thyroid signs to look for

I have been reading up on thyroid issues lately because Bella is showing some strange signs. She is a 7-year-old dsh with CKD stage 1, so I am already careful with her diet.

I noticed she is eating more than usual but losing weight, and her coat looks a bit rough. I know this is a common symptom, but I want to make sure I am not missing anything else. What are the other common symptoms of thyroid disorders in cats that I should look for?

I am especially worried because of her kidney issues. Does thyroid disease often happen alongside CKD, or is that a coincidence? I want to be prepared in case the vet brings it up at her next appointment.

The most reliable data point is the T4 level. Behavioral signs are often vague. In my experience, hyperactivity and increased appetite are the primary indicators, but they overlap with many other conditions.

If you are seeing weight loss despite increased food intake, that is a strong signal. I recommend checking the thread hyperthyroidism symptoms checklist which lists the physical exam findings. It is very detailed and helps you distinguish between general aging and specific thyroid issues.

Also, note that hypothyroidism is rare in cats. Most cases are hyperthyroidism. The symptoms of low thyroid are lethargy and cold intolerance, which are different from what you are describing.

From a clinical perspective, watch for changes in vocalization. Cats with hyperthyroidism often meow more frequently or loudly, even at night. My cat Tater is 6 and has been very quiet, but if he were showing signs, I would check his heart rate.

Tachycardia is a key symptom. If you feel his heartbeat and it is over 180 beats per minute at rest, that is significant. The rough coat you mentioned is also a classic sign. It happens because the body is burning through energy faster than it can maintain the fur quality.

Given Bella's CKD, you need to be careful. The kidney and thyroid issues can affect each other. I would not guess. Get a blood panel done. The specific markers are in thyroid blood panel results.

My cat Jasper is 5 and hyperactive, but he is a dsh and just a lot of energy. I have seen the signs you are talking about, though. The big one is the heart murmur. It is not always present, but when it is, it is loud.

I was told that diet changes are the first step for some cats, but it is not a cure. You have to manage it. If you are looking at feeding options, check out feeding changes for thyroid cats. It has some good info on what to avoid. Raw feeding is not always the answer for cats with kidney issues, so be careful with that advice.

To add to what jgreen said, the distinction between hyper and hypo is important. Most people assume it is hyperthyroidism, but the symptoms are opposite. Hyper is high metabolism, hypo is low.

In cats, hyper is the common one. The symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and the weight loss you mentioned. I keep a list of these in my notes. If you are unsure, the thread hyper vs hypo thyroid in cats breaks down the differences clearly.

Also, since you have CKD, the treatment options are limited. You cannot just switch diets without considering the protein load. I would consult with your vet before making major changes. The medication route is often safer for cats with kidney issues. You can read about the meds in treatment options for hyperthyroid cats.

Thank you all for the detailed responses. I am glad I asked. The mention of the heart rate and the specific blood tests is very helpful. I will make sure to check Bella's pulse at home before the appointment.

I have posted an update in a follow-up thread CKD and thyroid overlap where I share the results of her recent blood work and the vet's initial thoughts. It is good to see that the community is so knowledgeable about this. I will keep you posted on her progress.