Hyperthyroidism in cats is now one of the most common ailments cats face. Statistics show that more than 10% of cats over 10 years old are diagnosed with this disease.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats are weight loss, increased appetite (in about 50% of cats), vomiting, heavy breathing, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate. If your kitty is losing weight and has an increase in appetite coupled with random bursts of energy, it’s time to get a blood test.
Blood Test for Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Dr. Jean Dodds is an expert in the world of veterinary health and specifically thyroid disease in pets. Dr. Dodds recommends a total T4 test, free T4, total T3, free T3 and TSH. Don’t worry, you don’t need to know what that is. But be sure to ask your vet for this specifically. Thyroid tests, especially, often show a false positive or a false negative if the full panel hasn’t been run. You don’t want to be treating your kitty for something they don’t have.
How To Help Hyperthyroidism In Cats
First things first. If your cat has hyperthyroidism or you worry she might, stop feeding fish flavored foods. Studies show that hyperthyroidism in cats is very closely linked to flame retardant chemicals and these chemicals are naturally produced by marine organisms. The studies show that cats that eat fish and fish flavored foods (mainly from a bag or can) are at a much higher risk of becoming hyperthyroid.
Secondly, get rid of the soy. Both fish and soy have a high iodine count and neither of these are biologically appropriate for a cat’s diet anyway. Soy has been linked to thyroid damage in cats. Look at the ingredients in your cat’s food, look up any ingredient you cannot pronounce (soy is disguised in many different terms) and do not feed a soy based food.
Finally, make sure your cat is getting the nutritional requirements needed for a healthy thyroid. This should include a species appropriate diet coupled with homeopathic remedies like natural antioxidants and kidney/urinary supplements.
If your cat has been prescribed methimazole for hyperthyroidism, the underlined recommendation above is imperative. While this drug does help regulate the thyroid, it also comes with a host of side effects that can make your kitty even more uncomfortable. Making sure you keep your cat’s GI tract and kidneys strong with herbal support will help to counter those side effects.
CATalyst Antioxidant for Cats
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