How to Recognize Hyperthyroid Disease in Cats

Cats, particularly indoor cats, can live a long time. One sneaky, and highly treatable, ailment can progress unnoticed in a cat's middle to later years, eventually causing fatal heart irregularities. Hyperthyroidism doesn't have to escape your attention, if you take note of these mileposts along the way.

Things You'll Need

• Consultation with a trusted veterinarian

Instructions

1. Pay attention to how much your cat is eating, drinking and using the litterbox. Sudden increases in any of these activities are easy to spot, and may indicate hyperthyroidism.

2. Weigh your cat periodically, so you'll notice changes. Weight loss is another of hyperthyroidism's tell-tale signs.

3. Look for some of the less frequent indications as well: a dull, unkempt coat, nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, weakness, lethargy and (rarely) loss of appetite.

4. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian, and ask him or her to check your pet's heart rate. This may be rapid or even irregular if the thyroid is out of whack.

5. Consider a blood test (your vet will probably recommend it) to test your cat's thyroid levels.

Tips & Warnings

• Hyperthyroidism sets in most often around age 13. Consider a baseline blood test around that age that will establish normal levels of thyroid and other components -- then annual or semi-annual tests thereafter, depending on your veterinarian's recommendation.

• Consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible after noticing signs of hyperthyroidism. Left untreated, this ailment can be fatal.

• Typical signs of hyperthyroidism are easily confused with other ailments affecting a cat's organs. Take careful note of all the signs you see, as this will help in your veterinarian's diagnosis.