If you’re a regular reader of my blog, then you might’ve heard that Opie is my BFF ; -)
He’s been mine since he was 5 weeks old, and he’s been my constant companion for over 14 years and I’ve long joked that he’s my shadow. So hyperthyroidism in older cats, especially in Opie, is one the last things I’ve ever wanted to write about.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Older Cats
Opie has always been a big boy. Weighing about 18 pounds when we first moved to Denmark, he started losing weight over the summer… roughly 1/3 of what he weighed last time he was at the vet about 18 months ago. His behavior hadn’t changed so I was inclined to think that his weight loss was just a symptom of his age. Then my friend commented that he’d lost a lot of weight and I got really concerned. I found one of the most important things I’ve ever read, an article saying that cats don’t lose weight simply because they’re old. They lose weight because they’re sick. Weight loss is the one symptom in senior cats that’s most often associated with a serious health condition.
Of all the things I dread, losing Opie is the worst. I know that at some point, I’ll have to say goodbye to him, but it can’t be now. I know it’ll never be a good time, but I have other (big) things going on and losing Opie anytime in the near future is more than I can handle.
Now before you think that I’m a horrible cat mom for not bringing him to the vet in a year and a half, let me explain. Opie is a house cat who hates going to the vet. You might have a pet who hates going to the vet, but Opie’s hatred of going to the vet is on a level you can’t even imagine! They have to sedate him in order to examine him. So preventative care isn’t on the agenda. I have a wonderful vet here in Denmark who believes that we should limit Opie’s stress by minimizing the number of times I bring him in. I’ve never dealt with a better vet clinic… they’re completely non-judgmental, they’re upfront about costs, and they always recommend what’s best for Opie, even if it means less money for them.
Despite much hissing and carrying on, I took him to the vet the day after I read that article. An overnight stay, various tests, and a significant outlay of cash later, Opie was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. His thyroid level was at 245 and the vet had never seen anything over 200! Fortunately, hyperthyroidism in older cats is treatable with medication.
Treating Hyperthyroidism in Older Cats
Opie started off taking .50 ml of Tiamazol twice a day, which brought his level down to 175 after about a month. Now he’s on .75 ml twice a day and we’re hoping that we can bring his level down to 160 by his next visit. Luckily, the medication is available as a liquid because Prince Opie doesn’t do pills… and it must be mouse flavored because he gobbles it down without protest :) The hardest part is that he needs to take it on an empty stomach and wait an hour before eating, so he generally wakes me at around 6:00 to get his medicine. Then he follows me back to bed, lays on my pillow and either pets my neck and shoulder or chews on my hair until I feed him around 7:00. That probably doesn’t sound awful to most people, but I’m a freelancer with only a vague idea that life exists before 8 am ; -)
I’m feeding him pretty much as much as he wants and he’s gained about a quarter of a pound since starting the Tiamazol. Matted fur is an unfortunate symptom of hyperthyroidism in older cats. Opie won’t let me comb him and he wasn’t properly grooming himself, so I had to have the worst of it cut off. Now he’s got bald spots, which is why I’m posting photos from before he got sick. It doesn’t feel right to show him all skin, bones, and missing fur :(
It’s devastating facing the fact that my baby boy is considered an elderly cat, but barring any other conditions like renal disease or diabetes, which can be masked by hyperthyroidism in older cats, his prognosis is good and he could very well live into his early 20s (can I please get some prayers/good vibes/what have you on that?).
So, if you’re a cat parent, please take away from this post that older cats lose weight for a reason. If your cat starts losing weight, even if they show no behavioral changes, there’s a reason for this and you should bring them to the vet ASAP. If I’d waited a few more weeks, Opie’s prognosis would not have been as good :(
P.S. While I’m on the subject of pets, I’d like to tell you about www.thegoodypet.com, a website that shares reviews and top picks on everything from the best pet odor eliminators and the best vacuum cleaners for picking up pet hair to the best dog DNA test kits (who even knew there was such a thing?). Most of their current content is geared toward dog owners, but they’ll be adding more cat-related info in the coming months.
Disclosure: I received compensation in exchange for featuring the external link contained in this post. I’ve got to pay those vet bills somehow ; -)
Stephanie says
Aw, I hope Opie continues to respond well to his meds and is with you for many more years!
Sage says
Thank you… I’ve always told him that he needs to live to be at least 20, so I hope he’s been listening ; -)
Jenny Finney says
It’s so hard to watch a beloved pet, get sick. I know the older they get, the more we think about “what if” I had to put my pug down, due to her inability to walk, run or even moving without using just her front legs, not to mention, was not able to control her bladder. It was a tough decision and one of the hardest things I had to do. Opie looks so happy in these photos and I hope he gets to feeling better soon.
Sage says
How heartbreaking to have to make that choice. I know that if it comes to that with Opie, I’ll make the best choice for him, but I also know it will devastate me to be the one who decides :(
Sapphire Kharyzma says
I am so sorry that you have to experience this! I am a cat lover and had to give both my babies up to a no kill shelter because I was moving into a domestic violence shelter and pets weren’t allowed! I know the pain of having to endure the possibility of losing them due to something you have no control over! I pray he gets better soon. And I pray you have the strength to endure (hugs)
Sage says
Thank you, and I’m so sorry that you had to give up your babies under such horrible circumstances. How wonderful that you were able to find a no kill shelter to take them… the alternative doesn’t bear thinking about :(
Censie says
What a sweet cat! We had an orange tabby for 10 years but he passed away of cancer. So sad. HE was the best cat! I hoep that he gets better quickly. Cats systems seem to be so finicky. Give that guy a nice pet for me.
Sage says
How sad about your orange man, and to lose him so young! I think all cats are lovely and special, but the orange ones have the biggest personalities! I’d always wanted an orange kitty and I’m so happy to have had Opie as a friend for all these years, hopefully I still have a few more years with him.
Nadalie says
Oh no, feel better soon Opie! You’re taking such good care of him. I’ve been thinking about adopting a pet from the local animal shelter. Thanks for sharing how you care for your cat in his elder years. It’s not something that is ever really talked about.
Sage says
Thanks, Nadalie :) It would be wonderful for you to adopt a shelter pet! If I ever have another pet after Opie, I’ll adopt from a high-kill shelter.
kathleen says
I didn’t know cats get hyperthyroidism. I hope Opie feels better soon. My 2 girls want to get a cat for a pet. I said when they are bigger and can really take care of them. We’ll check goodypet.com once we finally get a cat.
Sage says
Thanks, Kathleen. Cats make great companions, I grew up with cats and can’t imagine not having one. Your girls will have a friend for life1 I still remember my sister dressing up our black cat in costume jewelry when she was about five… that cat had the serenity of a monk.
Karlyn Cruz says
Awww … I had a dog who knew when we were getting close to the vet. He would get really hysterical. Doesn’t sound like you’re a bad cat mom at all. Just sounds like you care a little too much and that’s ok. They do become like kids to us and it’s hard, especially when they’re sick.
Sage says
Thanks, Karlyn… he’s definitely my son and I treat him like a son. I can’t imagine treating him any other way, he was so tiny when I got him and we’ve been through so much together, he’s been such a faithful companion.
Tami says
My cat is getting older. I need to schedule her a check up. Hyperthyroidism didn’t even come across as a potential issue with the weight loss she’s experiencing. I’m making an appointment right now.
Sage says
Oh yeah! If she’s losing weight, you should definitely get her checked out. That article really scared me and the vet confirmed that weight loss is pretty much always the sign of an underlying condition. I’m wishing for good news for you and your kitty :)
Crystal VanTassel-Lopez says
Opie is such a beautiful cat. I had no idea weight loss in senior cats indicated a health issue. I have not owned a cat since my early 20’s (we are dog owners now). So glad your step daughter had such a keen eye and noticed the weightless. Never would have thought about thyroid issues being the issue.
Sage says
Thanks, Crystal. He really is a handsome boy and he’s as sweet as he is handsome :) I see him every day so I had no idea how much weight he’d actually lost, thank goodness she mentioned it! And thank goodness I found that article, or else it might’ve been too late :(
Lena Burkut says
OMG! I couldn’t even imagine that this is something the cats can have. Knowing way too well hypodsm myself, I am shocked how difficult it is to have a thyroid conscious life for a cat. Is this something that happens with older cats? Have you found out the root of this problem. Why does it happen?
Sage says
I’m learning that it’s quite common in older cats. I don’t think there’s any root cause, it’s just something they’re susceptible to as they get older. Fortunately, of all the conditions he could’ve had this is the easiest to treat. We won’t be able to travel as much as we used to because his medication schedule is pretty strict, but I’m just happy to have him for as long I can. I work from home so we spend a lot of time together and I can’t imagine life without him :(
David Elliott says
I had no clue that cats would experience such a problem in later years. I know I have had friends who had hypothyroid issues before. And they had a hard time maintaining weight because of how their body would just burn through the energy. That’s great that you got your pet in there as soon as you discovered something. I wouldn’t worry about what others may think about how long you had been since going to the vet.
wess says
I just lost my Gabba, yesterday.She was14+ years.. I think we acted too late, she already lost much weight. It is very important too do hormone check as soon as cat starts loosing weight. She was also very dehydrated despite drinking much water, so kidney issues can’t be ruled out, but I think those two were connected, and if we only acted sooner.. Opie is very lucky to have you, and it goes both ways, of course. They truly enrich our lives and I hope it goes both ways as well. Thank you for sharing your good experience and I hope that my not-good won’t cast any shadows. I will try to raise awareness about this problem wherever i can. Rub that caramel-tummy for me!
Sage says
I’m so sorry to hear about Gabba. I hope you’re not being too hard on yourself. These things have a way of sneaking up, especially when you see the cat every day.
Opie and I were lucky with his diagnosis and I make a point to enjoy and be grateful for every day I have with him. I rubbed his belly and told him about your Gabba :)