High blood pressure, or hypertension, is common in older cats. It’s often called a “silent” condition because many cats show no signs until it damages important organs. One of the most dramatic signs is sudden blindness. The good news is that blood pressure is easy to check, and hypertension can usually be managed well with treatment.
In most cats, hypertension is caused by another health problem. The most common are:
Some cats have high blood pressure with no underlying cause found.
High blood pressure can damage organs with many small blood vessels, including:
Hypertension can worsen kidney disease, and kidney disease can worsen blood pressure.
The heart works harder and its muscle may thicken.
Many cats have no obvious signs at all. Our article on what to expect at every stage of your cat’s life explains changes in senior cats.
Vets measure blood pressure in cats much like in people, with a small cuff placed on a leg or the tail. The test is painless. Because cats can get stressed at the clinic, vets usually take several readings in a quiet room.
Many vets recommend checking blood pressure at least once a year in cats over about 7 to 10 years old, and more often in cats with kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.
With treatment, some cats with retinal detachment regain part of their vision, especially when treated quickly.
Get urgent care if your cat suddenly can’t see, has blood in the eye, has a seizure or seems very disoriented. Our guide to pet emergency signs explains other urgent symptoms.
It can’t usually be cured, but it’s often well controlled with daily medicine.
Yes. Stress can raise readings at the vet, so vets take several measurements.
Talk to a licensed vet 24/7, even on holidays, by chat, voice call or video call. Your first month is free with code FREEMONTH, then US $9.99/month, at NYPTeleVet.com. One membership covers up to 6 pets, and you can cancel anytime.
Our vets can’t prescribe medication, but they’ll tell you what’s likely needed and when an in-person visit is the next step.
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