If Lidl/Aldi ever do them again, I can recommend their tights - padded in the usual place - they were definitely less than a tenner (methinks around 7.99 or 8.99) Have 3 pairs now and they have had a fair bit of use. On cold days I wear a pair of padded shorts underneath, but then I start to look a bit weird in the undercarriage area with 2 lots of padding..... Ditto the comments about legs - I have startled small children and horses with mine, hence it has to be quite warm before I venture out in just shorts!!
Biffosbats
PS: Shame about your cat, do you have another one?