What is Kittenfishing?
Kittenfishing is exaggerating or subtly misrepresenting yourself online, such as with dated photos or inflated details, without inventing a whole identity.
Kittenfishing is a milder cousin of catfishing. The person is real, but their profile presents a flattering version that does not quite match reality: photos that are several years old, heavy filtering, a height or job title nudged upward, or interests they do not actually have.
People usually do it out of insecurity or the belief that everyone else is embellishing. The trouble is that the gap between profile and reality becomes obvious at the first meeting, and it often leads to disappointment and a loss of trust before the date has even begun.
Wanting to present your best self is normal. The line is crossed when the picture would genuinely surprise someone on meeting you. Honest profiles attract people who are interested in the real you, which saves time for everyone.
Example: Theo arrives at a coffee shop to meet Sofia and barely recognises her from her profile. Her photos were taken seven years ago and she had listed herself as a keen hiker, though she admits she rarely goes.
Signs
- Photos that look much younger or heavily edited compared with the person
- Few or no recent pictures, or only carefully angled shots
- Details about height, job or lifestyle that do not hold up in conversation
- Reluctance to do a video call before meeting
What to do
- Use recent, clear photos that show your face and your usual appearance
- Be accurate about the basics: age, height, work and location
- Suggest a short video call before meeting to check the match
- If you notice a mismatch on the date, stay polite and decide calmly whether to continue
- Raise concerns honestly instead of ghosting afterwards
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between kittenfishing and catfishing?
Catfishing invents a false identity. Kittenfishing involves a real person who exaggerates or bends the truth about themselves.
Are older photos a problem?
Yes, if they no longer reflect how you look. A good rule is to use pictures from the past year or two so your date is not surprised.