What cats are more likely to become hyperthyroid?
A cat is at increased risk for hyperthyroidism with advancing age. Environmental and dietary risk factors have been investigated and may play a role in predisposing cats to hyperthyroidism, though the specific mechanisms are not known. No individual breed is known to be especially at increased risk, although the Siamese appears to have a somewhat increased risk of developing hyperthyroidism than other breeds. What are the clinical signs? The typical cat with hyperthyroidism is middle aged or older; on the average, affected cats are about 12 years of age. The most consistent finding with this disorder is weight loss secondary to the increased rate of metabolism. The cat tries to compensate for this with an increased appetite. In fact, some of these cats have a ravenous appetite and will literally eat anything in sight. Despite the increased intake of food, most cats lose weight. The weight loss may be so gradual that some owners will not even realize it has occurred or it may be quite r
