This Hot Topic is another one I've had to deal with personally—hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid. Hyper-T is the most common hormone-related disease in cats, with an average age at diagnosis of about 13 years. About 1 in 200 cats has the disease, and only about 5% of them are younger than 10 when they're diagnosed. Hyper-T symptoms you might notice first include hyperactivity, increased hunger, and weight loss.

There are other diseases often seen along with hyperthyroidism—about 25% of hyper-T cats also have high blood pressure, and about 10% have both diabetes and hyperthyroidism. Chronic renal failure is also seen a lot with the disease.  Beginning treatment of hyper-T might actually uncover renal disease that had been masked by the extra blood flow sent to the kidneys because of the overactive thyroid.

Medical Information

General Information

Most vets suggest screening tests for hyperthyroidism, especially after the age of 5. T3 and T4 are two hormones generally tested to help make the diagnosis.

Treatment Options

There are three treatment options—surgery, treatment with radioactive iodine, and lifelong medication. Which route you go may depend on your cat's overall health, his age, how easy it is for you to give daily pills, your proximity to treatment centers authorized to work with radioactive materials, and cost.

Support Groups

This e-mail list is extremely helpful to caretakers of hyper-T cats, with advice and sharing of information and experience by others coping with the disease.

Articles, Technical Papers, Coursework

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Last modified: 9/22/2007