Why do veterinary B.P. cuffs have pictures of cartoon animals on them?

It's probably not the reason you're expecting...

Have you ever questioned why the cartoon animal pictures on blood pressure cuffs don’t correspond to the size of the animal they are used on?

The truth is, those cuffs are actually human neonatal cuffs repurposed for veterinary use simply because they happen to fit. Interestingly, there is only one company that manufactures dedicated veterinary cuffs, and they don’t feature pictures of animals like cows. Instead, they bear the brand name CAT+, which is a trademark and not an animal representation.

B286630 1024x768 - Why do veterinary B.P. cuffs have pictures of cartoon animals on them?
The Supersoft CAT+ Cuffs – The only feline-focused blood pressure cuffs on the market.

(Psst: you can buy them here: https://www.thamesmedical.com/product/supersoft-cat-cuffs/)

Now, let’s circle back to the cuffs adorned with charming cartoon images of animals. Why do they even have pictures? Well, these cuffs were originally designed and manufactured specifically for seriously ill human babies. The pictures serve the purpose of creating a softer visual experience for anxious parents visiting their sick child in the Special Care Baby Unit or Neonatal ITU. They help alleviate the clinical ambiance by adding a touch of warmth and tenderness to the equipment attached to their vulnerable baby. That’s the sole reason behind the inclusion of pictures—nothing more, nothing less.

Blood Pressure Cuff Neonatal Soft Series Glenmed - Why do veterinary B.P. cuffs have pictures of cartoon animals on them?

It’s important to note that these pictures have no bearing on the clinical suitability of the cuffs. You don’t need to purchase any additional “converter kits” to make them work. Simply use the appropriate size that ensures a cuff width to limb circumference ratio of 40%.

Additionally, there’s no need for multiple connectors between your sphygmomanometer or BP machine. Doing so introduces the risk of leaks and compromises accuracy.

If you’re in search of the latest, most comfortable, and accurate BP cuffs for your cats, look no further than the new Supersoft cuffs from Thames Medical. They are the only company that produces genuine animal cuffs, offering you the assurance of quality and performance.