When you go to pet another animal, your pup may jump in between and push your hand away from the other dog. Or your cat may meow excessively because you\u2019re not paying attention to them. But are these actually jealous behaviors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suzanne Hetts, applied animal behaviorist and co-owner of Animal Behavior Associates in Littleton, Colorado, says the jury is out on whether a cat<\/a> or dog<\/a> feels the same type of jealous feelings that humans do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn most cases, this is better described as a competitive situation where the pet is competing with another individual\u2014human, dog, cat, or otherwise\u2014for something it wants,\u201d says Hetts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of what you call it, jealous behavior in pets can be an issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some jealous behaviors in pets that you should be on the lookout for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis can often be in the form of biting or nibbling of the animal or person getting attention over them,\u201d says Dr. Scarlett Magda, founding president of New York City-based Veterinarians International.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur pets can\u2019t express their thoughts and feelings in words, so instead, they sometimes express their feelings in actions,\u201d says Dr. Geoffrey Broderick, a veterinarian in Huntington, New York. \u201cIf you see them peeing or pooping in places where they shouldn\u2019t, they may be trying to tell you something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, having accidents in the house or going outside the litter box<\/a> can be a sign of a health issue, so your first stop should be a vet visit to make sure your pet does not need medical attention.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n9 Signs of Jealousy in Pets<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
1. Aggression\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Going to the bathroom indoors\/outside the litter box\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Paying extra attention to you (being \u201cclingy\u201d)\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n