Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Hypertension and Secondary Disease

Secondary hypertension is common in older cats with kidney or thyroid disease and causes significant welfare harm if undetected.

Key Facts

Hypertension affects approximately 20% of cats with chronic kidney disease
High blood pressure causes ocular damage leading to blindness if untreated
Sudden blindness, disorientation, and seizures are acute signs of hypertensive crisis
Amlodipine is highly effective at controlling blood pressure in cats
Annual blood pressure monitoring for cats over 7 years significantly improves outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Hypertension is a silent, progressive disease that causes catastrophic welfare events - particularly sudden blindness - if not detected and managed. Regular blood pressure measurement is an accessible, life-changing intervention for older cats.

What You Can Do

Ask your vet to measure blood pressure at annual check-ups for cats over 7
Recognize signs of hypertensive crisis: sudden blindness, dilated pupils, vocalization
Ensure cats with CKD or hyperthyroidism are monitored for secondary hypertension