As cat owners, we’re often quick to notice when our pets aren’t eating or are acting a little off, but there’s one serious condition that’s easy to overlook – high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Surprisingly common, especially in senior cats, this condition is often dubbed the “silent killer” because it can go undetected until significant damage has been done.
This article is for general informational purposes and should not replace advice from your veterinarian. Always consult a qualified vet if you have concerns about your pet’s health.
Hypertension In Cats: A Hidden Danger
Did you know that one in five cats over the age of nine has high blood pressure? Unlike us, our cats can’t tell us when something feels wrong, and the signs of hypertension are often subtle, making it hard to spot. While many cat owners focus on providing the best food for their senior pets, hypertension requires more than just a good diet to manage – it needs medical intervention.
May is Feline Hypertension Awareness Month, and with that in mind, veterinary practitioner Jimmy Bratley from Feliway sheds light on this critical condition and what we, as pet owners, can do to protect our beloved cats.
The Silent Killer: Why Hypertension Goes Undetected
High blood pressure in cats often doesn’t come with the typical warning signs we might expect. Initially, the condition can be insidious, with symptoms that are vague or non-existent. In fact, it’s common for cats to exhibit no outward signs of hypertension at all until serious damage occurs to their organs. This is why it’s often referred to as the “silent killer.”
Target organ damage occurs when the elevated blood pressure affects key organs like the eyes, kidneys, and even the central nervous system. For example, changes in behaviour or vision, such as blindness, could indicate that your cat is suffering from this condition. Additionally, kidney damage can lead to symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and loss of appetite.
Why Diet Alone Won’t Solve The Problem
Though a healthy diet is essential for senior cats, high blood pressure cannot be controlled by food alone. As Bratley explains, simply reducing salt intake won’t effectively lower blood pressure in hypertensive cats. “Cats with hypertension should be fed a high-quality, veterinary-formulated diet, but controlling blood pressure requires more,” he says.
The only way to truly manage the condition is through anti-hypertensive medication, which helps to lower blood pressure and prevent organ damage. Without proper treatment, the consequences can be severe, and the cat’s quality of life may diminish over time.
How To Detect Hypertension In Your Cat
If your cat is a senior, it’s crucial to get their blood pressure checked regularly – but surprisingly, 82% of senior cats don’t receive blood pressure checks. The process for measuring blood pressure in cats is very similar to that of humans, but it requires special equipment suited for a cat’s smaller size.
Regular vet visits are essential for monitoring your cat’s health and spotting signs of hypertension early. If you notice behavioral changes, vision issues, or increased thirst in your older cat, it’s time to take them in for a blood pressure test.
Taking Action For Your Cat’s Health
Feline hypertension is treatable, but only if it’s caught early and managed properly. By staying vigilant and working with your vet, you can help ensure that your senior cat remains healthy, happy, and comfortable for as long as possible.
As Bratley notes, “The best thing we can do for our pets is to get them the medical attention they need, even when they seem fine.” Regular vet checkups, appropriate medication, and a balanced diet are key to keeping your senior cat’s blood pressure in check.
