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My cat's on methimazole. Could low thyroid cause picky eating?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 17 years and 8 months old | 9.5 lbs

My cat is on methimazole and his last labs 2 mths ago put his thyroid level at 1.5. Is that too low and if it were too low would there be signs I may notice at home? I ask because he has recently become a picky eater and I wonder if a too low thyroid level could affect appetite. I'm bringing home many different senior diets and after a day or so he decides he no longer likes it. My vet wants to check thyroid level Again in 2 mths. Thank u

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on September 15th, 2017

Hi and thanks for your post. 1.5ug/dL is not too low. After starting treatment with methimazole, thyroid hormone will generally fall within the lower 1/3 of the reference range anywhere from 0.8 to 2.3ug/dL is normal. Lower than 0.8ug/dL would be a concern, however. The picky eating may be due to a dental problem Tony has to from changing the food too frequently- that may make him a very picky eater very quickly! Try sticking to one food without changing it- he won't starve! I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Susan England-Foster

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thyroid levels can change based on the lab. I would call your vet and ask what the reference range is. Also is the 1.5 a freet4 or t4? I find that when a cat has hyperthyroid it will increase the appetite so sometimes once medication is started the appetite will decrease. However it is important that Tony is gaining weight on the medication and with his eating. I would try to stick with 1 food and see if this helps. Sometimes switching foods can make a picky eater. If your vet recommends re checking his thyroid than I would stay with that plan. I hope that helps!

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