Cat experts reveal signs which could mean your beloved feline is suffering from joint pain

Dr Scott Miller and Lucy Hoile from the UK reveal the signs to keep an eye out for The vet says 60 per cent of cats over six experience changes in their joints READ MORE: Pet expert issues warning as owners admit to letting their pets snack on junk food

Cats have a reputation for being very independent and elusive in nature - so when there is something wrong with our beloved felines it can be hard to tell.

Unlike dogs, who are glued to their owner's side, cats are that much harder to read.

However, just because they put on a brave face, it doesn't always mean all is well with your cat - and experts have revealed the signs that could indicate they are suffering from joint pain.

Here, FEMAIL speaks to a vet and a behaviourist about the key changes you should keep an eye on in order to spot joint issues in your pet.

Cats are solitary animals, unlike dogs who are often stuck to their owner's side, so it can be difficult to spot when there are having an issue (stock image)

TV vet, Dr Scott Miller (left) and cat behaviourist Lucy Hoile (right) reveal to FEMAIL what cat owner's should be looking out for when it comes to joint pain in their feline

‘Cats have different moods and emotions just like us, but there is usually a reason for a cat’s emotional state and a trigger for any change in behaviour,' said feline behaviourist Lucy Hoile.

'A cat experiencing joint stiffness will show a reluctance to run and jump, they may also start hiding away more and being less social,' she added.

TV vet Dr Scott Miller also chimed in, explaining that felines are often well equipped at hiding issues because they are 'solitary animals'.

‘Being solitary animals, cats don’t have the same social relationships that dogs do, so they hide any weakness which could expose them to predators in the wild,' he said

'The trouble is, this makes changes to joint health harder to spot and some cats might spend over half their life experiencing undetected joint stiffness, as a result.’

'Reduced grooming and uncharacteristic toilet accidents are other warning signs, as is them becoming irritable or less willing to be handled or stroked,’ the vet added.

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According to Dr Miller, 60 per cent of cats over the age of six experience changes in their joints - including stiffness.

He recommends making sure your feline has an easily accessibly and 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 just a short time on YuMOVE, and clients are supremely happy with the results,’ he revealed

‘Adding such a high-quality supplement to your cat’s daily feeding regime can help support their mobility.’

However, it isn't only signs of joint paint you need to an eagle eye for when it comes to your cat.

Lucy Hoile divulged all the different actions your cat will do to display affection or even convey frustration.

According to the cat behaviourist, chattering teeth is usually a sign of irritation - especially if they are just out of reach of their intended prey.

According to Lucy Hoile, if your pet is hiding away and are showing a reluctance to jump or run, then they may be hiding joint issues (stock image)

With 60 per cent of felines over six experiencing joint issues, Dr Scott Miller encourages pet owners to make their animals' sleeping area more easily accessible and to give them supplements to keep them fit and health (stock image)

Also if they are avoiding eye contact with you it is their way of avoiding conflict - and turned down ears are a sign of vexation.

But on a more positive note, felines won't shy away from showing you how much they love you either.

Ms Hoile shared that a feline rubbing against you is how they convey positive and affectionate behaviour - even if it is attention-seeking.

Additionally, if your pet is slowly blinking whilst staring in your direction means they are relaxed and content.

Another cue, you probably have seen your cat do, is kneading.

This is a comforting action for them, which stems from their time as a kitten, kneading at their mother's stomach to stimulate milk flow.