Feline hyperthyroidism is a condition in which a cat's thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. According to the American Thyroid Association's website, "thyroid hormone [secreted by the thyroid gland] helps the body use energy, stay warm, and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working as they should." Feline hyperthyroidism is caused by a benign tumor, and if left untreated it can lead to even more serious conditions such as heart or kidney failure. Common symptoms include an increased appetite without weight gain, vomiting, diarrhea and increased vocalization. Feeding a cat with hyperthyroidism involves treating and managing these symptoms as you work toward a cure with your veterinarian.
Things You'll Need
- Herbs
- Anti-thyroid medication
- Low-fat cat food
Instructions
Feed Your Cat
Feed your cat bugleweed (lycopus). According to evitamins.com, bugleweed has been used to treat hyperthyroidism because it decreases thyroid-stimulating hormones in the body. Bugleweed can be found at health food stores. If you find it in pill form, you will either have to force-feed it your cat or mix it with her food to get her to eat it.
Feed your cat lemon balm. This can reduce the thyroid output in your cat's thyroid gland, restoring his health. Lemon balm comes in tincture or tea form, so you would have to get your cat to drink it.
Mix methimazole in with wet cat food. This is an anti-thyroid pill that reduces blood thyroid hormone levels, and must be given one to three times daily. This is a drug your veterinarian must prescribe, and it is a lifelong commitment. If you stop the medication, your cat's high thyroid hormone levels will return.
Give your pet a low-fat diet. Your cat will have an easier time digesting low-fat foods, which can be good during his bout with an overactive thyroid. Since cats with hyperthyroidism experience frequent vomiting and diarrhea, the low-fat diet can be easier on their already-sensitive stomachs. Feeding your cat small amounts of this food throughout the day (rather than leaving a bowl full out all day long) may also help your cat keep his food down and avoid vomiting.
Make your own cat food. Some low-fat cat foods can be made at home. Use a combination of cooked chicken, liver, and rice with some vegetable oil and vitamin supplement powder (from your veterinarian or a pet store). Your cat will likely gobble it up, and it will be easier on her stomach.