Hypertension in Cats: What Cat Owners Need to Know

If you’re wondering “What is hypertension in cats?” you’ve come to the right place. Hypertension refers to high blood pressure. This article reveals causes of high blood pressure in cats, symptoms of high blood pressure in cats, cat hypertension treatment, and more.

What Is Cat Hypertension?¹

Cat high blood pressure, or hypertension, means the pressure in the arteries stays too high over time, which can affect the whole body. A cat is considered hypertensive when its systolic blood pressure (the pressure when the heart beats) remains consistently elevated.

So when is cat blood pressure normal? In healthy cats, normal systolic blood pressure is usually below 140 mm Hg. Readings between 140 and 159 mm Hg are considered borderline hypertensive, and 160 mm Hg or higher may indicate high blood pressure in cats, especially if there are signs of organ damage.

How High Blood Pressure Affects a Cat’s Body^1,2

High blood pressure in cats can lead to serious health problems by damaging vital organs, such as the eyes, brain, heart and kidneys. These are called target organs, and in some cases, the damage can be permanent.

• Eyes – About half of cats with hypertension develop eye changes, often at blood pressure levels above 160 mm Hg. Severe cases can result in sudden blindness from retinal detachment or bleeding.
• Brain – Neurologic signs, like confusion, seizures, balance issues and depression, are seen in up to 50% of affected cats.
• Heart – The heart must work harder under high pressure, which can cause thickening of the heart muscle and potentially lead to heart failure. Heart abnormalities are very common in hypertensive cats.  
• Kidneys – High blood pressure can worsen kidney damage. Many cats with hypertension also have kidney disease, and the two conditions often make each other worse.  

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure in Cats

High blood pressure can cause damage to organs, like the eyes, brain, heart and kidneys. Signs often develop slowly and may be hard to spot.

Possible cat hypertension symptoms include:

• Appetite changes
• Difficulty breathing or increased effort
• Disorientation, seizures or confusion
• Lethargy or hiding
• Sensitivity to light
• Sudden blindness or vision changes
• Unsteady walking or head tilt
• Weakness or trouble using the limbs

Because signs may appear gradually, regular checkups are important, especially for older cats or those with conditions like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for high blood pressure to go unnoticed until more serious concerns arise.

When Your Veterinarian May Measure Blood Pressure

• Your cat has kidney or thyroid disease
• You notice any of the signs above
• Your senior cat hasn’t had a recent blood pressure check

When It’s an Emergency

Seek urgent care if your cat has:

• Sudden vision loss
• Seizures or severe confusion
• Stops eating or drinking
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Sudden weakness or collapse

Even though most cases are not emergencies, sudden or severe symptoms should always be taken seriously.

Causes and Types of Hypertension in Cats^1,2

High blood pressure in cats can be grouped into three main types – situational, primary, and secondary – that are influenced by several factors. In many cases, it develops along with other health conditions, but some cats may have no clear underlying cause. Understanding the possible contributors can help with early detection and long-term care.  

How to Confirm Hypertension: Veterinary Diagnosis^1,2

Veterinarians measure blood pressure in cats like doctors do in people, using an inflatable cuff and a monitoring device. Diagnosing high blood pressure in cats takes more than one reading. Your veterinarian will combine a physical exam with tests to confirm the diagnosis and check for underlying conditions.  

Treatment for High Blood Pressure in Cats^1,2

With hypertension in cats, treatment aims to lower blood pressure to protect vital organs and manage any underlying health issues, like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Most cats will need lifelong medication and regular monitoring.  

If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious problems, including seizures, heart damage and vision loss. Regular veterinary visits and blood pressure checks are especially important for cats with kidney or thyroid disease to help catch issues early and protect overall health.  

Cat Hypertension FAQ

Can high blood pressure cause seizures in older cats? 

Yes. Studies show that 15% to 46% of cats with high blood pressure can develop neurologic signs, such as disorientation, seizures, balance issues and depression.¹ While it can be difficult to confirm that high blood pressure is the direct cause without advanced tests, improvement in these signs after treatment often supports the diagnosis.

What is systemic hypertension in cats? 

Systemic hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure that affects the entire body. It means that the pressure in your cat’s arteries is consistently higher than normal, which can lead to damage in organs like the eyes, brain, heart and kidneys.

What is normal blood pressure for cats? 

Normal cat blood pressure (systolic) is typically below 140 mm Hg. Blood pressure between 140 and 159 mm Hg is considered borderline and 160 mm Hg or higher may indicate hypertension, especially if organ damage is present.¹

For more expert tips on cat health, explore our other cat symptom articles.  

References

1. Taylor SS, Sparkes AH, Briscoe K, et al. ISFM consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of hypertension in cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2017;19(3):288-303.

2. Acierno MJ, Brown S, Coleman AE, et al. ACVIM consensus statement: guidelines for the identification, evaluation, and management of systemic hypertension in dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2018;32(6):1803-1822.