Pets can fake injuries (stock) (Image: Getty)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n Nobody wants to think their pet might be playing them – especially when it looks like they\u2019re in pain. But according to one vet, that limp or sad behaviour might not always be what it seems.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Alex the Vet has explained how some pets can actually “fake” injuries or illness and it often comes down to one simple thing – attention.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The vet, known as @alex_thevet on TikTok<\/a>, says animals are far more switched on than people realise, and can quickly learn what gets them extra fuss.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n He said: “So can our pets fake illnesses and injuries? Well, the answer is yes, they can. And there\u2019s a pretty clever reason why they might do it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “The most common symptoms they might fake are a hurt leg or limp, or just being more down or depressed in general.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Read more:<\/strong> Poor dog looking for forever home after being returned to kennels yet again <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n According to Alex, it usually starts with a real moment. If a pet was once genuinely hurt or unwell and got extra care, treats or attention, that experience sticks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “So if something changes in their life – maybe you\u2019re away more, they\u2019re stressed or their routine has changed – they can go back to that behaviour that previously brought them comfort,” he explained.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n But there are a few telltale signs it might not be the real deal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “One big clue is inconsistency,” he said. “They\u2019re not that good at acting. You\u2019ll often see them forget to limp when they think you\u2019re not watching.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Another giveaway is food. If your pet is supposedly unwell but still sprinting over at dinner time, that\u2019s a red flag.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n He also says context matters – changes in routine or environment can often trigger this kind of behaviour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n However, he stressed it\u2019s important not to jump to conclusions. “Even if you think they might be faking it, you should never ignore symptoms\u2026 always rule out medical problems first.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n And if it does turn out your pet has been putting on a performance, it\u2019s not something to be annoyed about.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “It usually means they need more attention, more routine or more stimulation,” he added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The advice struck a chord online, with pet owners sharing their own experiences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n One user said: “This definitely proves how positive reinforcement works. If only humans were that smart.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Another added: “One of mine goes into the bathroom and screams\u2026 I think she does it when she\u2019s hungry, but not always.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n A third joked: “Meanwhile my cat skipped the acting part and went straight to having what can only be described as panic attacks.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n And one more simply said: “And people say that positive reinforcement doesn\u2019t work.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/1\/1200x712\/secondary\/close-up-portrait-of-a-cute-indian-billi-tabby-kitten-with-expressive-eyes-and-large-ears-6892909.jpg?r=1777536769913\" "\\"Close-up")
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