How to treat high blood pressure in cats

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a dangerous health condition in which the force of your heartbeat makes the blood pushing through your veins too strong for a sustained period of time. In humans, a healthy blood pressure is one of the most important factors for overall health. It is also an important measure for your pets, including cats. 

RELATED: How to manage high blood pressure in dogs

What is normal blood pressure for a cat?

“The normal blood pressure for cats is around the same as it is for humans, 120 mmHg,” says Chyrle Bonk, DVM, a veterinarian working with Excited Cats. “Anything over 160 mmHg will have your vet concerned.” 

The discrepancy in range between a healthy blood pressure (120) and a concerning number (over 160) is because some cats get higher than normal blood pressure at the vet’s office because they’re in a new, potentially scary environment. Over 180 is considered severe hypertension.

How do you check blood pressure in a cat?

Checking blood pressure is common practice at your veterinarian’s office. “Blood pressure can be measured with a cuff, similar to humans, except [it’s sized] for a cat’s leg or tail,” Dr. Bonk explains. “Just like in humans, it is completely painless and most cats will tolerate having it done.” Also like humans, it is an important part of the picture of complete health. 

If you want to measure your cat’s blood pressure at home, you can. “Owners can use human blood pressure machines, but will need to special order a small cuff,” says Michelle Burch, DVM, a veterinarian with Safe Hounds Pet Insurance. “Cuffs are placed on the tail to obtain the most accurate blood pressure reading on a cat at home.” 

Having the peace of mind that your cat is healthy might make this purchase worthwhile, but make sure to still schedule regular visits for your cat with your veterinarian. 

What causes high blood pressure in cats?

Hypertension in cats can be caused by a few factors including:

• Stress
• Kidney disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Heart disease
• Anemia 
• Pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland)
• Diabetes mellitus
• Cushing’s disease
• Certain medications (glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, erythropoietin, ephedrine, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

“Overweight cats do tend to have higher blood pressure than those at a healthy weight,” Dr. Bonk explains. So, if you have an overweight cat, make sure to double check their blood pressure and make sure there isn’t another health issue going on that could be contributing to high blood pressure. Older cats are also more likely to have high blood pressure. 

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure in cats?

In between visits to your veterinarian, keep an eye out for symptoms of high blood pressure. “Changes in vision is the most common sign of high blood pressure in cats,” Dr. Bonk says. “That’s because the increase in blood pressure also increases pressures in the eye causing pupils that won’t constrict normally, blood in the eye, or even blindness if left untreated.” 

However Dr. Burch adds: “Many cats do not display any symptoms of high blood pressure.” Instead, they will show symptoms related to the underlying disease. You should see your veterinarian regularly to make sure your pet isn’t experiencing asymptomatic hypertension. 

Other signs that your cat has a condition that causes hypertension include:

• Increased water consumption
• Increased appetite
• Increased urination
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Acute blindness
• Dilated pupils 
• Bloody nose
• Incoordination 
• Changes in behavior 
• Circling
• Abnormal eye movement  

How do you treat hypertension in cats?

Because high blood pressure can lead to adverse health outcomes, you’ll want to address hypertension in your cat right away. “Pets left untreated can experience long-term damage to vision, neurological function, heart function, or kidney damage,” Dr. Burch explains. The underlying health condition can lead to early death. 

Fortunately, Dr. Bonk says, “if caught early and the underlying disease can be properly managed, high blood pressure and any of its side effects can usually be treated.” Some lifestyle changes can help with a cat’s blood pressure. 

“Changes in a hypertensive cat’s diet will include a lower sodium content to help control blood pressure,” Dr. Burch suggests. In the case of hyperthyroidism or cancer, your pet may need surgery.   

While some interventions may be necessary, depending on the condition, medication is often required to help control a cat’s blood pressure. “If possible, the underlying disease is treated as best as it can be,” Dr. Bonk says. “Otherwise, other medications that affect the blood volume and dilate the blood vessels may be used to try to reduce the blood pressure.” Many medications used on humans are also used for treating hypertension in cats, but you should always speak to your veterinarian before starting or changing the dose of a medication. Blood pressure medications can be dangerous if given incorrectly. Some examples of medications used to control blood pressure in cats include:

Between proper vet care, home management, and medication, you can help your feline friend maintain healthy blood pressure and live his or her best, fullest life.