Companion Animals

Cat Feline Hypertension Welfare and Organ Damage

High blood pressure in cats causes silent organ damage to the eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain, requiring routine screening in senior cats.

Key Facts

Feline hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure above 160 mmHg
It commonly occurs secondary to chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism
Retinal detachment and sudden blindness are dramatic signs of hypertensive crisis
Treatment with amlodipine rapidly lowers blood pressure and may restore partial vision
Regular blood pressure screening from age 7 allows early detection and treatment

Welfare Considerations

Cats with uncontrolled hypertension experience progressive organ damage including renal deterioration, cardiac hypertrophy, and retinal detachment causing blindness. Sudden vision loss is traumatic for cats that rely heavily on sight. Early detection and treatment prevents most cases of end-organ damage and preserves quality of life.

What You Can Do

Request blood pressure measurement at senior cat annual exams from age 7
Treat underlying diseases like CKD and hyperthyroidism to control blood pressure
Give amlodipine consistently as prescribed for hypertensive cats
Monitor for vision changes as a sign of hypertensive crisis
Recheck blood pressure regularly to confirm treatment is effective