Age is catching up with my cat, but is she in pain?

QMy cat is getting older and I feel that she is looking stiff. I’d hate to think she’s in pain, so what should I look for and how can I help her?

ALINDA SAYS Like humans, our pets can suffer from aches, pains and stiffness as they get older. Some breeds are more prone to this than others, and old injuries like fractures don’t help. You will know your cat better than anyone, so you’ll notice if she is stiff when she wakes up, limps, or struggles with the stairs or getting in and out of the litter box. Other signs might be that she is grooming less, or is hesitant to make jumps that she used to manage with no trouble. Signs like these suggest she may be feeling pain, and it would be a good idea to discuss things with your vet. They might advise further investigations such as X-rays to see if she is suffering from arthritis. If so, there are medicines that may help, and you could consider supplements such as glucosamine and omega-3, but your vet is best placed to advise you.