One of the most common questions we hear at Thames Medical is: what species can the CAT+ Doppler blood pressure monitor be used on? The name “CAT+” naturally leads people to assume the device was built exclusively for feline patients.
While cats were certainly front of mind when the CAT+ Doppler was designed, the reality is far broader. The CAT+ can be used on any species where a pulse can be detected. It is not limited to cats, small mammals, or even mammals at all. From companion animals to exotics, reptiles, birds and beyond, if there is a pulse to detect, the CAT+ can be used to monitor it.
In this blog, we will explain where the name comes from, which species the CAT+ Doppler can be used on, and why its design makes it particularly well suited to both blood pressure measurement and pulse quality monitoring across a wide range of veterinary patients.
The CAT+ Doppler earned its name because it was originally developed with feline medicine as a core focus. Cats are notoriously difficult to monitor. They are small, easily stressed, and have faint peripheral pulses that many standard Doppler units struggle to detect.
Thames Medical set out to build a device that could reliably pick up those subtle signals and deliver clear, accurate readings even in the most challenging feline patients.
The result was a Doppler with an exceptionally sensitive flat probe, crystal-clear audio, and a compact design that keeps the monitoring process as low-stress as possible. Naturally, it became a favourite in cat-friendly clinics and ISFM-accredited practices across the UK and beyond.
But the “+” was always intentional. It reflects that the device goes far beyond feline use.
The simplest answer is: any species with a detectable pulse.
It is important to remember that the CAT+ is a Doppler ultrasound device, essentially an electronic stethoscope. It detects blood flow. When used with a cuff and sphygmomanometer, the clinician determines systolic (and sometimes diastolic) blood pressure. In many species, it is also used purely to monitor pulse rhythm, strength and quality, particularly during anaesthesia.
In day-to-day practice, this commonly includes:
Dogs of all sizes benefit from the CAT+ Doppler’s sensitive probe and high-quality audio. With the full range of Thames Medical blood pressure cuffs (sizes 1 to 6), it can be used from toy breeds right through to very large breeds such as Great Danes.
The clear audio signal makes identifying systolic pressure straightforward, even in patients where pulse detection can be tricky due to size, coat, or temperament.
Blood pressure monitoring in rabbits is increasingly recognised as valuable, particularly under anaesthesia or in patients with suspected cardiovascular compromise.
The CAT+ Doppler’s sensitivity makes it well-suited to detecting the often subtle peripheral pulses in rabbit patients. While oscillometric monitors can be used in rabbits, particularly under anaesthesia, they are not always species-specific and may overestimate values. Doppler monitoring remains a trusted technique in experienced hands.
Exotic mammals present some of the greatest challenges for non-invasive monitoring. Their small size and delicate vasculature demand equipment capable of detecting very subtle blood flow.
The CAT+ probe was deliberately designed with a larger, flat profile rather than a small pointed tip. This allows it to be taped securely in place, held steadily, or manipulated easily during procedures. The broader contact surface improves stability, reduces slipping, and enhances signal consistency, particularly useful in small or fragile patients.
In many of these species, the Doppler is used to monitor pulse rhythm, quality and strength during anaesthesia.
Because the CAT+ detects blood flow rather than being species-restricted software, it can be used in reptiles, birds and even aquatic species where pulse monitoring is required.
In these cases, it is often used primarily to assess pulse presence, rhythm and quality rather than formal blood pressure measurement. As long as there is blood flow to detect, the Doppler can function.
While the CAT+ was designed with small animal practice in mind, Doppler ultrasound as a technique is not limited by patient size. With appropriate cuff selection, the CAT+ can also be used for blood pressure assessment in larger patients where a Doppler approach is preferred.
The reason the CAT+ performs reliably across such a broad range of patients comes down to the underlying technology and thoughtful design choices made by Thames Medical.
Rather than using a small pointed probe that can shift position easily, the CAT+ probe sits securely against a limb or tail. It can be taped in place when needed, making hands-free monitoring during anaesthesia much more achievable.
The flat surface improves stability, enhances contact, and allows consistent signal acquisition across a variety of patient sizes and species.
One of the standout features of the CAT+ Doppler is its audio quality. Rather than relying on processed beeps, the CAT+ produces a natural “whoosh” sound that reflects the actual quality and rhythm of the patient’s pulse. This makes it easier to identify systolic pressure accurately (and sometimes even detect diastolic return), regardless of species, and also allows clinicians to assess pulse quality during anaesthesia.
The CAT+ Blood Pressure Kit includes a range of wipe-clean cuffs in sizes 1 to 5, allowing clinicians to select the appropriate width for each patient. Correct cuff selection is one of the most important factors in obtaining reliable blood pressure readings, particularly in cats, dogs, rabbits and ferrets. By providing a practical size range, the CAT+ system supports consistent technique without unnecessary complexity.
It is important to clarify that the CAT+ is a Doppler ultrasound device, not a blood pressure monitor in isolation. It detects blood flow. When used in conjunction with a cuff and sphygmomanometer, the clinician listens for the return of flow and determines systolic and sometimes diastolic pressure.
For cats and dogs, this Doppler technique remains widely regarded as the gold standard for veterinary blood pressure measurement, particularly in conscious patients where oscillometric devices may struggle.
In many other species, especially exotics, the CAT+ is also used to assess pulse presence, rhythm and strength during anaesthesia or clinical procedures.
For practices that value both the accuracy of Doppler monitoring and the convenience of automation, the CAT+ can be paired with the AutoCAT+ Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor, offering flexibility across different patient types and clinical situations.
The CAT+ Doppler may have been developed with feline patients in mind, but its application extends far beyond cats.
Its sensitive, stable flat probe and clear audio output make it suitable wherever pulse detection is required, across companion animals, exotics, reptiles and birds alike.
Whatever walks, hops or slithers through the door, if there is a pulse to detect, the CAT+ can help you monitor it.
If you would like to learn more about how the CAT+ Doppler could support blood pressure monitoring across your patient base, the Thames Medical team is always happy to help. You can get in touch directly for tailored advice, or browse the full range of CAT+ kits and accessories in our online shop.
