Cats have a reputation for being very independent and elusive by nature, so when something is wrong with our beloved felines it can be hard to tell.
Unlike dogs, who are attached to their owners, cats are much more difficult to read.
However, just because they’re putting on a happy face doesn’t always mean all is well with your cat, and experts have revealed the signs that could indicate they’re suffering from joint pain.
Here, FEMAIL speaks to a veterinarian and a behaviorist about the key changes you should look out for to detect joint problems in your pet.
Cats are solitary animals, unlike dogs, who tend to stick to their owners, so it can be difficult to spot them when they have a problem (file image)
TV vet Dr Scott Miller (left) and feline behaviourist Lucy Hoile (right) reveal to FEMAIL what cat owners need to look out for when it comes to joint pain in their feline.
“Cats have different moods and emotions just like we do, but there is usually a reason for a cat’s emotional state and a trigger for any behavioural change,” said feline behaviourist Lucy Hoile.
“A cat suffering from joint stiffness will show reluctance to run and jump, and may also begin to hide more and be less sociable,” she added.
TV veterinarian Dr. Scott Miller also chimed in, explaining that felines are often well-equipped to hide problems because they are “solitary animals.”
“Being solitary animals, cats do not have the same social relationships as dogs, so they hide any weaknesses that could expose them to predators in the wild,” he said.
‘The problem is that this makes changes in joint health harder to detect and as a result some cats can spend more than half their lives experiencing undetected joint stiffness.’
“Reduced grooming and unusual bathroom accidents are other warning signs, as is becoming irritable or less willing to be handled or petted,” the vet added.
According to Dr. Miller, 60 percent of cats over the age of six experience changes in their joints, including stiffness.
He recommends making sure your feline has an easily accessible, well-padded sleeping area, as well as providing older cats with supplements to keep them fit and healthy.
‘Pets in my practice have seen a difference after a short time in… YuMOVEand customers are extremely satisfied with the results,’ he revealed.
‘Adding such a high-quality supplement to your cat’s daily feeding regimen can help support mobility.’
However, it’s not just the signs of paint on the joints that you need to look out for when it comes to your cat.
Lucy Hoile revealed all the different actions your cat will do to show affection or even convey frustration.
According to the feline behaviorist, teeth chattering is often a sign of irritation, especially if they are out of reach of their prey.
According to Lucy Hoile, if your pet is hiding and showing reluctance to jump or run, they may have joint problems (file image)
Sixty per cent of felines over the age of six suffer from joint problems, so Dr Scott Miller encourages pet owners to make their animals’ sleeping area more accessible and give them supplements to keep them fit and healthy (file image)
Also, if they avoid eye contact with you, it’s their way of avoiding conflict, and downed ears are a sign of displeasure.
But on a more positive note, felines will also not hesitate to show you how much they love you.
Ms. Hoile shared that when a feline rubs against you, it conveys positive and affectionate behavior, even if it is seeking attention.
Also, if your pet slowly blinks while looking in your direction, it means that he is relaxed and happy.
Another sign you’ve probably seen your cat do is kneading.
This is a comforting action for them, which comes from their time as kittens, kneading their mother’s stomach to stimulate the flow of milk.
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