Systemic hypertension in cats is commonly secondary to hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease, with welfare depending on early detection through routine blood pressure monitoring and effective treatment.
Feline hypertension causes insidious damage to eyes, kidneys, brain, and heart before clinical signs appear. Sudden blindness from hypertensive retinal detachment is a devastating acute event that causes disorientation and distress. If detected within hours, emergency treatment may restore vision, but the window is narrow. Preventive blood pressure monitoring in senior cats and those with known risk factors enables detection and treatment before target organ damage occurs. Well-controlled hypertension with amlodipine allows affected cats to maintain excellent quality of life for years. Monitoring cats with treated hypertension for response and breakthrough events is essential.