The most common causes of high blood pressure in cats are kidney disease and thyroid issues. Why does kidney disease cause hypertension? Normal aging may lead to changes in kidney size. As kidneys shrink, it becomes harder for blood to filter through the organs. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure as blood gets backed up. At least one study has found that approximately sixty-five percent of cats with age-related kidney failure also have high blood pressure. Why does hyperthyroidism cause hypertension? When the thyroid is over-producing hormones, many organs are affected — including the heart. The heart … Continue reading →

Although high blood pressure in humans can often be tied to stress, stress usually isn’t a factor in cats with hypertension. Often, cats who have high blood pressure suffer from kidney disease and/or thyroid disease. Symptoms of high blood pressure can include: Sudden or gradual blindness. High blood pressure can cause the retina to detach in the eye. Owners may notice that a cat has dilated pupils that do not react to the light, blood in the front of the eye, or difficulties navigating around furniture. Behavioral changes. A cat with hypertension may be restless or awake at odd hours. … Continue reading →

At the cats-only boarding facility, I see a lot of guests who are taking a medication called methimazole — enough that I looked up the medication to see what it treats! Hyperthyroidism is relatively common in older cats, and owners have a variety of treatment options available. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that helps regulate the body’s metabolism. When the thyroid overproduces hormones, the entire body can be affected. The heart may beat (and pump blood) faster, eventually causing high blood pressure and other problems. The cat may have an insatiable appetite, yet still lose weight. Digestive … Continue reading →