The older we get, the more we realize that cats are far more clever than they let on.
And every so often, one of them pops up in a story that reminds us just how human they can seem.
This tale is about a tiny ginger beauty named Susan, a cat with bright eyes, a fluffy coat, and a dramatic streak worthy of Hollywood
What she lacked in size, she made up for in pure performance talent — so much so that her family still shakes their heads in disbelief each time they tell the story.
A Worrying Return Home
Susan lived the kind of life many cats dream of — comfortable naps indoors, gentle breezes outside, and a family who adored her.
On warm afternoons, she enjoyed strolling around her yard, sniffing fresh air, and greeting the neighbors like she owned the whole block.
But one sunny day, everything changed.
As Susan’s mom glanced out toward the back porch, she noticed her sweet girl sitting very still, holding one paw awkwardly off the ground.
The sight made her heart fall straight into her stomach. Susan never held her paws like that unless something was terribly wrong.
Her mom hurried outside, calling her name softly the way many seniors call to their pets — with love and worry wrapped together.
Susan blinked back at her, keeping that little paw lifted as though every movement hurt. It was enough to send any devoted pet parent into panic.
The moment they stepped inside the house, however, Susan made a surprising choice.
Instead of limping toward a cozy bed, she placed her “injured” paw squarely on the floor… and marched herself straight to the food bowl.
Just like normal.
Her mom froze in place.
Had she imagined the whole thing?
Was Susan hiding pain?
Or had the injury disappeared somehow in the time it took to walk through the door?
Unsure of what to believe, the family inspected the paw from every angle.
There was no cut, no swelling, no tenderness when touched.
Still worried, they rushed her to the emergency veterinarian that evening, bracing for the worst news — only to be told that Susan was in perfect health from whiskers to tail.
The family sat there speechless.
Susan, apparently, had pulled off a performance convincing enough to fool everyone.
A Routine Full Of “Miracles”
The next afternoon, Susan went out for her usual little adventure.
And when she returned home? There she was again — paw lifted slightly, eyes big and pleading, waiting politely by the door as if begging to be carried in like a fragile princess.
Her parents exchanged a look.
Surely not again.
But yes… again.
And the instant she crossed the doorway, as if touched by something magical, she placed her paw down and strutted away like nothing had ever happened.
This wasn’t a one-time trick — this became the routine.
Each day, she would return from her outdoor wanderings with the same heartbreaking limp, head tilted ever so gently, paw curled inward like a wounded traveler needing rescue.
But the moment she stepped inside her home, the limp vanished.
Every single time.
Her parents soon realized the truth:
Susan loved being welcomed inside with fuss, affection, and immediate attention.
She had discovered the fastest way to melt her family’s hearts — and she leaned into the role as if she’d been rehearsing it her whole life.
And honestly?
Her performance was flawless.
A Family Who Plays Along With Their Little Actress
Over time, her paw-lifting ritual became a cherished moment in their household. Instead of panicking, her parents now step into the scene right along with her.
Whenever Susan dramatically places her “injured” paw on the porch, her family hurries over with exaggerated concern — pretending to examine her like she’s the star of her own medical drama.
And once she crosses the threshold and casually walks away without a single wobble, they erupt in delighted laughter and call out:
“It’s a miracle! She’s healed!”
It’s become part of the rhythm of their days — a charming little game of pretend that brings more joy than trouble.
Older cat lovers know this well: animals often find the sweetest, most unexpected ways to connect with us.
Susan’s “injury” may not be real, but the love behind the act certainly is. Her gentle trick shows that cats understand comfort, empathy, and the way humans respond to vulnerability.
And perhaps, in her own clever way, she simply wanted to be gathered up in warm arms a little faster.
Whether she’s a drama queen, a comic genius, or an Oscar-level actress, Susan has now become a beloved storyteller in her own home — and in the hearts of everyone who hears this tale.
And if there were an Academy Award for “Most Dramatic Paw Lift,” there’s no doubt who would win.
A little ginger cat named Susan would take home the trophy every time.
@flexlatch Faking an injury to get inside. 🐱 😸 #faking #catfish ♬ original sound – FlexLatch