Cat Health Concern: Does Feline 'Three Highs' Exist?

Section 1: The Origin of Cats' "Three Highs"

The term "Three Highs" typically refers to hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. These conditions can be interconnected and influence each other, or they can exist independently. The "Three Highs" are common in middleaged and elderly individuals, but with the improvement of living conditions and a decrease in physical activity, these diseases are becoming more prevalent in younger populations as well.

Just as humans can suffer from the "Three Highs," so can cats.

Cats' "Three Highs" are largely a result of dietary habits. Longterm irregular eating, overeating, and excessive weight gain are the primary factors contributing to this condition.

Many pet owners, due to their busy schedules, lack of time, or simply being lazy, may occasionally pour a large bowl of cat food into their pet's dish, allowing the cat to eat at its own pace. However, cats have a weak sense of satiety, and consistently providing them with an abundance of food can lead to a habit of overeating, resulting in obesity and a higher likelihood of developing the "Three Highs." Chronic irregular eating can also cause severe damage to a cat's digestive system and may lead to anorexia, fatty liver, and other diseases.

Section 2: Symptoms of Cats' "Three Highs"

1. Hypertension

Cats can suffer from primary and secondary hypertension, with secondary hypertension being more common, often caused by underlying diseases.

Symptoms include seizures, blindness, dilated pupils, eye hemorrhages, hematuria, proteinuria, nosebleeds, kidney swelling or atrophy, heart murmurs, involuntary eye tremors, and thyroid enlargement.

2. Hyperglycemia (Diabetes)

Obesity in older cats significantly increases the risk of diabetes, which primarily presents with symptoms such as polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, weight loss (the "three pluses and one minus"), fatigue, and lack of energy.

Cats with diabetes are prone to secondary diseases like kidney disease, heart disease, and cataracts. In severe cases, it can lead to poor wound healing and an increased risk of wound infections and ulcers.

3. Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of fats (mainly triglycerides and cholesterol) in a cat's blood, which can cause seizures, abdominal pain, skin plaques, and neurological issues.

Cats' "Three Highs" are diseases where prevention is more effective than treatment. Therefore, pet owners should pay close attention to their cat's diet, ensuring that their pets eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. It's also important to play with your cat and encourage physical activity to prevent obesity and reduce the risk of the "Three Highs" and other diseases. Additionally, early detection and treatment of diseases are crucial for better outcomes. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your cat, it's essential to consult a veterinarian or seek medical attention promptly.