you.

• Positive reinforcement
  Reward calm and friendly behavior when pets are interacting well.

• Introduce new pets gradually
  Use scent swapping, short supervised meetings, and give them space to adjust.

💬 Final Thoughts

Jealousy in pets is often just their way of saying, “Hey, don’t forget about me!” With a bit of understanding and a lot of love, multi-pet dynamics can go from rivalry to friendship—even if it includes a little playful competition now and then.

Because when everyone gets belly rubs, everybody wins. 🐾💛