Feline Hypertension

Although many of us keep an eye on our own blood pressure, we tend to forget to monitor the blood pressure of our pets. High blood pressure in cats, also called feline hypertension, normally occurs in older pets and can be a symptom of or lead to a multitude of health issues. Your senior cat should be screened for high blood pressure twice yearly at your veterinarian’s office to prevent or diagnose any related issues.

One common problem caused by high blood pressure in cats is a sudden onset of blindness. This occurs when the retina (lining of the back of the eye) is detached from its normal position. Other signs of feline hypertension are presence of blood in the eye, dilated and unresponsive pupils, and rapid heart rate.

Please stay conscious of this condition in your feline friend to avoid future health problems. Our companions can live long and happy lives as long as we do our part in keeping them healthy and safe. Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers Soul encourages pet owners to closely monitor their pets and to be cognizant of any subtle changes in normal day-to-day behavior.