Feline hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common health issue in cats, particularly in older age. It’s often linked to underlying conditions, and if left untreated, can lead to severe consequences. As a responsible cat owner, it’s good to understand the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for feline hypertension.
Hypertension Causes & Risk Factors
- Age: Middle-aged and older cats are more prone to hypertension, with 1 in 5 cats over 9 years old being affected.
- Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease is a common underlying cause of hypertension in cats.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Chronic Steroid Use: Long-term use of steroids can increase the risk of developing hypertension.
Damaging Effects of Hypertension
Hypertension can cause significant damage to your cat’s body, particularly in the:
- Eyes: Bleeding into the eyes and changes to the retina may damage your cat’s sight and even cause blindness.
- Brain and Nervous System: Bleeding can cause neurological signs such as unusual behavior, a wobbly or drunken gait, seizures, dementia, and coma.
- Heart: Over time, heart muscle becomes thickened in cats with hypertension, and in severe cases, it can lead to heart disease. Breathlessness and lethargy/tiredness can also be seen in affected cats.
- Kidneys: High blood pressure damages the kidneys and may increase the risk of kidney disease developing. In cats with kidney disease, hypertension is likely to worsen the disease over time.
Symptoms
- Often, there are no visible symptoms, making regular blood pressure checks crucial.
- Sudden onset blindness: Due to damage to the eyes.
- Neurological signs: Wobbly gait, seizures, dementia, or coma.
- Breathlessness and lethargy: Due to heart disease.
- Kidney damage: Worsening kidney disease or new damage.
Diagnosis
- Blood Pressure Measurement: A non-invasive, painless method using a small inflatable cuff around the cat’s leg or tail.
- Regular Eye Examinations: To check for damage caused by hypertension.
- Blood Tests: To diagnose underlying conditions, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.
Treatment
- Medication: Effective and safe medication prescribed by a veterinarian to manage high blood pressure.
- Dietary Changes: Feeding a low-sodium diet, such as Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d, can help manage hypertension. These diets are formulated to reduce blood pressure and slow disease progression.
- Regular Monitoring: Blood pressure checks to adjust medication and diet as needed.
- Addressing Underlying Conditions: Treating underlying diseases, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, is crucial in managing hypertension.
Importance of Regular Check-ups
Regular blood pressure checks and eye examinations are vital in detecting hypertension early, preventing severe consequences, and ensuring your cat receives timely treatment. If you’re concerned about your cat’s health, consult with a veterinarian. You can reach out to Horse and Cat Vet at admin@hcvet.nz for expert advice and care