The Rise of Pet Envy: How Pets React to Owner Showing Affection to Others

Shweta | Sep 22, 2025, 13:00 IST
You are at the couch, slowly hugging your partner or welcoming your friend at the door when as suddenly as possible, your dog has managed to squeeze the couple into the couch and your pet wags its tail wildly when it does this. Or your cat is looking on in the corner and it slicks its tail over in disapproval and knocks a glass off of the table in its opinion.Coincidence? Maybe not. Welcome to the surprisingly emotional world of pet jealousy, or as we’re calling it, pet envy. It’s not your imagination: studies suggest our furry companions do notice where your affections go, and sometimes, they really don’t like sharing. So… Do Pets Actually Get Jealous? The short answer? Yes.
Dogs exhibited clear signs of jealousy when their owners showed affection to what appeared to be another dog (in reality, a plush stuffed pup with built-in barking and tail-wagging). The real dogs tried to push the “rival” aside, got in between the fake dog and their owner, and even growled.
Cats? They’re more mysterious. While felines are notoriously harder to study due to their “I-do-what-I-want” energy, many cat owners report similar jealous behaviors: interrupting cuddle sessions, yowling for attention, or even sulking after seeing their human with another animal.

What’s Going On in Their Heads?

In human beings jealousy is a social emotion. It occurs as a reaction to a perceived risk to an existing cherished relationship, such as a passing of a partner testing his/her flirtations on another partner. It is technical and entails recollection, self-awareness, and attachment. Regarding pets, scientists shift these behaviors into content of resource guarding of social attention. Your affection is a resource. Your pet will think that giving it up to somebody (or something) attacks your bond. This is logical in evolutionary terms. Dogs are social animals; survival depends on the way they are social. And cats, although more alone, have a firm attachment, and desire to remain first principle.

Real-Life Signs of Pet Envy

This is regardless of whether they are an additional pet, a newborn, that special person or even your phone (yes, really), here they include how pets display their green-eyed side:Intrusion of cuddling or discussing. (Hello, paw in your face mid-hug.)
Banging between you and some other person.
Wailing, crying, or purring.
Ducking, or grumbling away, when mocked at.
Behaviour troubles: urinating over beds, knocking over objects, eating shoe, etc.
Meanwhile, attempting to win-back love with added cuteness.
In any case, in some instances jealousy may lead to redirected aggression or anxiety. So though it is amusing to make fun out of it, it should be considered seriously in case it produces patterns or aggravates the animal.

The Best Way To Make Your Pet Feel Safe

None of them succeed in the sense of being jealous of some of your pets, but they care about you, and they do not know where they belong when something or someone new comes into the scene. The following are some ways of smooth sailing:

1. Jealousy Promiscuity, Do Not Reward

Sulking Cat
( Image credit : Freepik )
When your pet runs into your lap whenever you embrace somebody, do not commend the act by giving them more attention. Rather than being afraid of them, distract and show love when you are cool.

2. Establish Personal Bonding time

Bonding Time
( Image credit : Freepik )
In case you have more than a pet (or you have a new child or an additional spouse), you must make time to give each of your animals attention separately. Unity develops trust.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive Reinforcement<br>
( Image credit : Freepik )
Concur the dog to be in control of others. Make them relate the existence of the rivals with the good things such as treats or praise.

4. Avoid Sudden Changes

Owner introducing new people slowly<br>
( Image credit : Freepik )
When a new pet or somebody gets in the house, acclimatise to them. It takes time before your existing pet can get calmed down.

Pet Envy in the Digital Age?

Curiously, today pet jealousy could also have a screen involved. It is possible to have pets that are very responsive: some lick, bark, or pawing the phone when they see them using phones. It can be seeking attention, or it can be a literal case of not understanding whom she is speaking with, but it talks about how we love our pets and they love us.
Ultimate Dot: No Zero-sum Game of Love (and Attention)
Pets possess personalities, just as human beings. Some may not be concerned, who you may cuddle. The other people will behave as though they have witnessed emotional betrayal in you. The good news? Some concern, care, and way of acting goes a long way. Pets do not require as much attention as you give them at the end of the day, they need to know they are still loved.

Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  1. Do pets get jealous when you pet other animals?
    Multiple studies have observed that dogs display jealous behaviors, especially when their owners give attention to other dogs or even lifelike stuffed animals.
  2. What animals get jealous the most?
    Dogs and cats.
  3. What is the most jealous dog breed?
    Chihuahua
  4. Do pets get jealous of romantic partners?
    You may also notice jealousy when introducing your pet to a new partner. Your pet may not want to share your affection with your new partner and could act out in turn.

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