Companion Animals

Cat Feline Hypertension Recognition

Hypertension in cats is common, frequently secondary to other diseases, and causes serious organ damage if undetected and untreated.

Key Facts

Hypertension affects up to 20 percent of cats over 15 years old
Most feline hypertension is secondary to chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism
Acute hypertensive retinopathy causes sudden blindness, a dramatic welfare emergency
Regular blood pressure measurement detects hypertension before organ damage occurs
Treatment with amlodipine is highly effective and usually reduces blood pressure within days

Welfare Considerations

Cats with untreated hypertension risk sudden blindness from retinal detachment, seizures from cerebrovascular events, and progressive kidney damage. Regular monitoring in senior cats prevents these devastating outcomes.

What You Can Do

Request blood pressure measurement at every senior cat health check from age 7
Seek emergency veterinary care if your cat shows sudden signs of vision loss
Monitor cats with known hypertension regularly according to veterinary advice