If you have a cat who has been diagnosed as being hyperthyroid, you might be wondering what hyperthyroidism is exactly and what it means for your cat’s health.

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormone as a result of abnormal functioning. Typically affecting older cats, it is the most common endocrine disease we see in the species. It affects both males and females equally, and any breed can develop the disorder — with Siamese cats showing somewhat increased incidence compared to other breeds.

At one time or another, many of us have been involved in an inadvertent game of “keep away” — when our dog snatches something and then refuses to give it up. It can be a comical situation, but it can also be frustrating or even dangerous if the dog has grabbed an item that could be harmful to him or others. Dogs who have been taught to trade will happily give up the guarded item for something that they consider more valuable.