Please bear with me so I can try to explain this.

My boyfriend Richard and I have been dating for two years. At the time we started dating he had just gotten a new kitten. This would make Jennie a little over two years old. Other than me, Jennie has never really been around other people. She will rub up against me and will tolerate some petting. But she has never been a lap cat with either of us. When we have friends over she usually just hides until they leave and then she's fine. About a year ago we introduced her to my son, who at that time was 4. She only saw him occasionally, but was fairly social with him.

About 7 months ago Richard bought a new house and then in June my son and I moved in with them. Jennie had adjusted well to the new house at this point and we felt she would get used to us as well.

Things were going fairly well for a while. Jennie basically just ignored my son and treated me about the same as she always has. In order to show her that I was there to be her friend I took on the responsibility of feeding her and taking care of her litter box. Gradually she has begun to distance herself from me more and more. She will even bite and smack me if I touch her. She doesn't initiate any contact with my son, who is now 5. When he approaches her to rub her she bites and swats at him.

Could she be experiencing jealousy since we're there taking up some of Richard's time? We have been considering getting another cat or a small breed dog. But with this behavior becoming increasingly worse we're not sure what to do. My son and I have both always been animal lovers and we're both quite heartbroken to feel she hates us. I would like my son to grow up with pets, but I also don't want to stress her out more. It's hard balancing the needs of both of them

Please help if you can.

Robin

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