What to expect

Measuring feline blood pressure is a quick non-invasive procedure. It is very similar to the way blood pressure is measured in people just with a few differences to account for the fact that cats aren’t always so keen to visit their doctors as humans are.

Blood pressure is measured using inflatable cuffs similar to those used in humans. These cuffs are applied to the leg or tail of the cat to determine their blood pressure.

It typically takes 5-10mins to record a set of blood pressure measurements.

It is really important that cats are calm when they have their blood pressure measured or else we see situational or “white coat” hypertension occurring. This is where we see high blood pressure as a result of stress and not as a result of an underlying medical condition.

Acclimatisation and gentle handling are required to mitigate the effects of situational hypertension. It is why it is common that your vet will ask if your cat can stay in for a morning or afternoon when their blood pressure is taken. This allows your cat to get used to being at the vets and acclimatise to their surroundings.

Cats that are more relaxed at the vets or that have had the procedure performed multiple times before, may be able to have their blood pressure taken in a consultation and not need to stay as an inpatient.

It may be that your vet may ask to take several readings a few weeks apart, either to definitively determine that your cat has high blood pressure or to see how they are responding to treatment.

Your vet may also request to take blood and urine samples at the same time as measuring your cat’s blood pressure, as hypertension is often associated with other conditions such as chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism.

Whilst it may seem daunting taking your cat in for a blood pressure assessment, remember that it is a quick and painless procedure. Furthermore, regular screening will help identify if your cat has high blood pressure sooner; mitigating the more serious consequences of hypertension; improving patient outcomes and your cat’s quality of life.

• Make sure the cat is used to their carrier – leaving it out a day or two before their visit can help them to get used to it. It may even become a secure hiding place.

• Special cat pheromones (Feliway) can be used to spray the carrier. This mimics the cat’s facial pheromone and marks the carrier as a safe place. These need to be sprayed 10-15 minutes before the carrier is introduced to the cat to allow the scent of the spray to evaporate leaving only the pheromone behind.

• Secure the cat and carrier safely in the car – use a seatbelt.

• When arriving at the vets keep the cat somewhere quiet – wait in the car until you are called for your appointment or look for a cat only waiting area. Cats also feel more secure higher up so place their carrier somewhere safe and stable but off the ground where possible.