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Cat thyroid problems

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The thyroid: An important gland for kitty’s organ health

The thyroid gland produces a hormone that’s essential to regulating the metabolic function of your cat’s organs. Iodine is needed for the production of thyroid hormone, and your cat can only get iodine through their diet.

If your cat’s body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, their metabolism slows down. This condition, called hypothyroidism, is more common in humans.

At the other extreme, if their body produces too much thyroid hormone, your cat’s system can go into overdrive and have trouble keeping up, leading to complications in the:

  • Kidneys
  • Heart
  • Muscles
  • Neurological system
  • Skin
  • Digestion

This is called hyperthyroidism, and it’s the most common hormonal imbalance in cats. It’s characterized by high levels of hormones in the blood and an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland in many senior cats (called hyperplasia). Most cats are diagnosed at around age 12.

How can you tell if your cat has hyperthyroidism? The most common clinical signs include:

  • Weight loss
  • A marked increase in:
    • Appetite
    • Thirst
    • Urine production

It can also be accompanied by changes in behaviour, for example:

  • Hyperactivity
  • Excessive vocalization (often at night!)

Other problems can also be signs of hyperthyroidism:

  • Neuromuscular issues such as:
    • Difficulty jumping
    • Tremors
    • Abnormal posture
  • Skin conditions like:
    • Excessive hair loss
    • An oily and unkempt coat

When the thyroid is enlarged, you can sometimes feel it in your cat’s neck. If you see any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian. They will do a physical exam and lab tests to diagnose the disease.

If diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, your cat’s prognosis is good—provided they receive the right treatment to limit the abnormal production of thyroid hormone.

Since the gland needs iodine to synthesize thyroid hormone, treatment often tries to act on it in various ways with:

  • Medications that prevent the gland from using all the iodine available
  • Radioactive iodine injections to destroy part of the gland, reducing its production capacity
  • Dietary changes to restrict your cat’s iodine intake

Your veterinarian can advise you on the best treatment and follow-up care for your cat based on their specific needs and condition.

No matter what your cat’s case, a proper diet is essential to getting better. The nutritional needs of cats with hyperthyroidism are very different than those of healthy cats. Your veterinarian can recommend the best food for your cat’s treatment plan and overall condition based on:

  • How much weight and muscle mass they’ve lost
  • The condition of their skin and coat
  • Whether they have kidney, heart, or digestive problems

Switching your cat to a thyroid care diet: How and why

Body condition
Metabolic function
Disease management

Improve your cat’s body condition

Vet-recommended food for hyperthyroidism gives your cat’s body the right nutrients in the right amounts to offset the changes in their metabolism, including:

  • Proteins, essential for maintaining muscle mass and healthy skin and hair
  • Carbohydrates
  • Fats, a source of energy to prevent weight loss
  • Vitamins and minerals to keep their skin and coat healthy

The caloric density of these formulas is also adjusted to help your cat get what they need and keep their organs strong, even with smaller serving sizes.

Support your cat’s metabolic function

If your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, your veterinarian will recommend a disease-specific diet tailored to their specific health condition.

For instance, if your cat’s ailing thyroid causes kidney problems or there is a risk of hypertension, your vet will recommend a food where the level of certain minerals like sodium and phosphorous has been adjusted accordingly. If blood sugar is more of an issue, a diet with balanced carbohydrate and protein intake to help maintain your cat’s blood sugar levels will be more effective.

Therapeutic foods designed for hyperthyroidism also contain omega-3s (EPA and DHA) that offer protection and benefits for the kidneys, heart, and skin, all of which can be adversely affected by thyroid problems.

Manage your cat’s hyperthyroidism

A special diet is a viable treatment option for feline hyperthyroidism, which is why there are vet-recommended foods specifically formulated for the disease.

Thyroid foods strictly limit the level of iodine in your cat’s diet. This may not be appropriate for all cats, and there are a number of guidelines you have to follow for them to be effective. Only your veterinarian can decide if a special diet is the right choice for your feline friend.

If your cat undergoes some other kind of treatment, e.g., radioactive iodine therapy or an oral medication, your vet will adjust their prescription diet based on their body condition and any concurrent conditions they may have.

Your vet can also offer advice on what type of food to choose, serving sizes, and treat options depending on how the disease is progressing.

Find special food for feline hyperthyroidism in our stores

Whether you shop in store or online, our Globalvet stores carry a number of different specialized foods, including ones to help regulate thyroid problems. Find the vet-recommended formula that’s right for your four-legged friend.

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