Case Study: 12-Year-Old Kiara’s Hyperthyroidism Healing Journey
Feline hyperthyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders in senior cats—yet the only curative treatment, with a 95% success rate, is still unfamiliar to many pet owners.
Kiara before treatment—beautiful, and unknowingly battling hyperthyroidism.
This case study follows Kiara, a 12-year-old cat whose puzzling symptoms led to months of misdiagnoses, until a thyroid screening and referral to the doctors at CATT.vet changed everything.
More than a personal story, Kiara’s recovery reveals how radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy works, why it’s considered the gold standard, and what makes the Centers for Advanced Thyroid Therapy approach different.
This Blog Covers:
What to expect with radioactive iodine treatment for cats
The true cost of I-131 therapy vs. lifelong medication
How to prepare your hyperthyroid cat for treatment and screening
If you’re navigating a new hyperthyroid diagnosis with your cat–or helping a client do the same–Kiara’s story offers clarity and reassurance. Let’s take a closer look at the cure her owner calls “worth every penny!”
Symptoms & Onset
Kiara was always a little quirky, but something changed when she turned 12.
She became frantic, constantly grooming herself until her coat was soaking wet. She vomited almost every meal. Her weight dropped. She developed facial tics and full-body tremors. Her behavior had shifted so gradually that Courtney, her owner, assumed it was anxiety or simply part of aging.
“We thought she didn’t like her food at first–we kept buying different kinds,” Courtney recalled. “Then we thought it was anxiety from over-grooming. We tried skin and coat supplements, flea treatments, even asked the vet for Gabapentin to calm her down. We were completely at a loss.”
What Courtney was experiencing is something many cat owners face: a series of symptoms that don’t quite add up–and seem to defy every solution. That’s the challenge with feline hyperthyroidism: It rarely announces itself clearly.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters in Hyperthyroid Cats
Hyperthyroidism often presents with vague, seemingly unrelated symptoms, including:
Gastrointestinal upset
Weight loss
Mood changes
Restlessness
After months of trial and error, Kiara's veterinarian finally recommended a senior blood panel with thyroid screening.
The results came back quickly: a T4 value of 7.1–confirming a diagnosis of feline hyperthyroidism, a condition that can hide in plain sight for months.
“We had been treating symptoms without knowing the root cause,” Courtney said. “Getting a real diagnosis was a turning point.”
With a confirmed diagnosis, Courtney was given two choices:
Manage the condition with twice-daily thyroid medication for the rest of Kiara’s life or,
Pursue radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy, the one-time treatment with a 95% cure rate.
Why Courtney Chose Radioactive Iodine Treatment at CATT.vet
Before diagnosis, Kiara’s symptoms were overwhelming—and Courtney didn’t know where to turn.
Once Kiara’s diagnosis was confirmed, Courtney dove into research mode. She called clinics across Austin and as far as San Antonio, asking questions, comparing protocols, and weighing her options. But many of the responses raised red flags.
Some clinics administered the same I-131 dose to every cat, regardless of weight or disease severity. Others didn’t require pre-treatment bloodwork or imaging. One hospital even required a full week of isolation, without updates or contact.
Then she found the Center for Advanced Thyroid Therapy (CATT)—and immediately noticed the difference.
Unlike other clinics, CATT offered a level of care that made all the difference:
Pre-treatment bloodwork and candidate screening
Individualized dosing based on diagnostic imaging
Only two days of hospitalization, not seven
Regular email updates and photos from the care team
A quiet, feline-friendly cubby designed for recovery
“I felt so relieved to find the answer.”
With more knowledge, and the benefits of CATT’s approach so clearly defined, Courtney made the call to get Kiara scheduled.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up: What the Experience Was Like
Drop-off and pick-up at CATT.vet was smooth, reassuring, and gave Courtney confidence in Kiara’s care.
Understandably, Courtney was nervous heading into the appointment. But from drop-off to discharge, the team at CATT.vet made the process calm, clear, and supportive.
Kiara was placed in her own private recovery cubby, complete with a separate litter box, soft bedding, and minimal stimulation. She was monitored closely for appetite, hydration, and behavior.
“The experts at CATT treated her like their own. I received regular emails with updates and pictures, which gave me peace of mind. I knew Kiara was in the best hands.”
Those updates—sent each morning and evening—helped Courtney stay connected through the short separation. And after just two days, she was reunited with a calmer, more stable version of the cat she loved.
“I cried on the way home. It felt like we had our girl back.”
What to Expect with Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Cats
Soft bedding, privacy, and quiet comforts help cats feel calm and safe during their short stay at CATT.
I-131 therapy is a one-time, non-invasive treatment that targets and neutralizes overactive thyroid tissue. At CATT.vet, the process is personalized based on each cat’s bloodwork and imaging results—ensuring the safest and most effective dose possible.
For Courtney and Kiara, the experience was surprisingly simple.
“She was in her own little cubby, had her litter box, her food, and they monitored everything—how much she ate, how she was acting, even her potty habits. I got updates every day. She was calm. It felt like she was already starting to heal.”
One of the photo updates sent to Courtney, showing Kiara cozy, calm, and recovering beautifully.
After just two nights in the hospital, Kiara came home. While Courtney followed post-treatment precautions like handwashing and limiting close contact to 10-minute sessions, the process never felt disruptive. Kiara was able to be around her humans and fellow cats immediately–with no risk to them.
For most families, the most noticeable side effect is something far more welcome: peace of mind.
Is I-131 Therapy Safe for Senior Cats?
At 12 years old, Kiara was considered a senior cat when she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.
In short: yes, I-131 therapy is safe for senior cats–with the right screening.
Hyperthyroidism can mask underlying kidney disease, which is why CATT.vet requires comprehensive bloodwork before and after I-131 therapy. This ensures each cat is a good candidate and reduces the risk of complications.
For Courtney and Kiara, that pre-treatment screening made all the difference.
“If your cat has undiagnosed kidney issues, treatment could unmask it,” Courney shared. “We were lucky–Kiara’s kidneys were healthy.”
This underscores the importance of choosing a clinic that prioritizes proper screening and ongoing care.
Cost Comparison: I-131 vs. Daily Thyroid Medication for Cats
At first glance, radioactive iodine therapy may seem like the pricier option. But as Courtney discovered, it’s actually the most cost-effective choice in the long run.
“Yes, it costs more upfront, but you save money, time, energy, and so much heartache down the road. Pills twice a day, blood tests every few months, increasing doses as your pet ages… it all adds up fast. This gave me peace of mind–and my baby a second chance.”
A closer look at the long-term cost, effort, and effectiveness of common hyperthyroid treatment options.
Over just a few years, Courtney calculated that medication and monitoring would exceed $2,450 in just a few years, without ever offering a cure.
I-131 therapy, by contrast, is a one-time cost of around $2,240 with a guaranteed cure.
“She’s cured. That’s not something I thought I’d be able to say. She’s healthy, she’s playful again, and I don’t have to live in fear of the next test result.”
When weighing the options, it's not just about the budget. It's about mental clarity, predictable care, and the relief of knowing your cat is actually healed, not just managing symptoms.
How to Prepare Your Cat for I-131 Therapy
The road to I-131 therapy starts with simple steps that can make a big difference. Whether you’re gathering info for your own cat or helping a client navigate the decision, here’s what to expect:
Request a senior blood panel that includes thyroid and kidney values
Ask your vet about a referral to a specialty imaging center or clinic that offers radioactive iodine therapy
Discuss eligibility and risks—especially kidney function, which hyperthyroidism can mask
Plan for a short isolation period at home, including limiting close contact to 10-minute sessions and practicing good hygiene like frequent handwashing
Consider pet insurance early, as preexisting conditions may not be covered
Post-Treatment Care: Radioactive and Radiant
Kiara safely home with her family—tin hats and all—a lighthearted nod to her low radiation levels post-treatment.
After two nights at CATT.vet, Kiara came home calm and already healing. The transition back to normal life was smooth—Courtney followed standard safety guidelines for about two weeks, but the household wasn’t turned upside down.
“She could be around our other cats immediately. We just did short cuddle sessions and washed our hands. Honestly, it didn’t feel restrictive—we made it fun. We even joked she was our little radioactive hot potato.”
From post-treatment photos to at-home celebrations, Kiara’s recovery became a memory worth documenting, because this wasn’t just a treatment. It was the gold standard for treating feline hyperthyroidism.
Final Thoughts: A Cured Cat and Renewed Peace of Mind
The gang’s all here! Kiara is happy, thriving, and living her best life.
Today, Kiara is thriving—playful, well-fed, and back to enjoying life alongside her kitty siblings. The symptoms that once ruled her days are gone. No more vomiting. No more tremors. No more second-guessing what might be wrong.
“She’s a completely different cat,” Courtney shared. “We saved money, saved stress, and gave her a second chance.”
For families navigating a new hyperthyroidism diagnosis—or veterinary professionals guiding them—radioactive iodine therapy isn’t just a treatment option. At its best, it’s a cure. One that offers clarity, comfort, and the chance to watch a beloved cat grow older with ease.
Because sometimes the best medicine is getting your cat back.
