Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal disorder in older cats, and surgical thyroidectomy remains one of three curative options alongside radioactive iodine and medication.
Cats with untreated hyperthyroidism experience significant suffering including weight loss despite increased appetite, restlessness, vomiting, heart disease, and hypertension. Surgical thyroidectomy, when performed by experienced surgeons on stabilized patients, can provide permanent resolution and dramatically improve quality of life. Welfare-focused decision-making should consider the cat age, concurrent disease, owner resources, and stress tolerance to select the most appropriate treatment modality for each individual.