Pets can exhibit behavior that resembles symptoms of illness, even if they are physically healthy. At the same time, similar manifestations often hide real health problems. Veterinarian Yelyzaveta Babiy told UNN exclusively why animals sometimes "fake" illness, how to recognize manipulation, and when owners should immediately contact a specialist.
Why animals sometimes fake illness
According to the doctor, animals are good at analyzing human behavior and quickly find ways to get what they want. They can remember which actions bring results and use this in communication with their owners. However, such behavior is not always associated with conscious imitation of illness.
Animals are very often able to imitate the owner's behavior. Besides being very smart and cunning themselves, they can very clearly notice what needs to be done to get what they want. Sometimes they can indeed demonstrate behavior that is actually aimed at getting their way. Most often, this is an attempt to get what they can
One of the most common examples of such behavior, the doctor calls refusing regular food. According to her, some cats quickly realize that after a missed meal, they are "pitied" and may be given their favorite treat, and a larger portion.
The most common case is refusing the main diet. The cat knows that if it doesn't eat, the owners will start to worry and may give something tastier. This is how manipulation by hunger begins. But the cat does not understand that in this way it is imitating the behavior of a sick organism and is simply trying to achieve its goal
When strange animal behavior may indicate a real illness
At the same time, not all strange behavioral manifestations should be attributed to the animal's cunning, explained Yelyzaveta Babiy. This especially applies to situations when a cat or dog starts relieving itself outside its designated area. In many cases, such behavior may indicate serious medical problems, not manipulation.
Mostly, this is how specific medical problems manifest. Most often, it is due to urination disorders. The animal tries to show that something is wrong. This is a kind of cry for help, an appeal to the owner that there is already a problem and it needs to be addressed
According to the doctor, sometimes the cause of unusual behavior is also severe stress. For example, after loud guests or other unpleasant events for the animal, it may demonstrate protest behavior. However, such cases are usually one-time in nature.
It happens that after some stress, this can indeed be an act of resentment. For example, if there were noisy guests at home or too many children. Then there may be a one-time protest. But if it repeats once, twice, three times, then it is already a reason to look for a medical cause and consult a doctor
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Separately, the veterinarian drew attention to cases when dogs or cats show lameness or other symptoms, and after receiving a treat, instantly return to normal behavior. In her opinion, this is due to the fact that animals understand well the peculiarities of the human reaction to illness.
Usually, when a cat or dog is sick, they hide because they know they are vulnerable and another animal might attack or offend them. At the same time, they understand that in humans it works completely differently, and if you are sick or unhappy, you can get more attention. They notice this very quickly. In the moment of adaptation, they very clearly understand: to get what you want, you need to behave in a certain way. This is just a method of achieving your goal
Can excessive care reinforce unwanted behavior in an animal
In addition, the veterinarian also noted that excessive attention from owners during treatment can unintentionally reinforce such behavior. This is especially noticeable after serious illnesses, when owners begin to pamper their pet more often.
It happens that an animal already feels better, but understands: if it acts like it's sick, it can get something tasty. Then owners start violating the doctor's recommendations. And the animal remembers this connection and later uses it to its advantage
The veterinarian called the biggest mistake of owners delaying seeking help. According to her, it can be difficult even for experienced owners to distinguish manipulation from a real illness on their own.
In fact, there is only one mistake - it's procrastination. If an animal's behavior has changed, it's better to observe for a short time and consult a doctor. Because on one hand it could be manipulation, and on the other - the only way for the animal to draw your attention to the fact that it needs help