Is your cat eating all the time but still losing weight? Maybe you have noticed your cat is drinking more, seems restless, or just isn't acting like it normally does. These are some of the signs I see with hyperthyroidism.

The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that controls metabolism. When it is producing too much thyroid hormone, the body starts working overtime. This is called hyperthyroidism and it is seen most often in older cats.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

• Weight loss 
• Increased appetite 
• Drinking more water 
• Urinating more often 
• Restlessness or being unusually active 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Poor or messy-looking coat 
• Weakness 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Difficulty sleeping or settling down 

Your cat may have several of these symptoms or only one or two. That is one reason hyperthyroidism isn't always obvious in the beginning.

Factors That May Contribute to Hyperthyroidism

There is not one simple answer as to why a cat develops feline hyperthyroidism. I believe several factors can play a part, including:

• Poor nutrition 
• Artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and additives in the food 
• Environmental toxins 
• Chemicals found in some household cleaners, air fresheners, pesticides, and flea and tick products 
• Chemicals found in some food cans and plastic containers 
• Aging 

What a cat eats and is exposed to throughout its life may influence its overall health. That is why I do not look at hyperthyroidism as just a problem with the thyroid. I look at the cat's diet, environment, age, and health history.

How Is Hyperthyroidism Diagnosed?

If you think your cat may have hyperthyroidism, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Blood work can check the thyroid hormone level and help determine if the thyroid is working too fast.

If your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, there are several ways your veterinarian may treat it. I believe treatment is important, but nutrition is also a big part of supporting a cat with hyperthyroidism. What you feed may help support the thyroid, help with weight and muscle loss, and give the rest of the body the nutrition it needs.

Supporting Hyperthyroidism Naturally

Feed a High-Quality Diet

Nutrition is especially important for cats with hyperthyroidism because many of them lose weight and muscle even though they are eating plenty of food.

I recommend feeding a high-quality diet with plenty of animal protein and as few fillers and artificial ingredients as possible. Cats are meat eaters, so meat should make up the majority of the diet.

Below is an example of one high-quality cat food:

Whole Whiting, Haddock, Whole Herring, Acadian Redfish, Mackerel Meal, Herring Meal… Pollock Meal… Fish Oil… Whole Cranberries, Whole Pumpkin… 

In my article, “How to Read a Pet Food Label,” I explain how to read pet food labels and find a high-quality diet for your pet.

Choosing the right food for a cat with hyperthyroidism is not always simple. During a consultation, I will give specific recommendations based on your cat's entire medical history.

Add Supplements to the Diet

I do not recommend giving multiple supplements just because your cat has hyperthyroidism. I prefer an all-around supplement that provides vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients the body needs.

Omega-3 fatty acids may also be helpful, especially for older cats that have lost weight or have a poor coat.

I am very careful with supplements that contain iodine because the thyroid uses iodine to make thyroid hormone. A cat with hyperthyroidism is already producing too much thyroid hormone, so I would not add extra iodine without knowing exactly what the cat is getting from the diet.

Before recommending supplements, I look at your cat's diet, medications, blood work, and any other health problems. This is especially important with an older cat because kidney disease and other health problems may also need to be considered.

Final Thoughts

Hyperthyroidism can take a toll on an older cat, especially when they are losing weight and muscle. Treatment from your veterinarian is important, but I believe the right nutrition is also an important part of helping your cat stay as healthy as possible.

I look at the whole cat, not just the thyroid. Diet, blood work, medications, weight, symptoms, and other health problems all need to be considered when deciding what to feed and which supplements may be helpful.

During a consultation, I will review all of this information and develop a nutritional plan based on your cat's individual needs. If you would like help supporting your cat with hyperthyroidism, contact For Pet Health to schedule a consultation.