Hypertension in Cats

• Hypertension in cats often goes undiagnosed. Hypertension, aka high blood pressure, is often a silent condition that can damage vital organs like the eyes, kidney, heart, and brain.¹
• Watch for subtle signs. Cat hypertension symptoms include dilated pupils, bumping into objects, sudden blindness, behaviour changes, confusion, anxiety and increased thirst. Regular vet checks are essential to catch issues early.¹
• Hypertension requires lifelong care. Blood pressure medications for cats can help manage the condition.

Hypertension in cats, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious but often silent condition, especially in older cats. So, what is hypertension in medical terms? Hypertension is a persistent elevation in blood pressure that can damage the small and fragile blood vessels in some of the most vital body organs. Most cases of cat hypertension are linked to other health issues like chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. That’s why regular checks of feline blood pressure are so important.

Cat hypertension symptoms can be subtle at first, but they can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.² So, what is a cat’s normal blood pressure? Typically, feline blood pressure normal readings are below 140 mmHg (systolic, or peak blood pressure). However, this can increase at times throughout the day due to stress or activity.² When blood pressure in cats rises too high, or remains high for extended periods of time, it can cause permanent damage.¹
Early signs of hypertension in cats are seen when the fragile blood vessels are damaged in vital organs. These might include dilated pupils, bumping into objects, or sudden blindness due to retinal detachment. You might also notice changes in behaviour, confusion, or even seizures. Other symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, and weight loss. Routine checks of cat blood pressure are key—especially in older cats or those with kidney or thyroid issues.²

In about 80% of cases, cat hypertension is linked to an underlying health issue.² The two most common culprits are chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hyperthyroidism, especially in older cats. Other conditions like diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and certain hormone-producing tumors can also raise feline blood pressure. Even some medications, like steroids, may contribute. In about 20% of cases, no clear cause is found; this is called idiopathic hypertension², and it may be an early sign of kidney disease before lab tests can detect it.

Knowing what a cat’s normal blood pressure is and watching for changes is key. That is why your vet will check your cat’s blood pressure at each health check. If you're concerned, talk to your vet about regular monitoring with a feline blood pressure monitor. Catching high blood pressure early can help protect your cat’s health and quality of life.

Blood pressure medications for cats are key to managing feline hypertension and protecting vital organs. Treatment is lifelong and includes regular vet visits to monitor progress and adjust medications as needed. Wondering how to check a cat’s blood pressure? Vets usually measure feline blood pressure in conscious cats using specialized techniques called, Doppler sphygmomanometry or high definition oscillometry.² If your cat becomes stressed in the clinic, you can also learn how to measure cat blood pressure at home. Keeping cat blood pressure below 140 mmHg helps prevent irreversible damage and with the right care, most cats do well!

<sup>1. Acierno MJ, Brown S, Coleman AE, et al. (2018) ACVIM consensus statement: Guidelines for the identification, evaluation, and management of systemic hypertension in dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med. 32, 1803-1822. doi:10.1111/jvim.15331
2. Taylor SS, Sparkes AH, Briscoe K, et al. (2017) ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension in Cats. J Feline Med Surg. 19, 288-303. doi:10.1177/1098612X17693500</sup>

^{3. National Institutes of Health. (2018, February). The Power of Pets: Health Benefits of Human- Animal Interactions. NIH News in Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets}