What Are The Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism In Cats?

While most cat owners are surprised when their beloved cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, it’s actually the most common hormone-related feline disease. A cat’s thyroid helps regulate many bodily functions, primarily metabolism. But when the thyroid produces too much of the hormone thyroxine, it sends your cat’s metabolism into overdrive. As a result, your cat’s energy needs and activity levels increase, which typically causes symptoms such as:

  • Weight loss
  • Increased appetite
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Restlessness or anxiety
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive grooming and/or poor coat condition

If your cat is having any of the above symptoms, your veterinarian will want to run blood and thyroid tests to check for hyperthyroidism. If your cat is diagnosed with the disorder, know that there are successful treatment options available to help normalize your cat’s thyroid levels.  Treatment options include oral or topical medications, surgery, or radioactive iodine, which destroys hyperactive thyroid cells while sparing healthy tissue. 

Because hyperthyroidism usually affects cats 7 years or older, senior cats are routinely screened for hyperthyroidism. But the disorder is becoming more common in younger cats. While some researchers suspect chemicals in our home as a cause for increasing numbers of feline hyperthyroidism, those findings are not definitive. The best thing you can do is to have your cat tested if you’re concerned that he or she is showing signs of hyperthyroidism.

PetWellClinic® can help you determine whether or not your cat has hyperthyroidism, and how best to treat it. We also offer low-cost kitten and cat packages that include all the necessary vaccinations your cat needs for a healthy, long life.

PetWellClinic® offers quick in-and-out service during convenient evening and weekend hours with no appointment necessary. To see how we’re able to offer more affordable pet care without compromising quality, take a look at our free and quick guidebook to see how PetWellClinic® can save you time and money.

PetWellClinic® has three locations: 10549 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922; 7329 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919; and 228 S. Calderwood Street, Alcoa, TN 37701. Learn more about how PetWellClinic® can exceed your expectations for top quality, affordable pet care by visiting our website at www.petwellclinic.com.