Cat Care

Hypertension in Cats: Signs, Causes, Treatment and What Cat Owners Need to Know

High blood pressure, known as hypertension, is a common yet frequently overlooked condition in cats. Often called a "silent disease," hypertension can develop without obvious symptoms while causing damage to vital organs including the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain1.

The good news is that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help protect your cat from serious complications and maintain a good quality of life. Understanding the signs, causes and management options can help cat owners take proactive steps to support their feline friend's health.

A long-haired orange cat resting on a wooden surface outdoors with green foliage in the background
A long-haired orange cat resting on a wooden surface outdoors with green foliage in the background

Key Takeaways

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) is common in older cats and often occurs alongside conditions such as chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism1,2.
  • High blood pressure can damage the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain if left untreated1.
  • Symptoms may include dilated pupils, sudden blindness, confusion, behavioural changes, increased thirst and increased urination2.
  • Regular blood pressure screening is recommended, particularly for senior cats and those with underlying health conditions2.
  • Lifelong treatment and monitoring can help significantly reduce the risk of complications1.

What is Hypertension in Cats?

Hypertension in cats is a condition where blood pressure remains consistently elevated above normal levels. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels as it circulates through the body.

When blood pressure remains too high for prolonged periods, it can damage the delicate blood vessels that supply critical organs. This damage can lead to serious health consequences, including vision loss, kidney injury, neurological problems and heart disease1.

Unlike many feline illnesses, hypertension often develops gradually and may not display obvious symptoms until organ damage has already occurred. For this reason, routine veterinary screening is essential, particularly in older cats2.

What is a Normal Blood Pressure for a Cat?

A normal systolic blood pressure in cats is generally considered to be below 140 mmHg, although temporary increases can occur due to excitement, stress or activity2.

Veterinarians assess blood pressure readings alongside a cat's overall health and clinical signs. Persistent elevations increase the risk of target organ damage and require investigation and treatment1,2.

Because some cats experience stress during veterinary visits, repeat measurements may be recommended before confirming a diagnosis.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure in Cats

One of the challenges with feline hypertension is that symptoms can initially be subtle or absent. However, as blood vessel damage occurs, signs may become more noticeable. Signs of high blood pressure may include2:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Sudden blindness
  • Bumping into furniture or walls
  • Behavioural changes
  • Increased anxiety or restlessness
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures in severe cases

Is Your Cat Extra Clumsy or Restless? It Could Be Hypertension

Watch this short animation to learn about the signs of high blood pressure in cats.

What Causes Hypertension in Cats?

In approximately 80% of feline hypertension cases, an underlying medical condition can be identified2. The two most common conditions are:

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common causes of hypertension in cats. The relationship is often cyclical, with kidney disease contributing to elevated blood pressure and hypertension further damaging the kidneys1,2.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland, is another leading cause of high blood pressure in cats, particularly in senior felines2.

Idiopathic Hypertension

In around 20% of cases, no underlying cause is found. This is known as idiopathic hypertension. Some experts believe these cases may represent very early kidney disease that is not yet detectable through routine laboratory testing2.

How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed in Cats?

Measuring blood pressure is a routine and non-invasive procedure performed by veterinarians. Unlike human blood pressure measurements, cats typically require veterinary equipment using specialised techniques called Doppler sphygmomanometry and high-definition oscillometry2.

Blood pressure is usually measured while the cat is awake and relaxed. To minimise stress-related increases in blood pressure, veterinarians often allow cats several minutes to settle in a quiet environment before testing2.

Treatment for High Blood Pressure in Cats

The primary goal of treatment is to lower blood pressure and prevent further damage to vital organs.

Blood Pressure Medication for Cats

Most cats with hypertension require lifelong medication to control blood pressure. Your veterinarian will prescribe an appropriate treatment plan and monitor your cat's response through regular follow-up visits. Treatment may involve1,2:

  • Blood pressure-lowering medications
  • Management of underlying diseases such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism
  • Regular blood pressure monitoring

Maintaining cat blood pressure below 140 mmHg can help minimise the risk of irreversible organ damage and with the right monitoring most cats do well2.

Because hypertension often develops without obvious warning signs, routine health checks remain one of the most effective ways to protect your cat's long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hypertension in Cats

  • Can I use a human blood pressure monitor on my cat?

    Human blood pressure monitors are generally not suitable for cats. Cats require specialised cuffs and veterinary equipment to obtain accurate readings.

  • Can I take my cat's blood pressure at home?

    Home monitoring is possible in some cases but requires specialised equipment, training and usually more than one person. Most blood pressure assessments are performed at veterinary clinics.

  • Is high blood pressure common in older cats?

    Yes. Hypertension is most commonly diagnosed in older cats, particularly those with chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism1,2.

  • Can Patting a Cat Help Lower Blood Pressure?

    Stress can temporarily increase blood pressure in cats, making calm handling an important part of accurate blood pressure assessment. If your cat enjoys gentle affection, patting and positive interaction may help them relax during veterinary visits. This can reduce stress-related elevations in blood pressure and improve the accuracy of measurements.

    Interestingly, research has shown that interactions with animals can have positive effects on human wellbeing, including helping to lower blood pressure in people3.

References

  1. Acierno MJ, Brown S, Coleman AE, et al. (2018). ACVIM Consensus Statement: Guidelines for the Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Systemic Hypertension in Dogs and Cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 32, 1803-1822. doi:10.1111/jvim.15331
  2. Taylor SS, Sparkes AH, Briscoe K, et al. (2017). ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension in Cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 19, 288-303. doi:10.1177/1098612X17693500
  3. National Institutes of Health. (2018). The Power of Pets: Health Benefits of Human-Animal Interactions. NIH News in Health. Available at: ….