Hyperthyroidism in Cats: The Overactive Thyroid

Have you noticed your older cat bouncing off the walls, but also losing weight? Eating like a champ but getting skinnier? They might be dealing with hyperthyroidism — a very common condition in senior cats.

What to watch for:

• Big appetite but weight loss
• Drinking and peeing more
• Fast heartbeat
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or hyperactivity
• A scruffy-looking coat

A simple blood test tells us if your cat’s thyroid hormone levels are too high.

Treatment options:

• Daily medication (a pill or liquid)
• Special diet (low iodine)
• Radioactive iodine therapy (I-131) — often a permanent fix!
• Surgery in some cases

Every cat’s different, and we’ll work with you to find the best treatment plan.