Why cats hide it
Cats are remarkably good at concealing pain, and there is a good reason rooted in their nature. As both a small predator and potential prey in the wild, showing weakness could make a cat a target, so the instinct is to suffer quietly and carry on as normal. This means a cat in real discomfort may still eat, purr and go about the day, which can make problems easy to miss. Understanding this instinct helps you look past the calm surface and pay attention to smaller clues.
The subtle signs to watch for
Rather than obvious limping, pain in cats usually shows up as quiet changes in behaviour. Watch for hiding more than usual, sleeping in new or unusual places, and reluctance to jump up or down from favourite spots. You might also notice reduced or altered grooming — a scruffy coat, or over-licking one particular area — along with changes in appetite or litter box habits. A tense or grimacing face, and irritability or aggression when touched, are also signals worth taking seriously.
Arthritis, the hidden ache
Arthritis is very common in older cats and often goes completely unnoticed for exactly this reason. Instead of a dramatic limp, an arthritic cat may simply stop jumping onto the windowsill, hesitate on the stairs, or groom less because bending is uncomfortable. These slow changes are easy to write off as the cat just getting older and slowing down. If your cat seems less agile than before, it is well worth mentioning to your vet, because there are gentle ways to keep them comfortable.
Trust the changes and see your vet
You know your cat's normal routines and personality better than anyone, so trust it when something feels different. Any lasting change from their usual behaviour is worth noting and mentioning to your vet, who can look for a cause and offer relief. Never give your cat human painkillers, as many common ones are toxic to cats and can be life-threatening even in small doses. When in doubt, let your vet guide any pain relief — that is always the safest path to a comfortable cat.