High Blood Pressure in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Just like humans, cats can suffer from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, particularly as they grow older. Unlike primary hypertension often seen in humans, where no direct cause is found, feline hypertension typically develops secondary to another underlying health condition. The most common medical issues linked to high blood pressure in cats include chronic kidney failure and hyperthyroidism. Chronic kidney disease remains one of the leading causes of death in domestic cats, emphasising the importance of early monitoring and care.

How Hypertension Affects Major Organs

Brain and Nervous System

Hypertension disrupts blood supply to the brain, which can cause swelling and lead to neurological symptoms such as loss of balance, seizures, dementia, and in severe cases, coma and death. Recognising these signs early can be life-saving.

Eyes

Elevated blood pressure can cause bleeding within the eyes, potentially leading to retinal detachment and permanent blindness. Blood pools or redness may sometimes be visible in the eye without specialised equipment. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial to prevent irreversible damage.

Heart

The heart may develop thickening in one of its chambers due to hypertension, which compromises its ability to pump blood efficiently. This can result in breathlessness, lethargy, and eventually heart failure. Cats exhibiting these symptoms should be evaluated by a vet promptly.

Kidneys

High blood pressure can worsen kidney function and accelerate kidney failure. It is important to manage hypertension especially when kidney disease is already present to slow progression.

Recognising the Symptoms

Cats with hypertension resulting from conditions like hyperthyroidism may show weight loss despite a good appetite and increased activity levels. Eye problems such as blood in the eye or impaired vision often indicate advanced hypertensive damage, which may be irreversible. Nevertheless, many cats adapt well to visual impairment if blood pressure is controlled and stabilised.

Diagnosing Feline Hypertension

Diagnosing hypertension can be challenging, as symptoms may overlap with those of the underlying disease. Blood pressure measurement at the vet’s surgery is key, usually taking 20-30 minutes. Devices similar to those used for humans, including inflatable cuffs fitted around a leg or tail, are commonly employed. Regular blood pressure screening is especially advised for cats older than seven years to enable early intervention and reduce the risk of organ damage.

Treatment and Diet Recommendations

High blood pressure in cats is often managed with medications such as calcium channel blockers containing amlodipine, which help lower blood pressure effectively. ACE inhibitors like benazepril may also be used, primarily when kidney failure is involved, although their success in pure hypertension is limited. The effectiveness of treatment is influenced by how early hypertension is diagnosed; earlier treatment can prolong quality of life.

When hyperthyroidism is the underlying cause, treating thyroid disease may resolve hypertension. Cats with primary hypertension but no other conditions have a better outlook with treatment, and complications are usually preventable if hypertension is identified early.

Diet-wise, a low salt content is recommended to support blood pressure control, avoiding high-salt treats. While most cats can continue eating regular commercial cat food, checking for lower salt formulations is wise. Cats with kidney disease generally benefit from specialised veterinary diets low in protein and phosphate, which are now more palatable and accepted by many cats.

Promoting Responsible Cat Care

Regular veterinary checks and early detection are crucial. Responsible pet ownership includes recognising that hypertension often indicates other health issues, requiring comprehensive care. Research into feline hypertension is progressing to improve outcomes for affected cats.

For those considering adopting or finding a cat, responsible acquisition from reputable sources is vital to ensuring long-term health and welfare.