Have you ever wondered why your cat seems to glide through life with such ease, never letting on that they might be finding things a bit more challenging? It's all down to their knack for keeping cool, especially when it comes to joint stiffness.
Our feline friends are experts at masking any signs of weakness, a trait deeply ingrained in their nature. But here's the rub: because they're so good at hiding it, we might not realise they need a bit of extra care.
Did you know?
Surprisingly, 60% of cats start to experience changes in their joint health over the age of six, and this number jumps to 90% by age 12.
Yet, despite these high numbers, 44% of cat owners rarely or have never taken their senior cat to the vet for a check-up related to ageing, partly because cats can be a bit trickier to get to the vet compared to dogs.
And while 59% of us notice our older cats slowing down, only 22% are giving them something to support their joints.
Learning to tune into the signs of joint stiffness in cats can help you to support their hidden needs…
4 subtle ways your cat might be hiding something
We recently sat down with cat behaviour expert, Lucy Hoile, to understand how our feline friends might be subtly showing signs of joint stiffness. Her advice will help you spot those hidden cues and offer a helping paw to your cat…
1. Ears and eyes speak volumes
Lucy sheds light on the subtle signs a cat might show when they’re not feeling their best. “The grimace scale is about identifying how they feel,” says Lucy. “So it’s stuff like the ears being slightly turned, the head being hunched down.” If your cat’s ears and eyes seem unusual, with tight whiskers or squinty eyes, they could be quietly indicating joint stiffness.
How you can help: Pay close attention to your cat’s facial expressions and create a quiet, comfortable spot for them to rest and feel secure.
2. Resting positions matter
Lucy highlights the importance of how a cat chooses to sleep. “It’s quite normal for cats to sleep curled up in a little ball, but if that’s the only way they ever sleep, that might be quite indicative that they’re sort of ‘painfully resting.’” A constant tight curl could be your cat’s way of dealing with joint stiffness.
How you can help: Offer a variety of soft, cushioned sleeping areas to encourage your cat to relax in different postures to support their joints.
3. Changes in behaviour
Lucy advises being alert to any behavioural changes, noting, “Any change in their behaviour can be a sign.” If your cat stops leaping onto high places or shows sudden changes, such as avoiding the litter tray, these could be indirect hints of joint stiffness.
How you can help: Keep an eye out for any new or unusual behaviours and consider these as potential indicators of joint stiffness. Make sure your cat has easy access to all their needs without the need to jump or strain.
4. Movement hesitation
Lucy comments on the natural grace of cats but points out, “The older cats often aren’t doing that,” in reference to fluid motion. A pause or careful thought before jumping might suggest your cat is considering if the effort is worth the potential joint stiffness.
How you can help: Watch your cat’s movements, particularly when they’re about to jump or climb. Provide steps or ramps to their favourite spots to reduce the need for jumping, supporting their joint care in a practical manner.
Support their joints with YuMOVE supplements
As devoted cat owners, we all want our furry friends to enjoy vibrant, active lives. Introducing a joint supplement into their daily routine can support them by helping to keep their joints in tip-top shape and ensuring they continue to prowl and play to their heart's content.
YuMOVE offers two fantastic choices for supporting your cat's joints.
The original YuMOVE Joint Care for Cats is designed to help support your cat’s joint health across all ages, helping your cat stay agile whether they're a playful youngster or an adored adult.
For those cats entering their golden years or showing signs of slowing down, YuMOVE Joint Care PLUS for Cats is our new high-strength formula. It contains 20% more ActivEase® Green Lipped Mussel than the regular version and gets to work on your cat’s joints in three ways – aiding stiff joints, helping mobility and supporting joint structure.
Whether you opt for original YuMOVE Joint Care or stronger Joint Care PLUS, you'll be supporting them to leap, pounce and curl up in your lap for years to come.
Noticed the subtle signs your cat might need a little extra help with their joints? Check out our selection of cat joint supplements, featuring our new high-strength YuMOVE Joint Care PLUS for Cats, and keep them purring happily!
