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My pet is always hungry and gaining weight. Is it a thyroid problem?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Miss Piggy wants to eat more and more. She spends the day begging for food. I am going to vet but do you think it might be hyper thyroid problem? She is out of control and getting FAT.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 24th, 2019

I'm not sure if Miss Piggy is a cat or a dog. Hyperthyroidism (most common in cats ) typically causes the animal to lose weight despite eating a lot, not gain it. Hypothyroidism (which happens most often in dogs) causes weight gain.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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What are the causes and effects of this thyroid gland on my dog? My vet told me that is the reason she isnot getting fat no matter how much she eats.
As per Dr. Elbeze, hyperthyroidism is quite rare in dogs. The main cause of this in dogs is thyroid carcinoma or there is a lab error. I would make sure to have the thyroid level tested again and confirmed and have a free t4 rather than a total t4 tested. If Soska has hyperthyroidism, I would recommend speaking with a veterinary oncologist about further testing and treatment.
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My 16 year old cat seems to lately be eating enough but being constantly hungry. Near her butt bone she is so thin that it looks like she's starving
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What are the symptoms of a cat with a worm? Because my cat meows all the time and is around his food a lot. He was recently not doing well..my dad seemed to believe he had a problem with his liver..but he is eating and drinking again and isn’t gainin
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My cat eats and drinks, but is very skinny... i can feel her bones. She is 15
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! A good appetite with weight loss are classic signs of a condition that is somewhat common in cats known as hyperthyroidism. This is usually very easy to diagnose and treatment is somewhat straightforward. Other possibilities such as gastrointestinal disease, among others are possible. I recommend that you have Isabelle evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for this possibility and treat Isabelle accordingly. Good luck and best wishes!
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Cat has doubled in size in the last two years. No change in eating habits. Other cat is same size as she’s always been. Is there any way to check for thyroid or diabetes without expensive blood work.
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Why is my cat always seem hungry?
Most commonly, this could be an indication of hyperthyroidism. This is where they produce too much thyroid hormones which makes them have a ravenous appetite. I would have your vet take a look at her and they will be able to determine if this is the cause or if something else is going on. I hope this helps!
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My cat eats continuously since she had uterus removed a year go. I'm aware of illnesses she can develop. Any advice for Miss Piggy? She now weighs 14 lb. and waddles when she walks! Tony
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My cats is very skinny and not gaining weight at all, we've fed him all different types of soft and hard food, we have even tried dieabetic cat food and has not shown signs of gaining any weight
I would recommend having some blood work performed on your cat. Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in middle aged to older cats that causes an increase metabolism so cats are often very hungry but unable to gain weight. I would also recommend having your vet check a fecal sample to ensure that Koda does not have any intestinal parasites as this can cause weight loss as well. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Boop by Petco. Best of luck.
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