Companion Animals

Companion Cat Feline Hyperthyroidism Global Perspectives

Global perspectives on feline hyperthyroidism prevalence, treatment access, and welfare implications.

Key Facts

Feline hyperthyroidism is a disease of modern indoor cats, uncommon before the 1970s
Fire retardant chemicals in furniture foam have been linked to thyroid disruption in cats
Treatment access varies enormously between countries and income levels
Radioiodine therapy is available in specialist centres in developed countries
Many cats globally receive no treatment due to access or cost barriers

Welfare Considerations

Feline hyperthyroidism causes significant welfare deficit globally, and improving access to effective treatment including radioiodine in all countries is an important welfare goal.

What You Can Do

Advocate for improved access to feline hyperthyroid treatment in all countries
Support veterinary charity programmes providing treatment in low-resource settings
Reduce exposure to fire retardant chemicals in cat sleeping areas as a precautionary measure