How to Make Your Dog Not Be Jealous of Your Cats

Jealousy is thought to be a human emotion, but dogs can display behaviors that can be interpreted as jealousy. A dog can be jealous of a baby, a pet or a new person in the house, who takes some of the owner's time and the dog feels neglected. The dog may also feel that its territory is invaded and display signs such as depression, lack of interest, loss of appetite, restlessness, insomnia or even aggression and barking. If you want to introduce cats in your household, you need to know how to deal with your dog and the felines as well.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
  • Toys
  • Muzzle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the cats in a separate room before you introduce them to your dog.

    • 2

      Spend more time with your dog, so it won't feel neglected while you introduce the cats in your home. Play with your dog or take it out to exercise. Give your dog treats, so it feels rewarded. Establish a routine and respect it, so your dog doesn't feel that the arrival of cats changes its schedule.

    • 3

      Leave a few new toys for your dog to play with while you feed or deal with the cats, so that the dog has something to do and won't feel neglected.

    • 4

      Allow the dog to interact with the cats, but under supervision at first. If you notice your dog displays signs of aggression, like growling or the cats tend to be aggressive with the dog, put the dog in a separate room. Monitor the interactions between the dog and the cats or put the dog on a leash while you are away. Allow the dog to spend time with the cats unsupervised only if they don't display signs of aggression.

    • 5

      Include the dog in your activities with the cats, so the dog won't feel neglected. The dog must accept that the cats are a part of the pack.

    • 6

      Use a command such as " No" or "Don't" if your dog growls, barks or shows other signs of aggression. Put your dog in a crate to give it a five-minute timeout, so that it understands this behavior is not acceptable.

    • 7

      Scold your cats or spray them with water if they tend to torture the dog, especially when the dog is on a leash. The cats and the dog should learn that you are the leader and they should listen to you.