Hyperthyroidism is a disorder characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and a subsequent increase in metabolic rate. It is a fairly common disease in older cats and relatively easy to treat.

Conventional treatment includes medication or surgery. Most often a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormones is prescribed. Another approach is to surgically remove the thyroid. Both treatments are effective, but can be invasive or difficult to regulate. Natural remedies for hyperthyroidism in cats offer a gentler alternative to conventional medications without being addictive. The herbs are safe and effective to use, improve thyroid function and address major symptoms.

Natural remedies include native herbs that have been shown to be beneficial for treating hyperthyroidism in cats, such as stinging nettle and nettle, wolf grass, and kelp, as well as foreign ones such as Chinese herbs huang qi or Siberian ginseng. Herbal remedies are most often given as tinctures, capsules, or added to the cat’s food.

Dwarf and stinging nettles stimulate the circulatory system and help maintain healthy thyroid function. They are effective in normalizing the hormones produced by the thyroid gland, regulating metabolism, and providing minerals and vitamins A, B, and C. Stinging nettle and stinging nettle are available as tinctures that can be mixed with your cat’s food or water.

Bugleweed is part of the mint family. Reduces the amount of thyroid hormone produced that is excessive in cats with hyperthyroidism. Wolfweed is sold in tincture or tablet form.

Bladderwrack or seaweed is a marine vegetable and helps control an overactive thyroid gland. It is a primary source of iodine which is deficient in cats suffering from hypothyroidism. Bladderwack is available as a tincture and in tablet or powder form. A few drops of a tincture mixed with food or water is the best way to administer it.

Huang qi generally supports thyroid function. It comes as a tincture that can be purchased from herbal vendors. Dilute in water and give a few drops orally or mix with your cat’s food or water.

Siberian ginseng also regulates hormone levels and helps relieve fatigue associated with thyroid problems. It also stimulates your cat’s immune system. Siberian ginseng is best given as a tincture.

Changes in your cat’s diet will help herbal treatment. Increase the amount of healthy foods, or better yet, base the entire diet exclusively on healthy foods. Feed him plenty of raw meat and poultry. Avoid salmon, shellfish, and white fish. They contain high levels of isoflavones, the main substance suspected of causing hyperthyroidism. Soy is also suspected of contributing to the development of the condition. Since this is present in many canned cat foods, it should be avoided as well.

Mineral deficiencies, particularly iodine, are common in cats with hyperthyroidism. Therefore, you need to ensure that your cat’s food contains plenty of iodine and adequate amounts of selenium, which makes thyroid hormones less toxic. To address abnormal thyroid cell growth, also add docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids to the food.

These natural remedies for cats with hyperthyroidism will help you keep the condition under control.