Feline hyperthyroidism can be managed through iodine-restricted diets in cats who cannot receive other treatments, but this approach requires strict compliance.
Untreated hyperthyroidism causes progressive suffering through weight loss despite voracious appetite, hypertension, heart disease, and anxiety-like hyperactivity. Treatment dramatically improves quality of life regardless of method chosen. Dietary management with iodine restriction is a legitimate option but requires absolute compliance - any dietary indiscretion allows thyroid hormone to rise again. Cats managed on iodine-restricted diets who occasionally access other food experience repeated cycles of symptom improvement and relapse. Radioactive iodine provides a definitive cure after a single treatment, improving long-term welfare outcomes for suitable candidates.