What is considered high blood pressure in cats?
A cat is generally thought to be hypertensive when its systolic blood pressure is above 160mm Hg.
How can I tell if my cat has high blood pressure?
The symptoms of high blood pressure in cats include behavioural changes, seizures, disorientation, blindness, weakness, heart murmurs, and nosebleeds.
Is 180 high blood pressure for a cat?
What is a cat’s normal blood pressure? Most healthy cats have a systolic blood pressure of between 120 and 180 mmHg. A cat with a blood pressure that is consistently over 180-190 mmHg is considered to be hypertensive, although older animals do tend to have slightly higher blood pressure than young cats.
How do you check a cat’s blood pressure at home?
Measuring blood pressure usually takes only a few minutes, and involves placing an inflatable cuff around a leg or the tail (much the same as the cuff used on the arm in humans). It is completely pain-free and very well tolerated by most cats.
When should a cat be treated for hypertension?
If the SABP is consistently above 175 mmHg on the second examination and the cat has an identifiable disease known to predispose to systemic hypertension, then we would commence treatment.
Can high blood pressure cause a stroke in cats?
Hypertension is a serious problem in the cat, as it can cause blindness and strokes, just as in people. The first symptom seen is usually sudden blindness from retinal detachment – the high blood pressure literally blows out the back of the eye.
How can I lower my cats blood pressure?
As in humans, high blood pressure in cats is treated with oral medications. Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, is the drug of choice used to treat feline hypertension. It comes in a pill form and is given orally once daily.
How do vets treat high blood pressure in cats?
Management of hypertensive cats Firstly, to reduce the blood pressure using anti-hypertensive drugs. A number of drugs are available and those commonly used include amlodipine and telmisartan. Secondly, to search for an underlying disease, such as kidney disease, which has caused the hypertension.
What is a normal blood pressure in a senior cat?
Normal systolic pressure in dogs and cats is in the 120-130 mmHg range. An allowance of up to 160 mmHg systolic is often used since many of our patients are quite anxious in the hospital setting (“white coat effect”). Just like in humans, pets can have high blood pressure or systemic hypertension.
How quickly does amlodipine work in cats?
It is important to not miss or skip doses; do not stop this medication before talking to your veterinarian. This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours; however, effects may not be visibly obvious and therefore laboratory tests may need to be done to evaluate this medication’s effectiveness.
What is the treatment for hypertension in cats?
Medications that are commonly used to manage hypertension in cats include angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs), beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Additional medications may be required depending upon the response to initial therapy.
What’s the average lifespan of a house cat?
2 – 16 yearsIn the wild
Cat/Lifespan