Are you hunting high and low for the best cat food for hyperthyroidism? But you are at sea when it’s time to pick the best canned food for hyperthyroid cats as everyone claims himself the best in town.
Before jumping into the best canned cat food for hyperthyroidism that you are free to feed your furry friend let’s take a glance at:
- What is hyperthyroidism in cats?
- What are the causes of hyperthyroidism?
- 7 Clinical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats.
- What to feed a cat with hyperthyroidism?
- How to diagnose hyperthyroidism in cats?
- How to treat a cat with hyperthyroidism?
- What to feed a cat with hyperthyroidism?
- 7 Best Cat Foods for hyperthyroidism
Let’s dive into it.
What is Hyperthyroidism in cats?
Hyperthyroidism is a common thyroid gland disorder that leads to the overproduction of the thyroid hormone from thyroid glands that are located in the cat’s neck. Hyperthyroidism is a common disease for those cats that are 12 years old and higher.
The thyroid hormone is responsible for healthy metabolism, proper kidney function, and circulation of blood, so hyperthyroidism is an alarming signal. A significant increase in the secretion of thyroid hormone not only potentially affects the eyes, kidneys, brain, etc. but also plays havoc with the cat’s heart. An added bonus, a hyperthyroid cat will lose energy by leaps and bounds that result in weight loss despite your feline friend’s food intake has increased significantly.
What are the causes of Hyperthyroidism?
It’s an open secret that cats have two thyroid glands in their neck and they are equally responsible for maintaining a healthy metabolism of cats. When any of the two thyroid glands becomes enlarged and there’s an increase of thyroid hormone, this leads to hyperthyroidism in cats.
Luckily, if hyperthyroidism is diagnosed at an early stage and the cat undergoes proper treatment, then the chances are higher that they can lead a healthy life where they can thrive.
7 Clinical signs and symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in cats
No matter what is the sex of the cat, be it a male or a female, hyperthyroidism is a common thyroid gland disorder that affects the cat, when your feline friend has celebrated his/her 12th birthday. Studies also reveal that only 5 % of cats that haven’t celebrated their 10th birthday have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Though the symptoms are usually subtle in the initial days but they play havoc over time as the secretion of thyroid hormone increases by leaps and bounds. Thyroid gland disorder predisposes and in the worst scenario mimics other diseases making it a tuff call to pinpoint the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in cats.
Let’s take a glance at the 7 clinical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats:
- Despite the diet intake surge, it loses weight by leaps and bounds.
- Steep rise in thirst and in turn frequent urination especially outside the litter box.
- Frequent vomiting in no time after your feline friend finishes the meal.
- Incessant belligerent behavior.
- Breathing issues.
- Heartbeat on the double.
- Depression.
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How to diagnose Hyperthyroidism in cats?
If you have found that your cat experiences frequent vomiting or a sharp rise in thirst and in turn increases the water intake, or loses weight by leaps and bounds, then you must refer to a vet ASAP.
Initially, vets carry out a physical examination and do proper screening whether there’s an enlarged thyroid gland or not. But there are various instances where there’s no enlargement of thyroid glands is visible. If the vet suspects that your feline friend has hyperthyroidism, then the chances are higher that your vet will examine not only the heart rate but also the blood pressure.
To confirm if your cat is suffering from hyperthyroidism, your vet is most likely to perform a blood test, because a blood test is a sure-shot method to check the levels of thyroid hormones in your feline friend’s blood. A majority of the cats who are suffering from hyperthyroidism have an elevated thyroid hormone level that rule out all the speculations.
How to treat a cat with Hyperthyroidism?
When your vet has diagnosed successfully a hypothyroid cat at an early stage, there are 4 widely accepted treatment options available. Consult your vet and he will recommend the best plausible option among Medication, Radioactive Iodine Therapy, Surgery, and Dietary Therapy since every treatment option has its own pros and cons.
#1. Medication
Medication is a life-long process where you employ anti-thyroid drugs namely methimazole to cap the secretion of thyroxine from the thyroid gland. Though this is not the best plausible option, yet these anti-thyroid pills up to snuff to put a stop to the oversecretion of thyroid hormone.
On the positive side, you will find the anti-thyroid drugs in your local shop, and they don’t require you to break the bank.
On the downside, irrespective of you are feeding the tablet twice a day, or apply a gel to the skin, there are various instances where a feline experiences vomiting, poor appetite, anemia, lethargy, etc.
#2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy
This is one of the best plausible options you have got to bring your cat pre-hyperthyroidism state, but that demands to break the bank.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy involves a shot that is equipped with radioactive iodine. Later, the radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid. Iodine is responsible for the secretion of thyroxin and the radioactive iodine plays havoc with abnormal thyroid tissues without affecting not only the nearby tissues but also parathyroid glands.
The good news is that once your feline friend undergoes radioactive iodine therapy, the chances are higher that this iodine therapy drops the over secretion of thyroxine significantly and brings it to the normal levels between one and two weeks.
On the downside, though radioactive iodine therapy demands neither anesthesia nor daily medication, radioactive iodine therapy’s cost can lead you to break the bank. As your feline friend occupies a seat in the hospital for a period between one and two weeks until the radioactive radiation level is safe as per the federal administration, this can cost you an arm and a leg.
#3. Surgery
When your cat doesn’t have cardiovascular issues and is healthy then the removal of the affected thyroid gland is the best plausible option. On successful completion, your feline friend is free from experiencing thyroid issues forever that don’t require meditation that can result in various side effects.
This surgery is associated with some inherent risks too. Maybe the parathyroid glands are unintentionally damaged while surgery. Parathyroid gland is in an adjacent position to the thyroid glands which are responsible for maintaining a stable blood calcium level. Plus, since the cat needs to undergo anesthesia, it possess a higher risk for not only the older cats but also cats with cardiovascular or kidney issues.
#4. Dietary Therapy
Certain studies suggest that you should offer such food supplements with capped iodine content as the viable solution of hyperthyroidism. This is not a guaranteed solution. The chances are higher if you are offering an iodine-deficient diet in the long run then this may be a backfire and worsen the condition. Before shifting to an iodine-restricted diet, seek your vet’s advice.
What is the life expectancy of a cat with hyperthyroidism?
When untreated, a cat suffering from hyperthyroidism is likely to live a short span of life and will die of either cardiovascular issues or kidney failure. But if your vet has successfully detected a hyperthyroid cat at an early stage, then your feline friend can live a healthy and active life for a few years to come.
Though the success rate of the treatments that are applied to a hyperthyroid cat is great, life expectancy can’t be assumed on the dot.
How expensive is it to treat hyperthyroidism in cats?
Radioactive iodine therapy is the best option to get rid of hyperthyroidism, but is a little bit costly. The cost of radioactive iodine therapy varies between $1500 and $1600 including the hospitalization charges, food charges, etc. On the contrary, if you opt for the medication then this will toll between $400 and $500 every year. So, it’s a better idea to let your feline friend undergo radioactive iodine therapy since this is the most cost-effective option you have got.
What to feed a cat with Hyperthyroidism?
When your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, it’s as clear as a day that there’s oversecretion of thyroid hormones from either of the thyroid glands. That results in increased thirst, frequent urination, and loss of muscle mass.
As a pet parent, it’s your task to feed the veterinary-prescribed cat food to put a stop to the loss of muscle mass and let your feline friend thrive after proper treatment.
If you are hunting high and low for the best cat food for cats with hyperthyroidism that will put a stop to weight loss and muscle loss, do consider the following questions and try to find the relevant answers.
Does the cat food contain only high-quality natural ingredients?
As a pet parent, your primary goal while picking the cat diet is to find quality supplements that don’t include artificial color or preservatives.
Is it a rich source of protein?
When you are on a witch hunt for healthy supplements that can put a stop to muscle loss or weight loss, then offer your feline friend a protein-rich diet that strengthens not only the lean muscles but also building blocks from muscles to the heart. As a good rule of thumb, offer your feline friend that wet cat food that will provide 50% of the calories from protein to boost healthy metabolism.
What percentage of carbs is there in the canned cat food?
When the cat’s food contains a lower percentage of carbohydrates, this will keep diabetes at bay since a higher-carb diet not only boosts blood glucose level but also shrinks glucose tolerance. Wheat, corn, soy etc. impact the hormone secretion to a larger extend, don’t offer a canned cat food that exceeds the 10% carbohydrate content.
Does the cat food have high moisture?
With hyperthyroidism, a cat experiences excessive thirst and frequent urination. Offer your furry friend wet cat food that has higher moisture level of 85% and more.
Does the wet cat food have low-iodine?
An iodine-rich diet stirs the production of thyroid hormone. But if you are offering an iodine-deficient wet cat food, it will prevent the thyroid glands from the secretion of thyroxine.
The escape plan?
Offer the feline the therapeutic diet exclusively without offering such wet foods that have traces of iodine.
Is it Soy-free?
There’s a direct connection between soy consumption and secretion of thyroxine from thyroid glands. So, it’s a good decision to avoid canned cat foods that contain soy. There is no evidence that a soy-deficient diet hurts any cat.
Is it BPA-free?
Since bisphenol causes toxicity, it’s a good idea to feed a cat that is leveled as BPA-free.
An added bonus, when your ultimate goal is to bring your cat to the pre-hyperthyroidism stage, along with providing healthy supplements to your feline friend, take the following preventive measures:
- Don’t offer them foods that contain soy, wheat, artificial color, or preservatives.
- Avoid offering canned food that has ingredients including fish.
- Don’t offer canned food or water in plastic bowls. Instead replace the plastic bowl with a bowl that is made of ceramic or stainless steel.
- Don’t store healthy supplements in plastic containers.
- Give a wide berth to canned foods without a BPA tag.
- Escape from offering canned cat food the iodine content of which is incredibly high or incredibly low.
7 Best Canned Cat Food for Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is an occasion when the thyroid gland’s hormone secretion has increased to a greater extent. It results in unexplained weight and muscle loss, excessive thirst, etc. The only viable solution to tackle this problem is that you should rush to the vet and consult. An effective treatment can potentially cure the hyperthyroidism between one week and two weeks.
These 7 best cat food for thyroid problems not only control the release of thyroid hormones but also assist in healthy metabolism that will speed up the process of bringing back of your feline friend to the pre-hyperthyroidism stage.
Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food
If you are looking for the best wet food for hyperthyroid cat that will improve the thyroid health in 3 weeks, you must offer your cat Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food.
To tackle hyperthyroidism, this cat food is equipped with pork, chicken, that supply the required protein to ensure the proper functioning of the immune system, a healthy metabolism that lets your four-legged friend thrive.
Plus, this food has low levels of iron that has a vital contribution in carrying out the oxygen by the red blood cells to other cells in the body. Again, this cat food has traces of selenium that plays a vital role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones to keep hyperthyroidism at bay.
Various studies have shown that your feline friend is prone to thyroid implications when it consumes cat food that has a significant amount of iodine. Keep in mind Hill’s prescription Diet has a low level of iodine that significantly minimizes the hormone secretion by the thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroid cats have a significant degree of renal insufficiency. This cat food diet is low in phosphorous and sodium that not only reduces the PTH concentrations but also strengthens kidney health.
Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food has a higher level of taurine, L-carnitine to keep blindness and heart problems at bay. Since vitamins and minerals are necessary for healthy immune system, healthy metabolism of carbohydrates, healthy skin and coat, bone growth and formation, blood coagulation, this cat food has stuffed with niacin, ascorbic acid, zinc, copper, manganese, and counting. Plus, this cat food has clinically proven antioxidants that are supposed to minimize the damage to the immune system cells to support a healthy immune system.
ZIWI Peak Canned Wet Cat Food
This popular recipe’s primary source of protein is grass-fed lamb and organs from the ethical firms of New Zealand that exercises ethical farming.
What makes Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Recipe Cat Food unique is that unlike the other canned foods that are being prepared at high temperature thereby resulting in loss of nutrients, this canned food is gently air-dried that preserve the nutritional values to a greater extend.
For a palatable taste, this air-dried recipe includes lamb lung, lamb liver, lamb kidney, lamb heart, lamb tripe, lamb bone, etc.
This formula contains New Zealand’s exclusive green-lipped mussel which is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, vitamins C and E, and antioxidant that are helpful for those cats who suffer from joint and mobility issues.
Designed for those cats that have a sensitive stomach, food allergy, it doesn’t include grain, potato, or peas, artificial color, fillers, or preservatives. To ease digestion and healthy metabolism, this cat food has green tripe across the board. Green tripe is a natural source of enzymes and probiotics that not only support brain function but also keep cardiac diseases at bay. Plus, it includes organic kelp that is a natural source of minerals and antioxidants that will result in healthy metabolism and thereby put a stop to inflammation and digestive issues.
Overall, this cat food is deemed fit for those cats who are suffering from Hyperthyroidism. It’s not only high in protein with essential minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, etc. but also free from low-quality cheap fillers namely grain, potato, etc. and artificial color or preservatives to let your feline friend thrive without any digestive issues.
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Recipe Cat Food comes in two different weights to select from – 3 ounces, and 6 and a half ounces.
Instinct by Nature’s Variety Original Grain-Free Real Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food
This US-made cat recipe’s first three components are 95% grass-fed lamb, turkey, and liver and in fact, the three ingredients give a protein-rich diet to your feline friend. The remaining 5% of the wet cat food contains vegetables, fruits that increase the carbohydrate percentage but don’t play a vital role in balancing your pet’s nutritional values.
If your cat is a picky eater and experiences vomiting, diarrhea, when you offer a cat food the ingredients of which are chicken, beef, or pork, Instinct by Nature’s Variety Original Grain-Free Real Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food put a stop to allergies. Its primary source of protein is a grass-fed lamb that is packed with animal protein to build strong and lean muscles.
Plus, this cat food doesn’t include grain, potato, corn, soy, wheat, by-product meals, artificial color, or preservatives that are known to trigger food allergies, thereby keep the protein content relatively high that assist in building strong, lean muscles.
Along with turkey that is a rich source of protein, taurine, fatty acids, antioxidants, and prebiotics, this palatable recipe contains a high moisture content that keeps the hydration issues at bay. Because of taurine, fatty acids, antioxidants, and prebiotics, this grain-free recipe will be deemed fit for cats for:
- Keeping the cat’s skin and coat healthy and bright.
- Building lean muscles.
- Teeth formation and healthy vision.
- Keeping the immune system up and running.
- Crushing the harmful gut bacteria and let the good beneficial bacteria thrive to put a stop to digestive issues.
…counting.
Instinct by Nature’s Variety Original Grain-Free Real Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food comes in two different weights to select from – three ounces, and five and a half ounces.
Feline Natural Chicken & Venison Feast Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
This popular canned food contains 98% free-range, grass-fed chicken and venison which is sourced from the fines sources in New Zealand. Along with chicken and venison, Feline Natural Chicken & Venison Feast Grain-Free Canned Cat Food‘s ingredients include chicken heart, venison kidney, venison liver, and venison blood.
To provide moisturizer, this cat food only inserts natural, fresh New Zealand water, without including artificial ingredients, additives, color, or preservatives. An added bonus is this food has a lower percentage of carbohydrates.
Perfectly fit for cats with upset stomachs or food allergies as it’s free from wheat, rice, soy, or gluten. To keep cardiac arrest at bay and ease digestion and healthy metabolism, this recipe has organic kelp across the board as organic kelp is a gold mine of minerals and antioxidants that put a stop to inflammation and digestive issues.
Plus, it has employed New Zealand’s exclusive Green-lipped mussel that is an excellent source of glucosamine that keeps the cartilage healthy, and chondroitin that assists cartilage to absorb shock by resisting compressive forces.
No matter what is the life stage of your cat, be it a kitten or a senior cat, and even on the verge of pregnancy, you are free to offer this palatable nutritionally balanced wet cat food without any exception.
Nom Nom Chicken Chow Meow Cat Food
A majority of pet parents have a clear intention that they will make food at home for their feline friend, but owing to the lack of proper guidance by the vet they can’t make this happen. At this point, Nom Nom is committed to delivering nutritional foods to your doorstep.
This USDA-Certified cat food’s prime ingredients include Chicken Thigh, Chicken Breast, Chicken Liver, which are a gold mine of protein, vitamins, and minerals that are known to strengthen the immune system, vision, lean muscles, skin, and coat.
This food formula include carrot, which is a rich source of beta carotene that acts as an antioxidant which plays a vital role in minimizing damage to immune cells that boost your feline’s immunity.
Plus, this cat food doesn’t add any wheat, corn, soy, or artificial color and preservatives, and that makes this food one of the best options, if you want to feed your cat a fresh meal that meet the nutritional standards.
NomNom has three options that allow you to order every week, every two weeks, and every 4 weeks. In the scenario of ordering a larger quantity of food, do create a space in the refrigerator, since this cat food stays fresh for a week.
On the downside, this cat food is a bit pricey when compared to the canned cat foods, but when you take a look at convenience and food quality, it seems affordable option you have got.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Pate Wet Cat Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Pate Wet Cat Food contains delicious and palatable chicken that makes the first preference for your feline friend. Blue buffalo formulated this protein-rich cat food that focuses on providing the calories that your feline friend needs. It allows them to thrive and assist to maintain healthy body weight. Plus, a blend of iron amino acid chelate and zinc amino acid chelate are beneficial for proper digestion.
To provide the moisture to stay clear of dehydration issues this cat food has chicken broth instead of water that lacks vitamins and nutrients. There are no red flag ingredients are mixed including corn, soy, wheat, toxic color, or preservatives.
What makes this palatable protein-rich chicken pate recipe is Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Pate Wet Cat Food contains Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits that are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support the immune system by increasing antibody levels in the blood and thereby resulting in healthy skin and shiny coat.
Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entreé
If you have a kitten and you are hunting high and low for protein-rich wet cat food to strengthen the eyes, teeth, and gums, Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entreé recipe is deemed fit as its ingredients include chicken, chicken liver, and turkey. Plus, to steer clear of dehydration issues, it contains the chicken broth that is excellent to add moisture to your cat’s diet to support urinary tract health. Along with protein, this cat food has maintained a balance with essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins for a balanced diet.
Higher amount of carbohydrate intake will significantly increase the weight of your feline. This formula features fruit and vegetables without any grain i.e. wheat, corn, soy, carrageenan, and any artificial color and preservative. Along with protein, this chicken pate formula includes:
- Cranberries that promote urinary health,
- Carrots that is a gold mine of antioxidants that strengthen immunity,
- Flaxseed that is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acid and Omega-6 fatty acid that are responsible for lustrous skin and bright coat.
This US-made Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entreé recipe comes in two different weights to select from – three ounces, and twelve and a half ounces.
Final Thoughts
Once, you have noticed the symptoms like weight loss despite the sharp rise in diet, muscle loss, or breathing issues, then refer to the vet ASAP. Hyperthyroidism is not only a common disease for cats between the age group of 10 years and 12 years but also a curable disease if your cat undergoes proper treatment. Seek your vet’s advice and do accordingly to bring your feline friend to pre-hyperthyroid life where your four-legged friend can thrive and lead a happy life.
- Read also: Best Canned Cat Food for Sensitive Stomach
- Read also: Best Canned Cat Food for Weight Gain
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can cats live with hyperthyroidism?
Early diagnosis and proper treatment with methimazole, will put a stop to losing weight and bring down the secretion of thyroid hormone drastically. That results in increased appetite, gaining bodyweight. But note that methimazole is not a cure. It slows down the damage to the organs to a larger extend. But if it is diagnosed early and the cat undergoes proper treatment, your feline friend will live a quality life that will letit thrive anywhere between 3 and 5 years, before drawing its last breath either cardiovascular issues or kidney failure.
Can cats recover from hyperthyroidism?
If diagnosed at an early stage and undergone proper treatment your cat is likely to recover from hyperthyroidism and live a healthy life for another 3 to 5 years.
How to prevent hyperthyroidism in cats?
Hyperthyroidism affects senior cats aged between 10 and 12 years. The exact reason that causes the hyperthyroidism is yet to know. So it’s difficult to deliver what preventive measures you should take as a pet parent.
What to feed a cat with hyperthyroidism and kidney disease?
When your cat undergoes radioactive iodine therapy, medication, surgery, or dietary therapy, then you must feed your cat that has a higher percentage of protein, fat, and low carbohydrates and that doesn’t contain artificial color or preservatives.
How long can a cat live with treated hyperthyroidism?
Well, there’s no exact answer, but with the earlier diagnosis and proper treatment, your cat will enjoy a healthy lifespan between 3 and 5 years.
How long can a cat live with hyperthyroidism without treatment?
If you haven’t noticed the potential signs of hyperthyroidism and have left the cat untreated, then the chances are higher that your cat’s lifespan will decrease significantly.
What happens if hyperthyroidism in cats is not treated?
When you treat your feline as a family member, there’s no reason to visit a vet when you have successfully noticed the signs of potential hyperthyroidism. Plus, once diagnosed and undergone proper treatment, your cat will start to thrive and live a healthy life just like the pre-hyperthyroidism state. But if left untreated, it will lead to dying early owing to weight and muscle loss or cardiovascular complications.
Can hyperthyroidism cause weight gain?
Hyperthyroidism’s primary symptoms include the loss of weight despite the increased appetite. But after consultation with a vet, if you feed those cat food that are protein-rich and have higher calorie content, your cat is likely to gain weight.
Can hyperthyroidism cause headaches?
A hyperthyroid cat is prone to experience hypertension that results in chronic kidney complications that can lead to renal failure. Apart from that since a hyperthyroid cat has high blood pressure it has an adverse effect on the brain, eye, and heart.
When to put a cat to sleep with hyperthyroidism?
It’s an onerous task to decide when to euthanize a cat with hyperthyroidism. But when you and your family members notice that your feline friend persistently shows an inability to eat, frequent vomits, faces significant weight loss, and has breathing difficulties, then you should consult with a vet about euthanasia.
Yes, this is a tough decision you should take since you and your family members are emotionally attached to a furry friend. But, there is no chance of complete recovery and let the feline thrive. It’s a better idea to opt for euthanasia.
Hope this article has helped you to identify if your feline friend has hyperthyroidism or not and what to do to bring a hyperthyroid cat into a pre-hyperthyroid life and let the cat thrive.
Have I missed any best canned cat food for hyperthyroidism? Make a comment so that I can add it to the list of best wet cat food for hyperthyroidism.
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