Q: Do cats sometimes pretend to be ill to gain attention?

Answer: Certainly, some cats that extra affection learn that if they damage themselves by biting or chewing at part of their booty, often the tail, in the presence of the owner they will obtain attention and sympathy. In the absence of an obvious cause for this behavior the possibility of simulated illness should be borne in mind. In one reported case, the cat mutilated its tail so badly that amputation was necessary, but even afterwards the animal continued to bit the stump. Only when the owner responded to these ‘display’ by leaving the room each time did the behavior cease.