Feline Systemic Hypertension: Vet Guide 2025 🐱🩺📈

Hello devoted cat caregivers! I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc 🩺. Systemic hypertension—or high blood pressure—is a “silent killer” in cats, often linked to kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Though many older cats seem healthy, high BP can dangerously damage eyes, brain, heart, and kidneys. This 2025 guide equips you with veterinary insight and empathetic home-care strategies to protect your feline friend 😊.

🔍 What Is Feline Hypertension?

Hypertension in cats usually refers to a sustained systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 160 mmHg—or ≥ 150 mmHg if organ damage is evident :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Secondary hypertension is most common, caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD) (~60–74%), hyperthyroidism (~20%), heart disease, or endocrine disorders. Primary hypertension without underlying disease also occurs :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

⚠️ Why It Matters

Untreated hypertension causes “target organ damage” in the:

• Eyes: retinal hemorrhage, detachment, sudden blindness (68–100% incidence) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Brain: seizures, disorientation, behavioral changes :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Heart: murmurs, hypertrophy, heart failure risk :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Kidneys: worsening CKD, proteinuria, accelerated renal decline :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

👂 Clinical Signs

Often silent—but may present as:

• Acute blindness, dilated pupils, bumping into objects :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Seizures, disorientation, lethargy :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Poor appetite, vomiting, weight loss, increased thirst/urination :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Coughing, shallow breathing, lethargy (heart involvement) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

🔬 Diagnosing High Blood Pressure

• Regular BP measurement: use Doppler or oscillometric methods. Take multiple readings in a calm cat, avoid “white coat syndrome,” average ≥ 5 readings :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Eye exam: check fundus for hemorrhage or detachment :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Bloodwork: assess renal (BUN, creatinine, SDMA, electrolytes), thyroid function, and proteinuria :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Urinalysis: evaluate protein, urine concentration, and microalbuminuria.
• Echo/ECG: if cardiac signs are present :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

🛠️ Treatment & Medication 🍃

• Amlodipine: first-line calcium channel blocker; lowers SBP effectively :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Telmisartan (Semintra®): ARB approved in cats; especially useful with proteinuria or CKD :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• ACE inhibitors: benazepril or enalapril can be added for kidney protection or refractory cases :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Monitor every 2–4 weeks initially, aiming for SBP < 160 mmHg (ideally < 140 mmHg) :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Treat underlying disease (CKD, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, endocrine issues) :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Lifestyle: maintain healthy weight, avoid NSAIDs, limit stress.

📈 Prognosis

With timely diagnosis & management, many cats maintain quality of life. Retinal healing possible if caught early, but blindness is often permanent. Untreated hypertension greatly increases risk of organ damage, seizures, and possibly euthanasia :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

🏡 Home Monitoring & Care

• Use **Ask A Vet app** 📱 to track behavior, appetite, medications, and signs like bumping into things or vision changes.
• Note changes in drinking, litter box habits, energy, or breathing.
• Encourage gentle activity and offer comfy **Woopf & Purrz** beds in quiet areas.
• Follow medication schedule exactly; don’t stop without vet advice.
• Schedule follow-up vet or nurse BP and eye checks every 3–6 months.

📝 Key Takeaways

• Feline hypertension is often secondary to kidney, thyroid, or heart disease—but a few cases are idiopathic.
• It’s hard to detect without regular checks and can silently cause vision loss, seizures, cardiac and kidney damage.
• Diagnose with proper BP measurement and assess organ health, especially eyes.
• Manage primarily with amlodipine and/or telmisartan, treating underlying illness.
• With careful monitoring and home support, cats can live full lives despite hypertension.

📞 When to Contact Ask A Vet

If your cat shows sudden blindness, seizures, disorientation, increased urination or drinking, or lethargy—open the **Ask A Vet app** 💬 immediately. Fast advice can help prevent serious decline.

✨ Final Thoughts

Systemic hypertension in cats is common, dangerous—but manageable. With routine BP checks, eye monitoring, effective medication, and attentive home care, you’re giving your cat the best chance at a long, healthy life. Every caring step helps protect their heart, eyes, and wellbeing ❤️🐾.