Blood Pressure Checks for Dogs and Cats in Nicosia
High blood pressure usually shows no signs from the outside, but it can damage the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain. A simple, painless check helps us find it early.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels. When it stays high, it slowly damages organs with many small vessels, such as the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain.
In pets, high blood pressure rarely shows from the outside. Often the first sign is a problem with sight or sudden blindness. That is why regular checks are the only way to find it early.
Which pets need a check?
High blood pressure is more common in cats than in dogs, and it is usually linked to another condition. We suggest a check for:
- Cats over 10 years old, at least once a year
- Pets with kidney disease
- Cats with hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid
- Pets with heart disease or diabetes
- Pets on medicines that can affect blood pressure
- Any pet with eye changes, such as wide pupils or blood inside the eye
How we measure it at our clinic
- A quiet room. We give your pet a few minutes to settle, away from noise and other animals. Cats often stay in or next to their carrier.
- A cuff. We wrap a small cuff around a leg or the base of the tail. It does not hurt and no needle is needed.
- Several readings. We take a series of readings and use the average, because stress can raise blood pressure for a short time.
- A chat. We explain the results straight away and whether anything else is needed.
If the blood pressure is high
A high reading is usually repeated to confirm it. Then we look for the cause, often with blood and urine tests done in the clinic, and we check the eyes.
High blood pressure can usually be well controlled with medicine. We will do regular checks to make sure treatment is working and adjust it when needed.
What can affect the reading
Just like in people, stress at the clinic can raise blood pressure for a short time. This is often called the "white coat effect". To get accurate results:
- We measure in a quiet room, before other tests or handling
- We use a cuff of the right size for your pet's leg or tail
- We keep your pet in a comfortable position, without holding them tightly
- We ignore the first reading and use the average of the next ones
If a reading is borderline, we often repeat it at another visit before deciding on treatment.
Why it matters
A blood pressure check is quick, simple and painless, but it can protect your pet's sight and kidneys. For senior cats we often combine it with our senior health profile, so we get the full picture in one visit.
Frequently asked questions
Does a blood pressure check hurt?
No. We wrap a small cuff around a leg or the tail, just like in people. Most pets cope with it very well.
How often should my cat have a blood pressure check?
For cats over 10 years old we suggest a check at least once a year. If your cat has kidney or thyroid problems or high blood pressure, we check more often.
Why do you take several readings instead of one?
A stressed pet can show a falsely high reading. That is why we take several readings in a quiet room and use the average.
Does my pet need to fast or prepare?
No. Bring your pet in calmly, cats in their carrier, and give them a little time to settle before we measure.
What happens if high blood pressure is found?
We usually look for the cause with blood and urine tests and check the eyes. High blood pressure can usually be well controlled with medicine and regular checks.
Related articles
Sources and further reading
The facts in this article are based on guidance from international and European veterinary organisations.
Book a blood pressure check
The check is done calmly at our clinic in Kaimakli and takes just a few minutes. Call us to find a time that suits you.
📞 22 015979