General Healthcare for Senior Cats
Cats' health needs do change as they enter their senior years (10 years of age or older). Old age is not a disease; if your senior cat has experienced subtle changes such as change in appetite, change in litterbox habits, or change in activity level (see list of changes here: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hyperthyroidism-cats). Any one of these is reason for concern.
We recommend your senior cat have a check up semi-annually once they turn 10. Every 6 months, schedule an exam, blood work, and a urinalysis with your veterinarian. The goal is to catch medical issues BEFORE you note symptoms. You will often have a much better outcome when a medical issue is caught and treated in the early stages.
Many of the hyperthyroid cats we see have been hyperthyroid for months to years, but this condition could be caught in the early stages when a senior cat has biannual visits to the veterinarian.
Here's to a long, long healthy life for your furry friend!
Testimonials
Three months ago my 13 year old kitty Miss Fanny spent three days in the care of Dr. Vaughan and the staff. Before treatment she had been losing weight, getting more lethargic and her... read more
Miss FannyNorthbend, WA
My cat was diagnosed as hyperthyroid when she was 10. We had her treated as soon as she was diagnosed and I was glad it was found early. I didn’t really give the thyroid... read more
SavannahLynnwood, WA
Hello! Just wanted to let you know Rio Blanco is doing great! As soon as we got home he started emptying the bowls of food! I haven't even opened the anti-nausea or the... read more
Patrick and RioWe want to thank you for your extraordinary efforts in looking after our Samson's well being. You took the initiative of a problem we were not aware was even present. We are very, very... read more
SamsonPort Townsend, WA
You took care of our Nina Kitty and it was like she found the Fountain of Youth! At age twelve, she had been slowly losing weight and getting a bit more "yowly" but we... read more
NinaDr. Vaughan; Kathy; Miranda; and anyone who was involved in treating and caring for Tigger. Just wanted you to see the life Tigger is leading because of your excellent care on this upcoming anniversary... read more
PepperThey are very personable, professional, and knowledgeable about their very specialized practice. If you have a cat with thyroid issues, I highly recommend this clinic. read more
BeckySeattle, WA
Great place. They were so good to my kitty who was really scared. He seems to be completely cured. read more
Will & Grace found me in 1999 when they were four weeks old. They were born near in a parking lot off Highway 99. They are twins and do everything together. This year they celebrated their... read more
Will, Grace, and HunterEdmonds, WA
My family has had Lila since she was a kitten. She is turning 15 in October, I was only 10 when we got her. I moved away as an adult for a few years... read more
LilaShoreline, WA
I wanted to drop you and everyone at FHTC a note to let you know that Byron (the PAWS™ kitty FHTC treated pro bono earlier this year) was adopted last month! Even better, he... read more
ByronSeattle, WA
Princess started losing weight and after checking with the vet she was confirmed as being Hyperthyroid. After Approximately 13 months of of a paste-like med applied to the ears, switching from left to right... read more
Monty is 12 years old. Dr. Vaughan had been monitoring Monty’s thyroid over the years and identified that he was borderline for hyperthyroidism. After discussing his overall appearance, behavior and appetite, we decided that... read more
MontyThanks to Dr Faythe Vaughan, and her kind staff in Shoreline and Tacoma for giving us at least 5 extra, good quality, years with our buddy, Rocky! He was a rescue cat to begin with, and his good... read more
RockyTacoma, WA
Ripley (kitty) and I just wanted to thank Dr Vaughan and the whole staff for your great service and care. You were all great to work with, and communicated well with us! Ripley left... read more
Kali & RipleyPox's Story Does it make sense to treat hyperthyroid in a fourteen-year-old, mostly outdoor cat? That’s what we were asking ourselves in the summer of 2013. Pox let me know his opinion by following me... read more
PoxSeattle, WA
As a member of an animal rescue organization on Vashon Island (VIPP), as well as being a chronic cat owner, I've had many opportunities to visit the Feline Hyperthyroid Treatment Center. Over the past... read more
Piro Kramar. Vashon Island Pet ProtectorsVashon Island, WA