Could your cat have hyperthyroidism? We’ve asked vet and PetPeople columnist Alison Logan for her top five symptoms to look out for
They’re eating all the time, but still losing weight
Polyphagia – weight loss despite an increased appetite – is a classic sign of feline hyperthyroidism. Your cat is ravenous, eating all the food you give them and demanding more, yet losing weight, and perhaps not the fussy cat she once was. You may think your cat is well because of her ‘healthy’ appetite, but she isn’t.
They have a serious thirst on them
Seeing my cat drinking for minutes at a time from our dogs’ water bucket rang alarm bells for me. An excessive thirst characterises many problems, such as kidney disease, but coupled with polyphagia raises a suspicion of hyperthyroidism and/or diabetes.
Their heart is thumping
You may feel your cat’s heart beating very rapidly indeed when you lay a hand on his chest – too fast to count. Having an overactive thyroid makes the heart work too hard. This is the main reason for the urgent need to diagnose hyperthyroidism as early as possible, in order to reduce the chances of heart failure and hypertension developing.
They’re scruffy
There is a particular haunted look about a cat with hyperthyroidism, and the coat is unkempt – he looks scruffy. You might only realise this has happened when you look back at old photographs. This may not be a simple ageing, but a sign of hyperthyroidism.
Diarrhoea, vomiting or both
If you experience this, along with any of the above, it’s a bad sign. If you don’t know where your cat toilets, keep an extra careful eye on their behaviour for any signs of diarrhoea.
If your cat is showing any of the signs mentioned be sure to consult your vet immediately.
Do you have any hyperthyroidism stories about your pet to tell? Get in touch using the ‘Tell us your story’ button on the top right.
My cat has an over-active thyroid but because she is 18 years “young”, the vet has decided not to do any surgery (she also has a heart murmur); Sammy just has tablets to try and control the condition, but she is not eating and therefore will not take her tablets. Because of the excess, I have not claimed for the cost of the medication (about £12 per month) – can I claim for this medication?