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High Blood Pressure can cause blindness in cats; have you had your senior cat’s blood pressure taken lately? Systemic hypertension – a persistent increase in blood pressure – is commonly recognized in feline practice. Feline hypertension is commonly found as a complication of other underlying medical conditions (secondary hypertension), although primary hypertension (hypertension without any underlying disease) may also be seen in cats. In contrast to people, where primary hypertension (also called essential hypertension) is most common, secondary hypertension is more common in cats. Primary hypertension accounts of less than 20% of feline cases. The most common secondary causes of hypertension are chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hyperthyroidism. Other causes include hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome), chronic blood loss adrenal tumours and erythropoietin therapy Unfortunately hypertension is often only suspected very late in the course. The target organs most vulnerable to hypertensive damage are the brain (usually behavioural, night vocalization, signs of dementia), heart, kidneys and eyes (blindness). The goal of managing high blood pressure is to identify and treat underlying causes, and to reduce systemic blood pressure to an ideal range with anti-hypertensive medications. Blood pressure should be evaluated as a routine part of check-ups for all cats past 7 years of age. We can help measure your feline friend’s blood pressure with a Doppler machine at their next visit for their wellness check.

Some tips on picking an appropriate scratching post: Pick the right post. Think about the places your cat scratches now. What’s her preferred material? Scout out posts and coverings that mimic her favorite scratching surfaces. Choose from sisal, cardboard, carpet wood or leather. How high? Does your cat stretch high and far above his head? Most cats like higher posts they can stretch right out on. Just be sure it’s sturdy so it won’t wibble, wobble or fall while your cat is scratching. Location matters. Just like real estate, where you place your scratching board counts. Your kitty craves your attention, so it’s best to post her post in highly trafficked areas, where the family spends time together. This way her kitty “furniture” is on the scene, close to you—the one she loves best! Some cats stretch and scratch right after they wake up. If this is your puss place the scratching post close to favourite sleeping areas. Structure matters. Does your kitty crave vertical scratching surfaces or horizontal ones? Some cats will enjoy a mix of both.