Blood pressure measurement in cats presents unique challenges that every veterinary professional knows well. For the first time, the AutoCAT+ Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor has been evaluated in a peer-reviewed comparative study alongside the established CAT+ Doppler, and the results provide encouraging clinical evidence for veterinary teams considering oscillometric monitoring in their practice.
Routine blood pressure assessment is a cornerstone of feline healthcare. The International Society of Feline Medicine recommends BP checks at least every 12 months for cats aged seven and over, and monitoring during general anaesthesia is considered standard of care. Yet in practice, many teams still find blood pressure measurement challenging — whether due to equipment complexity, the need for specialist technique, or patient tolerance.
This new study, authored by Dr Eleanor Marriott and published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, set out to compare the systolic blood pressure readings produced by the CAT+ Doppler and the AutoCAT+ oscillometric monitor across both conscious and anaesthetised cats. The findings offer valuable, independently generated evidence for practices looking to integrate automated BP monitoring into their workflows.
A total of 26 cats entering a shelter environment were assessed, producing 131 paired blood pressure readings. Of these, 97 paired measurements were taken in conscious cats during routine health assessments, and 34 paired measurements were taken during general anaesthesia for elective procedures. Each cat had blood pressure measured first by the Doppler method, then immediately by the AutoCAT+, using the same cuff in the same limb position to minimise variability between readings.
This paired design is important: by measuring each cat with both devices in quick succession, the study was able to directly compare the two methods on the same patient at virtually the same moment, giving a robust basis for assessing agreement.
Mean SBP values were closely matched: Across all 131 paired readings, mean systolic blood pressure was 113.3 mmHg (Doppler) and 116.3 mmHg (AutoCAT+). The difference between these means was not statistically significant.
Strong correlation and concordance: For the subset of 12 cats with five replicated measurements, linear regression explained 99.3% of variance. Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient reached 0.934, indicating a high level of agreement between devices.
Complete agreement on hypertension classification: Both methods placed every cat into the same hypertension risk category — a critical finding for clinical decision-making.
Smaller bias than previously reported oscillometric devices: The Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean positive bias of just +4.93 mmHg for the AutoCAT+ relative to Doppler (in the 12-cat subgroup), with limits of agreement that were less than half those seen in several earlier oscillometric comparison studies.
Consistent performance under anaesthesia: While anaesthetised cats had significantly lower SBP values (as expected), the agreement between methods remained strong across both conscious and anaesthetised patients.
For veterinary teams, these findings have some practical implications worth considering.
A common concern with oscillometric devices is whether their readings can be trusted in the way that Doppler measurements are. This study demonstrates that the AutoCAT+ produces systolic blood pressure values that are statistically comparable to those obtained by the CAT+ Doppler, with a small and consistent positive bias that is well within the range seen across the veterinary literature. Importantly, the limits of agreement in this study compared favourably to those reported for other oscillometric devices previously evaluated.
Because the AutoCAT+ automates the measurement process, it reduces the operator-dependent variability that can sometimes affect Doppler readings. The study’s findings reinforce that this automation does not come at the expense of accuracy. For practices running nurse-led blood pressure clinics or routine senior wellness screenings, this kind of evidence supports the case for integrating automated BP monitoring into standard protocols.
The study’s author notes that oscillometric and Doppler methods each have a place in clinical practice. The AutoCAT+ offers efficiency and multi-parameter monitoring (including ECG, SpO₂, temperature and respiration rate) that make it particularly valuable for ward rounds, anaesthetic monitoring, and busy clinic schedules. Many practices may find that using both systems — AutoCAT+ for routine and automated monitoring, CAT+ Doppler for confirmation or challenging cases — provides the most comprehensive approach to feline blood pressure management.
The study’s conclusions are measured and transparent: the AutoCAT+ met a number of the established guidelines for assessing oscillometric instruments for veterinary use in cats with a normal blood pressure range. The authors note that further work with a larger sample size, encompassing hypotensive and hypertensive patients, would strengthen these findings further. A power analysis within the study suggests that 25 cats would be an appropriate sample size for such follow-up work.
The study was conducted at the RSPCA Taylor’s Rehoming Centre (conscious cats) and Castle Veterinary Clinic (anaesthetised cats). A paired measurement approach was used throughout, with Doppler readings taken first, followed immediately by AutoCAT+ using the same cuff and limb. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests, Bland-Altman plots, Pearson’s correlation, and Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient. All readings for conscious cats were performed by a single experienced operator, and anaesthetic readings were taken by a trained Registered Veterinary Nurse.
It is worth noting the disclosed conflict of interest: Thames Medical developed and provided the oscillometric equipment evaluated in this work. The study received no external funding, and the research was conducted and authored independently.
With peer-reviewed evidence now supporting the accuracy of the AutoCAT+ alongside the established CAT+ Doppler, there’s never been a better time to bring automated blood pressure monitoring into your practice. Whether you’re looking to set up a nurse-led BP clinic, strengthen your anaesthetic monitoring, or simply make routine screenings quicker and more consistent, the AutoCAT+ is designed to fit seamlessly into your clinical workflow.
The AutoCAT+ is available as a standalone unit at £699.99, or as part of the CAT+ Bundle alongside the CAT+ Doppler for £1,699.99, giving your practice the flexibility of both methods in one complete package.
Ready to find out more? Get in touch with our team to discuss which setup is right for your practice, or order your AutoCAT+ today.
Full reference: Marriott E. Comparison of Thames Medical CAT+ Doppler and AutoCAT+ Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor devices for non-invasive blood pressure measurement in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/1098612X261424313
