Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease of older cats, causing significant metabolic distress, weight loss and cardiac effects that significantly reduce quality of life if untreated.
Feline hyperthyroidism causes chronic welfare compromise through a hypermetabolic state that forces cats to burn muscle while eating excessively. The associated cardiac changes cause further welfare impacts. Treatment is highly effective and life expectancy post-treatment can equal that of age-matched normal cats. Early diagnosis through routine screening is the key welfare intervention.