What is hyperthyroidism?
The thyroid gland, located in your cat’s neck, uses dietary iodine to make thyroid hormones that help regulate important body functions including your cat’s:
- Metabolism
- Body temperature
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Gastrointestinal (bowel) function
Hyperthyroidism is a common feline endocrine disorder, most often diagnosed in older cats over age 10. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can have serious, sometimes fatal, consequences on vital organs like the heart and kidneys. The good news is, this disease is highly manageable and can be controlled with proper veterinary care.
If your cat has hyperthyroidism, her thyroid gland will be enlarged and produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can have serious, sometimes fatal, consequences on vital organs like the heart and kidneys. The good news is, this disease i,s highly manageable and can be controlled with proper veterinary care.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Feline Hyperthyroidism
Signs of hyperthyroidism can vary in severity depending on how long a cat has been ill. If your cat exhibits any of the following signs, contact your veterinarian immediately:
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting
- Increased thirst
- Poor skin and coat condition
- Hyperactivity
Cats with chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus exhibit some signs similar to hyperthyroidism. Your veterinarian may also need to perform tests for these diseases to ensure an accurate diagnosis. If your cat has hyperthyroidism, her thyroid gland will be enlarged and produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone.
Managing hyperthyroidism
Four potential options for managing cats with hyperthyroidism are:
- Daily nutrition: limiting dietary iodine intake reduces thyroid hormone production
- Daily medication: anti-thyroid drugs inhibit the production of thyroid hormones
- Radioactive iodine therapy: radiation to treat abnormal thyroid tissue
- Surgery: removal of diseased thyroid tissue
Tasty Tips
Treatment: The importance of nutrition
The food your cat eats plays an important role in her overall health and well-being. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for your cat’s thyroid health.
Check out this video about how Prescription Diet cat food can help.
Thyroid Health Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian
- What does the thyroid gland do and how can it impact the health of my cat?
- What are the different therapy options if my cat has thyroid health problems?
- What factors do you consider before deciding the best way to manage this condition?
- What if my cat has other health issues? How will that affect your therapy recommendation?
- What are the pros and cons of surgery or radioactive iodine therapy?
- How will any potential complications be managed?
- Where will the surgery or radioactive iodine therapy be performed?
- How long before I can bring my cat home?
- What do I need to know when I do bring my cat home?
- Is there a chance the thyroid health problem will come back after either of these procedures?
- If anti-thyroid medication is recommended, how often will I have to medicate my cat?
- What is the best way to administer the medication?
- How long will my cat have to take the medication?
- Are there potential side effects? How can these be managed?
- Can nutrition be used to manage thyroid health problems? Would you recommend a Hill’s® Prescription Diet® cat food for my cat’s thyroid health?
- How do I transition my cat from her current food to the Prescription Diet® cat food?
- Will I have to feed this food for the rest of my cat’s life?
- Can I still give my cat treats? How will other medications or supplements affect the effectiveness of the nutrition?
- Can my other cats eat this food? How do I make sure each of my cats eat the right food?
- How often will I need to bring my cat back to the clinic for check-ups?
- What kinds of things will you be monitoring during these recheck appointments?
- What is the best way to reach you or your hospital if I have any follow-up questions?
- Ask if you need a follow-up appointment
- Ask if a reminder email or notice will be sent
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition (USA Study)
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Multiple Benefit Chicken Recipe cat food
Supports ideal body weight for cats with different body types
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley cat food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports energy level & beautiful fur. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Entrée Variety Pack
Feline Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
null Hill's Science Diet Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Brown Rice, and Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Related articles
Cat Bullying: What It Is & How to Stop It
Learn what a bully cat is, why cats demonstrate bullying behavior, and how to stop one cat from constantly bullying others.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Senior Cat
Senior cats over age 7 have different nutritional needs than younger cats. Learn what to look for when choosing a food for older and aging felines.
Why Cats Like to Pounce
Discover the science and reason behind why cats like to pounce prey or toys, as well as peculiar behaviors to let you know when she's about to pounce.
Can Cats See TV?
Do cats actually watch TV when they're chilling out on the couch with you? Learn more about how cats engage with and react to electronic screens.
Cat Ear Emotions: How Cat Ears Move With Their Mood
Learn how your cat's ear language and movements can show you their underlying emotions, including what a variety of different positions mean.
Reasons Why Your Cat is Throwing Up After Eating
Reasons Why Your Cat is Throwing Up After Eating
Essential Oils for Cats: Are They Safe?
Wondering if you can use essential oils for cats? Learn all about essential oils and if there are any that are actually safe for your cat.
Skin Lumps on a Cat: Types, Causes & Treatment
Learn about types of skin lumps that can occur on a cat, why they happen, what each type means (i.e. fluid filled, etc.), and how they are treated.
Why Are Adopted Cats Returned to Shelters?
Learning common reasons why adopted cats are returned to shelters can help you better prepare for your adoption journey and enjoy your new pet.
Suggestions for Grooming & Bathing Your Cat
Grooming is an important part of your aging cat's well-being. Learn tips to keep her looking good with these grooming tips for older, mature adult cats.
The Most Common Poisonous Plants to Cats
Learn about common houseplants that can be dangerous or poisonous to cats. Get tips on how to keep your cat safe around houseplants.
Do Cats Understand Mirrors?
Do cats understand mirrors? Find out what science can to tell us and how cats perceive their own reflections.
All About Cat Kneading
Understand what is cat kneading and why cats knead various surfaces and belongings. Learn why excessive kneading can be a concern for your cat.
Cat Life Hacks: Making Life Easier for You and Your Cat
Has your cat care routine gotten stale? Spice it up with these helpful cat life hacks, including tips to help manage cat hair, scratching & litter boxes.
Are Cats Protective of Their Humans?
Dogs are well-known for their loyalty, but are cats protective too? Learn whether cats defend their people and how to deal with an overprotective kitty.
All About Cancer in Cats
Learn about the different types of cancer in cats, how to spot the signs of cancers in your kitty, and treatment options for improving her quality of life.
Liver Disease in Cats: Background, Symptoms & Treatment
Learn about feline liver disease, one of the most common problems affecting a cat's internal organs, including symptoms & treatments for this condition.
Cat's Upset & Sensitive Stomach: Treatments & Food Choices
Just like people, cats can experience occasional stomach upset. If your cat exhibits any of the following, especially after eating, she may have a sensitive stomach.
Can Cats See in the Dark? (& How Well?)
Wonder if cats can see in the dark? Learn about feline night vision, including how their nighttime vision works & how it evolved compared to humans.
Letting Your Cat Outside: What You Need to Know
Get tips on how to take the proper precautions when letting your kitten outside for the first time including the proper age and time of day.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.