What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Disease in Cats?

Thyroid disease is all too common in aging cats. In fact, veterinarian Hal E. Ott of the Cat Thyroid Center in Ruskin, Fla. estimates that 20 percent of cats over age eight are hyperthyroid. Hyperthyroidism causes a cat's metabolism to work faster and faster, taking a toll on the heart and kidneys. But the good news is that it can be controlled with medication and cured with an I-131 radio iodine treatment. Once the thyroid is regulated, hyperthyroid cats can feel great and lead normal lives.

  1. Weight Loss

    • If your cat is eating normally but losing weight, hyperthyroidism could be causing the weight loss.

    Diagnosis

    • If you suspect your cat is hyperthyroid, ask your vet to do blood tests. Here are some of the symptoms to watch for.

    Increased Energy and Activity

    • If your elderly cat suddenly has the energy of a kitten, there's a good chance she's hyperthyroid.

    Increased Vocalization

    • Hyperthyroid cats tend to be very chatty. Some even howl.

    Increased Drinking and Urination

    • Increased drinking and urination can be symptoms of hyperthyroidism, diabetes and kidney disease. If your cat is making frequent trips to the litter box or if the urine clumps in the box are larger than normal, don't delay taking him to the vet for a complete examination and blood work.

    Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Cats

    • Symptoms of hypothyroidism in cats include weight gain, lack of energy, dry, itchy skin with noticeable dander and greasy, matted fur. Feline hypothyroidism is rare and is most likely to occur in cats who have had an I-131 radio iodine treatment.