High blood pressure in cats, often secondary to kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, can cause sudden blindness and neurological signs. Early detection and treatment prevent devastating welfare impacts.
Feline hypertension causes sudden, severe welfare crises when uncontrolled: bilateral retinal detachment causing complete blindness, or hypertensive encephalopathy causing seizures and disorientation. These events are highly distressing and often occur overnight, with owners finding their cat disoriented and unable to see. In cats with known predisposing conditions, regular blood pressure monitoring enables early intervention before target organ damage occurs.