Measuring the blood pressure of a CKD cat is a very useful measure. It requires special blood pressure cuffs (usually placed on the cat’s tail, but also on the front leg) and a blood pressure monitor. This is equipment that many vets now have in their clinics. The cat blood pressure cuff is inflated until the blood flow in the vessels is stopped. The pressure in the cuff is then slowly released to the point where blood flow resumes. This is the systolic blood pressure. The blood pressure monitor will display this value.
Blood pressure can rise due to stress and excitement (e.g. vet visits). It is important to ensure that the cat is sufficiently calm and relaxed. This is why measurements are taken several times in a row. The blood pressure of a CKD cat should be checked regularly.
There are two types of blood pressure: systolic and diastolic. The former is the higher value and is measured when the heart contracts and empties, i.e. when the blood is forced into the artery. Diastolic blood pressure is measured when the heart is filling, i.e. when blood is flowing into the ventricles. Usually only the systolic blood pressure is recorded.
Normal (reference) systolic blood pressure in cats is generally 120-150 mm Hg. As there are individual ranges for blood pressure, every cat over 7 years of age should be checked at least once a year.
Cats with persistent high blood pressure (hypertensionHigh blood pressure.) > 160 mm Hg should be treated according to expert opinion. The target blood pressure should be set at 120-150 mm Hg. This will require several control measurements.