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25 results for “cat hyperthyroidism”
Hyperthyroidism in Dogs and Cats
Hyperthyroidism is excess thyroid hormone from a thyroid tumor or hyperplasia that raises metabolism and nerve excitability. It causes weight loss with increased appetite, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and hyperactivity, and is managed with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
Why Does Your Cat Eat but Stay Thin? (Worms and More)
A cat that eats well but stays thin is often fighting intestinal parasites—roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, giardia, or coccidia—that steal nutrients and release toxins interfering with digestion, causing slow or lost weight, anemia, and poor growth. Tell-tale signs include soft stools, rice-like segments near the anus, scooting, pale gums, and a swollen belly. But worms are not the only cause: poor absorption, hyperthyroidism or diabetes, repeated heat cycles, or a low-protein diet can also keep a cat lean. The fix is a tailored deworming plan plus gut probiotics and high-protein meals; spaying helps if heat is the driver. See a vet if weight keeps dropping.
Why Does Your Cat Suddenly Dart Around the House?
When a cat suddenly tears around the house, pounces at empty air, or arches its back and puffs up, it is usually showing what veterinarians call Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPS)—a normal behavior, especially in kittens and young cats. The triggers are mostly instinctual: a retained hunting drive, excess energy, stress, or heat in unspayed cats. Occasionally, frantic running signals a health problem such as hyperthyroidism, a neurological disorder, or a parasitic infection, particularly when paired with appetite loss, weight drop, or lethargy. Meeting the cat's exercise needs with toys and play, plus a calm, safe environment, keeps normal zoomies harmless and happy.
Why Your Spayed Cat Still Yowls
Spaying does not guarantee a quiet cat. Many owners are surprised when a neutered female still yowls at night or demands attention for no obvious reason. The cause is rarely the surgery itself and more often a mix of breed temperament, habit, unmet needs, or an underlying health issue such as an overactive thyroid. Here is how to read the behavior and what to do about it.
A Complete Guide to Cat Diarrhea
Diarrhea is simply stool with too much water, but its causes are many: osmotic, secretory, permeability, or motility driven. It may signal gut disease or something elsewhere like the liver, thyroid, or kidneys. This guide breaks down the types, classifications, common diseases, and a sensible first-response plan.
Understanding Feline Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disease from excess thyroid hormone, common in senior cats, usually from benign nodules. Signs include weight loss with ravenous appetite, restlessness, coat changes, and more; suspect it in any sick cat over ten. Treat by surgery, daily medication, or radioiodine; prevent via diet and regular checkups, especially with heart disease.
Preventing and Managing Cat Kidney Disease
Use kidney-support cat food early, most effective in the first two stages of chronic failure, to cut phosphorus, blood pressure, and digestion issues and slow decline. Affected cats need low-phosphorus, low-protein, high-energy, palatable food. Control protein by stage, catch it early, and check seniors at least yearly, twice for older cats.
Why Isn’t My Ragdoll Cat Gaining Weight?
Ragdoll cats that eat plenty but never seem to gain weight worry many owners, yet the cause is not always disease. Genetics, low activity, or an unbalanced diet may simply mean your cat burns or absorbs fewer calories than expected. Parasites are another common culprit that blocks nutrient absorption. If diet and exercise adjustments bring no improvement, a veterinary check-up can rule out hyperthyroidism, digestive disorders, or liver problems. This article explains the likely causes and the practical steps you can take at home to help your Ragdoll reach a healthy weight.
Why Cats Get the “Poop Zoomies”
That burst of speed and chaos right after a cat uses the litter box has a name: the "poop zoomies." It is just a behavior, not a disease, and is common in cats but not dogs. No treatment is needed — though if it knocks things over, move the box somewhere safer. Watch for look-alike conditions: hyperthyroidism in older cats (hyperactive at other times too, eating more but losing weight) or pain on elimination from cystitis or blocked urethra. The zoomies likely trace to a wild instinct — the litter box is the most vulnerable moment, so run fast afterward.
Why Your Cat Always Seems Hungry
A sudden or constant increase in appetite can signal more than a greedy cat. Internal parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms steal nutrients, leaving your cat underfed despite eating plenty. Diseases like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or tumors also prevent the body from using food properly, so the cat stays hungry and may lose weight. Emotional boredom and stress can trigger comfort eating too. If your cat eats a lot yet keeps losing weight, a veterinary checkup is essential.