Feline Hypertension

Feline Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure in cats. Hypertension occurs most commonly in older cats and is usually associated with another illness such as chronic renal failure (kidney disease) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

1 in 5 cats over the age of 9 are affected by hypertension...

Although most pet owners are not aware cats can be hypertensive too. Most healthy cats will have a normal blood pressure between 80 and 150 mmHg. A cat is considered to be hypertensive if its blood pressure is persistently above 160 mmHg. Like in people, there are no visible outward signs and hypertension may stay undiagnosed for a long period of time.

The disease is often termed a ‘silent killer’, as it may remain undetected before it suddenly strikes with severe consequences. And just like in people, the risk of hypertension increases with age and with kidney disease.

With no obvious signs to see, regular blood pressure checks in older cats are vital.

Hypertension is harmful to the body in cats, it can cause damage to key body organs, including the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain.

If the blood pressure build-up becomes severe, cats can suffer a loss of vision due to bleeding in the eye or detachment of the retina. More than 80% of cats with high blood pressure present with sudden onset blindness. Measuring blood pressure regularly in older cats is important before these terrible consequences develop.

Other organs can be affected too. Bleeding in the brain can cause neurological signs such as a wobbly gait, seizures, dementia and even coma. High blood pressure can also damage the kidneys or worsen any kidney disease already present.

How Can You Check If Your Cat Has Hypertension?

The only way to know if a cat’s blood pressure is high is by measuring it. The equipment used to measure blood pressure is often similar to that used routinely in people, with a small inflatable cuff placed around the cat’s leg or tail.

Measuring blood pressure is easy, quick and completely painless. It only takes a few minutes and is extremely well tolerated by most cats. An eye examination will also provide clues to any damage caused by hypertension.

Which Cats Are Most Likely To Develop High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is more common in middle-aged and older cats. It affects 1 in 5 cats from 9 years of age. In most cases, there is an underlying cause. Chronic kidney disease and an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) have been identified as the two most common predisposing factors for development of feline hypertension.

How Is Hypertension Treated?

Your Vet can prescribe effective, safe medication for the treatment of hypertension in cats.

Before starting treatment, the vet will take the cat’s blood pressure to make sure that he/she is indeed hypertensive. After starting treatment, blood pressure is checked regularly and the dose is adjusted if necessary. Treatment is lifelong.

Any underlying disease causing the high blood pressure should of course also be addressed.

Prescription Medications Available At VetMediUK

Chronic Renal Failure

Hypertension

Hyperthyroidism

Semintra 4mg

Semintra® 4 mg/ml oral solution for cats is a treatment for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Amodip1.25mg

Amodip 1.25mg Chewable Tablets For Cats is for the treatment of systemic hypertension in cats.

Thyronorm Solution

For the stabilisation of hyperthyroidism in cats prior to surgical thyroidectomy. For the long term treatment of feline hyperthyroidism.

Kelapril 20mg

Kelapril Tablets are for the treatment of congestive heart failure in dogs, and for the reduction of proteinuria associated with chronic kidney disease in cats.