Semintra for Cats is a prescription oral solution used to reduce proteinuria in chronic kidney disease and manage feline hypertension, helping protect kidneys and eyes.
Semintra for Cats is a prescription oral solution used in cats to help manage two important conditions: feline proteinuria, most commonly linked with chronic kidney disease, and feline hypertension (high blood pressure). It is supplied as a liquid that is measured accurately and given by mouth, usually once daily, according to your vet’s instructions.
These conditions are often connected. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood while keeping useful substances, such as proteins, in the body. When the kidney filters become damaged, protein can leak into the urine. This is called proteinuria. High blood pressure can worsen kidney damage, and kidney disease can contribute to high blood pressure. Managing both problems can help slow progression and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Understanding feline proteinuria
Proteinuria means there is an abnormal amount of protein in the urine. In cats, it is frequently associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), although other illnesses can also cause it. In CKD, tiny filtering units within the kidneys (glomeruli) become less effective. As damage progresses, the barrier that normally keeps protein in the bloodstream becomes 'leaky', allowing protein (especially albumin) to pass into the urine.
Protein loss is not just a finding on a lab test. Persistent proteinuria is linked with faster progression of kidney disease because it reflects ongoing kidney injury and can also contribute to inflammation and scarring within the kidneys. For this reason, vets often monitor protein levels in urine and aim to reduce proteinuria when it is present.
Proteinuria does not usually cause obvious symptoms on its own. Signs are more likely to come from the underlying kidney disease. These can include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, reduced appetite, vomiting, or a dull coat. Some cats appear normal at home while changes are detected on routine blood and urine tests, which is why regular health checks can be helpful for older cats.
Understanding feline hypertension
Hypertension in cats is most common in older animals and is often secondary to other conditions such as chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. High blood pressure can cause damage to delicate blood vessels throughout the body. In cats, one of the most serious risks is damage to the eyes, which can lead to bleeding inside the eye, retinal detachment, and sudden loss of vision. Hypertension can also contribute to further kidney injury and may affect the heart and brain.
Signs of hypertension can be subtle. Some cats may become restless or show behavioural changes. Others may have weight loss or reduced appetite related to an underlying disease. Eye-related signs can include dilated pupils, bumping into objects, or sudden blindness. Because symptoms are not always obvious, blood pressure measurement by a vet is the safest way to identify the problem.
How Semintra for Cats works
Semintra contains telmisartan. Telmisartan acts on the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), a hormone system involved in regulating blood pressure and blood flow to the kidneys. In many cats with kidney disease and/or hypertension, the RAAS can become overactive, which can increase blood pressure and increase the pressure within the kidney filters.
Telmisartan blocks the action of angiotensin II at its receptor. Angiotensin II is a key hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow and can raise blood pressure. By blocking its effects, telmisartan helps blood vessels relax, which can reduce blood pressure in hypertensive cats.
In cats with proteinuria, telmisartan can also reduce pressure within the kidney filters. Lower pressure in these filtering units can reduce protein leakage into the urine. In practical terms, this means Semintra is used to help reduce proteinuria associated with chronic kidney disease and to help manage high blood pressure, with the broader aim of protecting organ function over time.
Semintra is an oral solution designed for accurate daily dosing. It is usually given at the same time each day. Your vet will calculate the correct dose based on your cat’s weight and the condition being treated. It is important to measure the dose carefully and to follow the dosing instructions provided by your vet and on the product packaging.
If you miss a dose, follow your vet’s guidance. Do not give a double dose unless you have been specifically advised to do so. If your cat spits out the medication or you are unsure how much was swallowed, contact your veterinary practice for advice.
Cats treated for proteinuria or hypertension usually need follow-up monitoring. This often includes blood pressure checks, urine tests to assess protein levels, and blood tests to monitor kidney values and electrolytes. Monitoring helps your vet confirm that treatment is working and ensures dosing remains appropriate as your cat’s condition changes over time.
Diet and home care are also important, especially for cats with chronic kidney disease. Your vet may recommend a kidney-support diet, management of hydration, and treatment for associated issues such as nausea or reduced appetite. Semintra is often used as part of a wider plan rather than as a stand-alone solution.
Semintra is a prescription veterinary medicine and should be used under veterinary direction. It is intended for cats only. Always tell your vet about any other medicines or supplements your cat is taking, and about any existing health problems, so that treatment can be tailored safely.
If your cat becomes unwell, stops eating, seems unusually lethargic, or develops any new signs after starting treatment, you should contact your veterinary practice promptly. Cats with kidney disease can be sensitive to changes in hydration and medication, and early advice can prevent small problems from becoming larger ones.
Semintra for Cats provides a targeted approach to reducing protein loss in the urine and managing high blood pressure, helping support kidney health and reduce the risk of hypertension-related complications when used as part of a vet-led care plan.
Semintra is available as:
- 30ml (4mg/ml) - Blue Box
- 100ml (4mg/ml) - Blue Box
- 35ml (10mg/ml) - Red Box
A Veterinary Prescription is required for Semintra
