High Blood Pressure in Senior Cats: why regular checks matter
As our cats get older, we become more aware of the slightest change in their health. While many owners know about conditions like kidney disease, feline arthritis, and hyperthyroidism, fewer are aware of the risks of high blood pressure in older cats, which can have serious consequences on their health and quality of life if it goes undetected.
In this article, we break down what hypertension is, treatment options, and the impact it can have on your cat’s health.
What is Hypertension (High blood pressure)?
In cats, just like humans, high blood pressure (or hypertension, to use the technical term) is when the pressure in their blood vessels is unusually high.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels. When that pressure stays too high for too long, it can damage important organs throughout the body.
In cats, high blood pressure is mostly seen in older cats and is often, but not always, linked to conditions such as kidney disease and hyperthyroidism in cats.
Why is hypertension called the "Silent Disease"?
One of the biggest concerns with hypertension is that many cats show no obvious signs at all. They may continue eating, sleeping, and behaving as normal while the damage occurs behind the scenes.
This means by the time your cat shows symptoms of high blood pressure, significant damage may have already been done.
What can high blood pressure do to my cat?
If left untreated, high blood pressure can affect several vital organs:
• Eyes – causing bleeding behind the eye and even sudden blindness.
• Kidneys – worsening existing kidney disease and reducing kidney function.
• Heart – causing thickening of the heart wall, impairing its function.
• Brain and nervous system – potentially leading to disorientation, behaviour changes, or seizures.
Signs of hypertension you might notice
Although many cats have no symptoms, possible warning signs include:
- Dilated pupils
- Bumping into objects
- Confusion or disorientation
- Increased vocalisation
- Changes in behaviour
Contact your vet as soon as possible if you notice any of the above symptoms, and they will be able to examine your pet and make a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.
Why should senior cats have blood pressure checks?
Cats aged 7 years and older are at an increased risk of developing hypertension. Regular blood pressure monitoring can help detect problems early, before permanent damage occurs.
Senior cats (particularly those with kidney disease or hyperthyroidism) should be screened regularly.
By catching high blood pressure in older cats early, you can:
- Help protect your cat's eyesight
- Support kidney health
- Reduce the risk of serious complications
- Allow treatment to begin before significant damage to vital organs occurs
What happens during a blood pressure check?
Hypertension is diagnosed by measuring your cat’s blood pressure, which a vet will check just like your doctor would measure your own! An inflatable cuff is placed around your cat’s leg or tail, and the machine is used to detect the flow of blood to get a blood pressure reading.
If you and your cat find veterinary visits stressful, don’t worry! Your practice team will be focused on keeping your cat calm before and during the blood pressure check; simply ask for advice on how best to approach the appointment.
How is high blood pressure treated?
If your cat is diagnosed with high blood pressure, there are two important initial aims:
- Reduce their blood pressure using medication to reduce risk of damage to organs and protect the brain, eyes, heart, and kidneys
- Search for and treat any underlying disease (such as kidney failure or hyperthyroidism)
While high blood pressure itself can be well managed with medication, as in humans, your cat will likely need them for the rest of their life.
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Take-Home Message
High blood pressure is common in older cats, but because it often develops without obvious signs, it can easily be missed.
Routine blood pressure checks are a simple way to identify problems like hypertension early, so you can help protect your cat's eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain.
If your cat is over 7 years old, ask your veterinary team to be booked in for a routine blood pressure check.
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