Mary Allen
Unfortunately, high blood pressure in cats is difficult to recognize from the outside, since it usually only becomes noticeable when it has already triggered secondary diseases. The causes of high blood pressure are varied, but there are certain risk factors that favor it, such as being overweight.
If your cat is putting on too many pounds, it’s a good idea to check her blood pressure regularly. In this way, you can quickly see whether being overweight has already caused high blood pressure or whether your cat is still fit. Also, if your kitty has an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), her blood pressure can skyrocket.
How Obesity Affects Blood Pressure
Hypertension in cats can occur as a result of diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, or heart disease. These diseases, in turn, are often caused by being overweight. If the cat’s blood pressure then rises to an unhealthy level, a vicious circle is created, as high blood pressure can lead to organ damage. It makes kidney and heart problems worse.
Other Causes of High Blood Pressure in Cats
But even cats of normal weight or underweight can suffer from high blood pressure. If your cat is thin and has a shaggy coat even though they eat and drink a lot, they may have an overactive thyroid. In this case, take her to the vet as soon as possible to have this clarified and the hyperthyroidism treated. In this way, the consequences of this metabolic disorder – such as high blood pressure – can possibly be avoided or at least mitigated.
Sometimes, however, it is the cat’s age that leads to kidney problems and heart disease, as well as high blood pressure. Many older cats develop organ disease or diabetes even though they are not overweight. Hyperthyroidism is also a typical cat disease that occurs in old age.