Signs your cat may have high blood pressure

High blood pressure, clinically known as hypertension, occurs when pressure in the blood vessels is unusually elevated. Normal systolic blood pressure in cats is 120-140 mmHg; readings above 160 mmHg indicate hypertension, and above 180 mmHg is considered severe. This condition can be extremely dangerous if the symptoms go undetected.

If a cat’s blood pressure remains higher than normal for a sustained period of time, it can begin to significantly affect their heart, kidneys, nervous system and eyesight; sometimes causing lasting damage.

It is more commonly found in older cats, or ones struggling with obesity, although it can be diagnosed in felines of any age.

Spotting the signs early is crucial in order to prevent a serious threat to health.

This article will discuss what signs you need to look out for, and how a cat’s diet can play a big role in regulating their blood pressure.

Key Signs at a Glance

• Frequent nosebleeds
• Vision changes or sudden blindness
• Disorientation or loss of balance
• Low energy or lethargy
• Difficulty breathing or panting
• Seizures or tremors
• Behavioral changes or increased aggression

Are hypertension and high blood pressure the same thing?

Hypertension is the medical name for high blood pressure.

If no underlying cause can be found for elevated blood pressure, that is called primary (idiopathic) hypertension.

Secondary hypertension in cats is a far more common diagnosis, indicating an underlying disease. The most common causes here are chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, followed by obesity.

Blood pressure is measured in cats the same way it is in humans. A vet will place an inflatable cuff device on their paw or tail.

Two numbers are then presented as a fraction. The top one (systolic) measures pressure inside the arteries when the heart is pumping; the bottom one (diastolic) is pressure when the heart is resting between beats.

Normal human blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. In cats, these numbers tend to be higher.

Target Organ Damage

When high blood pressure goes untreated, it can cause serious damage to vulnerable organs:

• Eyes: Hypertension can cause retinal detachment, bleeding, and sudden blindness.
• Kidneys: Elevated pressure accelerates kidney damage, worsening chronic kidney disease.
• Heart: The heart must work harder, potentially leading to thickening of the heart muscle and heart failure.
• Brain: High blood pressure can cause neurological symptoms including disorientation, seizures, and stroke-like episodes.

Signs to look out for

An early diagnosis is vital when dealing with high blood pressure in cats.

The only way to know your cat’s blood pressure is elevated is to have their blood pressure checked by a vet.

However, these are the signs you should be looking out for:

• Behavioral changes: Your cat may not exhibit any of the physical symptoms related to high blood pressure until the condition is severe, which is why it’s important to monitor their general behavior closely. Have they suddenly become more aggressive? Are they refusing food? Have you noticed increased vocalization? As blood pressure rises, a cat’s heart rate is likely to follow suit. This may lead to them acting abnormally, so be alert to any changes.

• Frequent nosebleeds: If your cat begins bleeding from their nose, closely monitor the situation. A one-off nosebleed may just be an isolated incident and no cause for alarm. However, if the bleeds become more frequent, you will need to contact your vet. There are many causes of a bloody nose in cats including injury, upper respiratory infection and blood clotting. Elevated blood pressure brought on by kidney disease is another. A full physical examination should get to the root cause. A cold compress to their face will help slow the bleeding.

• Disorientation or balance problems: Cats are extremely graceful creatures, so if you see one bumping into furniture, falling over often or even struggling to stand, something isn’t right. High blood pressure can lead to disorientation in felines. You may notice them circling to one side. Dizziness may also be a sign that your cat is suffering from low blood pressure.

• Vision changes: Problems with vision are one of the most common symptoms associated with hypertension in cats. If untreated, this can eventually lead to blindness due to high blood pressure in the eye causing retinal detachment. Sudden blindness is usually obvious to spot, but gradual sight loss can be more challenging to notice. Check for bleeding from the eyes, swelling or changes in color and appearance. If your cat has suddenly started bumping into objects, this could also be a sign they are struggling with their eyesight. Some causes of blindness are reversible, so it’s important to contact your vet as soon as possible.

• Low energy: Elevated blood pressure brought on by heart or kidney issues can leave cats feeling drained. While felines do enjoy plenty of sleep, once they’re up and about, they do tend to expend quite a bit of energy. Some cats with hypertension may become more withdrawn, lethargic or even appear depressed. Once treatment is started, and blood pressure begins to drop, you should notice your cat’s activity levels increase. It is worth noting that low blood pressure can also result in diminishing energy levels.

• Trouble breathing: Shortness of breath can be a telltale sign of hypertension in cats. This could be exhibited through panting, fast breathing or difficulty breathing. A cat that is struggling to breathe will inevitably end up stressed and anxious, possibly resulting in a further rise in blood pressure. Do your best to calm them down. Keep them indoors, comfortable and cool. Anytime your cat is encountering breathing difficulties you should immediately contact your vet.

• Seizures: High blood pressure is often linked to seizures in cats. Seizures can take a number of forms including convulsions, leg paddling, loss of consciousness, tremors, incessant meowing or crying and loss of urinary or bowel control. They can be brief and some owners may not even notice them. Don’t touch your cat while they’re experiencing a seizure, only if there’s a chance they could sustain an injury.

When to See a Vet Immediately

Seek emergency veterinary care if your cat experiences:

• Sudden blindness or dilated pupils that don’t respond to light
• Seizures lasting more than two minutes or occurring back-to-back
• Repeated nosebleeds within 24 hours
• Severe difficulty breathing or collapse
• Sudden paralysis or inability to walk

According to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, treatment is recommended when systolic pressure persistently exceeds 160 mmHg.

How diet plays a part

When we talk about the overall physical and mental wellbeing of our cats, diet is always part of the conversation.

Changes in a cat’s diet can actually lower blood pressure, and prevent them from suffering the serious health consequences associated with hypertension.

So what does a healthy cat diet look like?

It’s one that’s complete and balanced, brimming with nutrients and full of goodness.

Many Reveal recipes are made with limited ingredients, which means you know exactly what your cat is getting.

No fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives or anything else that could trigger allergies or intolerances.

Our grain-free cat foods contain high-quality, freshly sourced proteins and carbohydrates, with a body-boosting blend of vitamins and minerals. Simple, but extremely effective when fed with a complete dry cat food for a balanced diet.

The nourishing ingredients are building blocks to a stronger immune system, providing cats with the fuel they need to fight off illness. And they’re mouth-wateringly tasty, too.

A cat eating a healthy diet is far more likely to benefit from overall gut health, wellbeing and vitality, which is crucial for maintaining normal blood pressure.

Whenever you are changing a cat’s diet, we recommend you make the transition gradual. Introducing new foods too quickly can upset their stomachs.

Read our guide on How to Switch to a Limited Ingredient Diet for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is high blood pressure diagnosed in cats? A veterinarian measures blood pressure using an inflatable cuff placed on the cat’s paw or tail, similar to the method used in humans. Multiple readings are typically taken to confirm a diagnosis, as stress can temporarily elevate readings.

Can feline hypertension be cured? Primary hypertension requires ongoing management with medication. Secondary hypertension may improve or resolve if the underlying condition (such as hyperthyroidism) is successfully treated, though many cats need lifelong blood pressure monitoring.

How often should cats be screened for high blood pressure? Cats over 7 years old should have their blood pressure checked at least annually. Cats with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or other risk factors may need more frequent monitoring as recommended by their veterinarian.