As suddenly as flicking a light switch, the cat has gone blind. High blood pressure in cats is now recognized as a condition that if left untreated can cause serious illness and death. . High blood pressure or hypertension usually occurs as a symptom of another underlying disease such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), but it can be a standalone … Reply; Eva Burnett June 6, 2016 at 10:47 am (5 years ago) I am trying to get some info. This condition is called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. Cats compensate for impaired vision by relying more on their remaining senses, especially smell. High blood pressure in cats without an existing underlying disease is rare and not as easily understood. Pippa is a UK veterinarian with over 30 years’ experience in practice and a special interest in feline medicine and behaviour. The high pressure from the hydrant would cause the garden hose to explode. High blood pressure can affect many organs in a cat’s body, but one of the common symptoms we see is blindness. And happily, this isn’t an academic exercise because medication can bring down high blood pressure and protect your cat from catastrophic consequences. And now for some good news: hypertension is treatable. . One of the most common old cat health problems is kidney or renal failure. If you believe that your cat is suffering from either high or low blood pressure symptoms, contact your veterinarian for an … A cat is generally thought to be hypertensive when its systolic blood pressure is above 175 mm Hg. It is commonly found as a complication of other underlying medical conditions, so-called secondary hypertension. Obviously, the cat has very small arteries when compared to those of humans. When the cat has a blood pressure of over 160 mm Hg, he is diagnosed with hypertension. It can cause small blood vessels to leak and rupture. It’s often these spikes that do the damage, such as causing blindness, a stroke, or seizures. Like people, cats can have high blood pressure, or hypertension. From the WebMD Archives. Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. High Blood Pressure in Cats. It is rather the result of underlying condition, the most common being chronic kidney failure or hyperthyroidism. However, unlike people, there is usually an underlying disease process that is causing the high blood pressure. Stress-related peaks in diastolic pressure (the second number in a reading) were also reduced. . It makes small blood vessels leak and break. It can also cause the rupturing of the blood vessels in your pet’s brain. If the blood pressure is not regularized, this can lead to additional health problems, the most serious being heart disease; organ failure may also be a result of increased blood pressure. It also causes other serious problems such as a stroke, hind leg paralysis, seizures, and damage to the heart. Cats have twenty-four vibrissae or whiskers which send information to their barrel cortex (similar to the visual cortex of the brain). Emergency Situations, Medical Conditions, Pet Services. Measuring Human Blood Pressure. To learn how to reduce the chances of a dramatic deterioration, read on. Hot Spots in Dogs and Cats. If they tell you to give it to your cat with food, you can place the tablet in a pill pocket treat or in your cat's meal. Seek urgent veterinary attention if your older cat shows any of these signs. Cats with hypertension generally have complications with their vision, causing swelling and retinal detachment, or the kidneys, making it more difficult for the kidney to effectively filter out waste. If left untreated, hypertension is a severe threat … Your vet measures your cat's blood pressure with a cat-sized blood pressure cuff, similar to the one your doctor uses. However, unlike people, there is usually an underlying disease process that is causing the high blood pressure. One study found that about 60% of cats with chronic kidney disease also had hypertension. Cats between four and 20 years old are at most risk of high blood pressure. The heart is stimulated to pump faster and more forcefully, and eventually, the heart enlarges to meet these increased demands for blood flow. They’re loyal, comfort us in tough times, and even lower our blood pressure. Are certain cats more likely to get high blood pressure? However, it can have a number of side effects in some cats. Experience in practice and a special interest in feline medicine and behaviour cats. As suddenly as flicking a light switch, the cat has very small arteries when to! 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