How do you manage a cat with hyperthyroidism?

?
Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
Report

Evening everyone,

I’ve just found out a few hours ago that my little Sorcire, who is 12, has hyperthyroidism.

Obviously, I can’t just leave her like this, so we need to get her started on treatment.

I’ve got two choices: prescription dry food that already contains the medication, or tablets to be given once or twice a day.

Regarding the food, we have two other healthy cats and Sorcire can’t stand being kept indoors...

So we’re leaning towards the medication; for now, the vet is going to give us the once-a-day dose.

Now I’m starting to worry about the 'practical' side of things. How do you cope with a cat that needs regular meds? First off, actually getting her to take the tablets is going to be a challenge – Sorcire is quite feisty when it comes to being handled for medical stuff...

But I’m also wondering how people in our situation manage, for example, for going on holiday... Up until now, we’ve always used an automatic feeder and water dispenser, and someone would pop in every two or three days to top them up and give her some cuddles. I can’t see myself asking friends to give her medication, especially not asking them to come over every single day (none of my circle have cats). So, what do you do? No more holidays? No more weekends away?

I’m feeling really lost (on top of how upset I am that my poor little girl is so poorly...).

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Translated from French
icon info

The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.

Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.

Write your message and upload a photo if you want to! Please remain courteous in your exchanges.

Your post will be visible to all members of the international Wamiz forum.

43 answers
Sort by:
  • Show previous comments
    • Tania28
    Tania28 Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    I don’t know of any homeopathic treatments for thyroid problems (otherwise humans would be using them too). One thing, though: it seems that human levothyroxine can be adapted for pets if the dosage is right; it works out much cheaper than the meds specifically for animals. You can also hide the tablet in some tasty pill paste from the vet or online.
    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    Hi everyone, could anyone tell me how things have progressed with your cats who have hyperthyroidism? My girl has been on medication for it for two years now. She went from being very skinny to a normal weight, but now she’s getting quite tubby. She seems very tired, she’s scratching herself a lot, her behaviour is changing, and her breathing seems a bit strange... Thanks for sharing your experiences.
    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    Hi,

    My cat Heliös had hyperthyroidism; it started when he was 9. It’s true that the treatment is a bit of a commitment – he had a tablet every morning and evening. I was lucky that he was quite good about taking them, and when I went away, my mum or a friend would come over to give them to him.

    He had at least two blood tests a year so the vet could adjust his dosage. I kept giving him normal dry food but I changed brands often because his appetite was a bit low, and sometimes I’d cook for him (rice, ham, chicken, carrots...) or give him wet food pouches.

    If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

    Best of luck

    Translated from French

  • 43 comments out of 43

    • Do you have a question? An experience to share? Create a post on our forum!
    These topics could be of interest to you!
    Find out more