Hypertension in Cats: Tests and Treatment Options

Signs of high blood pressure in cats often develop slowly and go unnoticed for a long time. However, over time, hypertension can damage vital organs, such as the eyes, brain, heart and kidneys, sometimes permanently.  

Regular veterinary checkups are important, especially for older cats or those with conditions like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, to help detect early evidence of hypertension in cats and start treatment before serious organ damage occurs.

How to Confirm Hypertension: Veterinary Diagnosis^1,2

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 that are often associated with hypertension in cats.

During the exam, your veterinarian may check for:

• Eye changes that could indicate early damage
• Neurologic signs, like confusion, balance issues, and they may ask about any concerning home events like seizures.
• Abnormal heart sounds, irregular heartbeat or labored breathing
• Signs of kidney disease, such as weight loss and any history of increased thirst or low energy.

Tests may include:

• Blood work to assess overall health and check for kidney or thyroid disease
• Urinalysis to check kidney function and look for protein in the urine
• Blood pressure readings, ideally taken regularly in senior and high-risk cats

Additional testing may involve:

• Chest X-rays or heart ultrasound to evaluate heart size and function
• ECG to check for irregular heart rhythms
• Kidney ultrasound to look for structural issues

As a cat owner, you may be wondering how to take a cat’s blood pressure.¹ In fact, measuring a cat’s blood pressure is similar to measuring a person’s, using an inflatable cuff and a monitoring device. To get accurate results:

• The cat should be calm and in a quiet environment.
• Your presence may be welcome to help keep the cat relaxed.
• No sedation is used, and the cat should rest for several minutes before measurements.
• The cuff is placed around a front leg or the tail, depending on what works best for the cat.
• Several readings are taken, and the first one is usually discarded.
• The average of five to seven consistent readings is used to determine the final result.

The same trained person should ideally take the measurements each time, using a standardized method. Accurate records help your veterinarian track trends and make informed decisions about your cat’s health.

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 that may be contributing to the increased blood pressure. Depending on the cause, most cats may need lifelong medication and regular monitoring.

Goals of treatment:

• Reduce blood pressure, ideally below 160 mm Hg
• Prevent damage to the eyes, brain, heart and kidneys
• Improve or maintain quality of life

Blood Pressure Meds for Cats^1,2

Depending on the cause, many cats with confirmed high blood pressure may need lifelong medication to control it. Your veterinarian will decide when to start treatment based on your cat’s blood pressure readings and whether signs of organ damage are present.

When medication is typically started:

• Blood pressure is 150 mm Hg or higher with signs of organ damage
• Blood pressure is 160 mm Hg or higher on multiple visits
• Severe or ongoing eye damage, even if blood pressure is under 150 mm Hg

Because most feline hypertension is caused by an underlying illness, identifying and treating that condition is essential for managing blood pressure and protecting long-term health. Without addressing the root cause, blood pressure may remain uncontrolled or continue to damage vital organs.

For more information on conditions that may contribute to high blood pressure in cats, please see our articles on hyperthyroidism, heart disease in cats and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Nutrition and Diet²

• Reducing sodium (salt) in the diet is often discussed, but major salt restriction alone usually does not lower blood pressure in cats.
• Healthy cats are not typically salt-sensitive, but caution is still needed in some cases.
• The choice of cat food for high blood pressure should be based on your cat’s overall health, any underlying conditions and what they are willing to eat.
• If kidney disease is diagnosed or suspected, your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic kidney diet.

Ongoing Monitoring

• Your veterinarian will check your cat’s blood pressure regularly to ensure the treatment is working.
• Most cats need checkups more frequently to monitor response to therapy.
• Your veterinarian may adjust medications based on your cat’s response.
• With early diagnosis and proper care, many cats with hypertension can enjoy a good quality of life.

Feline hypertension can usually be managed with regular medication and monitoring. Some effects, like blindness, may be permanent, while others, such as changes in behavior or coordination, may improve with treatment.

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.