Spoiler alert: Sammy the tuxedo cat is just fine. We repeat, the cat is just fine. Despite Sammy’s best efforts to convince his humans that he belongs on the injured list, he is not hurt. Just try telling him that.
For the second time in just a few weeks, our social media feed has been graced with a video of a cat faking an injury to get mom and dad’s attention. It may be awards season in Hollywood, but this cat is clearly destined for stardom, channeling acting skills worthy of Meryl Streep. In the video, Sammy can be seen clutching one paw and limping dramatically on three legs for full effect.
When mom asks if Sammy needs some whipped cream for his paw and dad follows up by offering the promised treat, the frisky feline is miraculously healed. It’s all limbs on deck as soon as the whipped cream appears, proving this theatrical cat was never injured to begin with.
Related: Kitty Is Deemed ‘Cat Winslet’ After ‘Practicing’ a Leg Injury to Get Attention
Why Cats Fake Injuries for Attention
Sammy joins a growing trend of cats attempting their best Gwyneth Pawtrow impression, all in the name of winning attention from the humans they adore. Cats are highly intelligent, which makes them clever enough to fake injuries. Whether it’s holding up a paw like Sammy or staging an exaggerated limp, many cats quickly learn that an injury equals attention or, even better, a treat. Once that connection is made, some cats are more than happy to put together a Ferris Bueller–worthy list of ailments.
No matter how convincing your feline’s performance, it’s important to rule out real injuries before handing out an Academy Award. Watch for signs such as lethargy, fatigue, loss of appetite, or visible distress before assuming your cat is acting.
As a species, cats are known to hide pain to avoid appearing weak to predators. So if your cat is openly displaying an injury, there’s a good chance you’ve got a performer on your hands rather than a patient in need of care.
This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Jan 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.