Hyperthyroidism is a disorder of the endocrine system characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormone. It typically affects middle-aged to senior cats. Unfortunately, cats with hyperthyroidism are commonly afflicted with other conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and kidney disease. Conventional hyperthyroidism treatments usually include surgery, radiation and drug therapy. However, if you would rather treat your cat holistically, you do have options.
Things You'll Need
- Raw-food recipes Supplements (prescribed by your holistic vet) Herbs (prescribed by your holistic vet) Book on pet massage
Instructions
Take your cat to the veterinarian. Before you begin any type of thyroid therapy, you need to get confirmation from your veterinarian that your cat has hyperthyroidism. Treating the cat for a condition it does not have could be dangerous.
Locate a qualified holistic veterinarian. The veterinarian will examine your pet and its medical records to determine the best course of holistic treatment.
Feed your cat a raw-food diet. According to Holisticat, preparing your own raw diet for your cat is the best way to have complete control over what it ingests and protect it from harmful chemicals, preservatives and processed ingredients.
Give your cat nutritional supplements. Holisticat lists three supplements that have been used quite successfully in cats with hyperthyroidism: Thytropin PMG (make sure that it does not contain thyroxine), CoQ10 and l-carnitine.
Administer herbal support. According to Pet Wellbeing, lemon balm helps to slow thyroid activity, and gotu kola and Siberian ginseng support hormone balance and ease hyperthyroid symptoms.
Treat your cat to a relaxing massage. Massage can be just as healing and rejuvenating for your feline friend as it is for you. You can find a qualified pet masseuse, or buy a book on pet massage and do it yourself.