For context, I have three cats. I have two that I’ve had for almost two years that were adopted from a shelter when they were kittens. About six months I got my third one.

We got him by a surprise as I was helping a rescue trap him and then when they told me they were basically going to give him up, I kept him. He is the most loving cat I’ve ever had. He’s super clingy and vocal which I love about him. He’s super quirky and quite demanding whether it’s for food or attention. Honestly, it’s probably my favorite thing about him.

My other two cats aren’t quite as clingy but are still affectionate. They’ll all follow me from room to room which I don’t mind. My only concern is that my new boy gets very jealous of the other two. It’s not hostile because he’ll rub against and stuff but he will annoy them until they leave.

One example is every time I pet one of the other two, he’ll literally run from the other room and start meowing. If I ignore him, he’ll steal my hand and rub against it. The other two will get annoyed and leave, which leaves him to get all the pets. I don’t reinforce this behavior so when he does this I’ll just ignore him and when he’s chilled out then I’ll pet him.

I never thought cats could actually display jealousy but that’s exactly what he does. Is this normal? Is there a way to help him redirect? I wouldn’t mind typically but I also don’t want my other two cats to feel left out or neglected.