My young kitten is hungry, thirsty, active, aggressive. Is it hyperthyroidism?

These sudden changes in temperament and the weight loss are commonly due to an endocrine problem called hyperthyroidism. The thyroid starts working more than normal increasing the metabolism (that is the cause of the weight loss) and causing behavioural changes similar to what you described. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. A blood test and urine analysis are needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Hi, I can see Taco is underweight cat with very increased appetite and aggressive to food and the age can be 2-12 yrs old, one of the first differential to check would be Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in cats, BUT it mostly affects cats that are middle-aged and older. Hyperthyroidism is caused by an increase in production of thyroid hormones from an enlarged thyroid gland in a cat’s neck. The most common clinical signs are weight loss (very thin cat), increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. Hyperthyroidism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, vocalization, ungroomed matted coat and hyperactivity. Diagnosis will require in most cases physical examination, blood chemistry panel including thyroid hormone levels and urinalysis. Since hyperthyroidism can predispose the cat to other conditions, it is important to evaluate also the heart (Heart rate and blood pressure) and the kidneys ( seen in the blood panel and urinalysis). Differential diagnoses for cats with clinical signs similar to hyperthyroidism should also include: diabetes mellitus, gastro intestinal malabsorption/maldigestion, neoplasia (especially gastrointestinal lymphosarcoma), chronic kidney disease (CKd) and parasitism. I would recommend to take Taco to your vet for examination and investigation.

That is definitely a top thought with what you are describing. A simple blood test can confirm this. Other options do include gastroenteritis or an inflammatory bowel disease also so an ultrasound would be another useful test. Each have different treatments and they can be managed

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would have his thyroid rechecked soon. Schedule an appointment to have his T4 rechecked 4-6 hours after the pill is given. The dose may be too high causing hyperthyroid signs. Signs of too much thyroid hormone is increased thirst, urination, hunger, increased activity, weight loss. I wish you both the best!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cat. She will need to see her veterinarian for laboratory work. Increased vocalizations and increased thirst are common signs of hyperthyroidism. This is a disease where the body makes too much thyroid hormone thereby increasing metabolism. Other signs can include weight loss, hyperactivity, increased urination as well as vomiting and/or diarrhea. If this is her diagnosis, the disease is typically managed with medication. I hope this information helps!

Hi there. If Buddy is older and this is a new behavior then I suspect he could have an underlying health issue. It is very common in cats to get some diseases as they age. The two that come to mind right away are hyperthyroidism (elevated thyroid level) and diabetes. Both can cause a cat to be very hungry which makes them impatient when it comes to eating. These diseases are easily diagnosed with simple blood testing. So, I suggest you get Buddy to your vet for an exam and some blood testing as soon as you can. If health issues can be ruled out then you can talk to your vet about the behaviorial aspect. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

It sounds like Rabbit may have hyperthyroidism. Unfortunately I do recommend blood work and treatment. There are plenty of low cost clinics in the US that may be able to help you and in your budget. Here is a website that has different nonprofits and companies that may be able to help. http://pawbark.com/financial-help-veterinary-care-costs/ If you could not afford veterinary care I tell people to see how they are doing at home. If they aren't doing things they love they may be unhappy or not feeling well. I don't think I would call him suffering right now but he may not be feeling good. Thank you for using PetCoach.