Study: Feline Hyperthyroidism May Linked To Carpet and Furniture Chemi

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

New research about the chemicalsthat are found in carpeting and certain upholsteries suggests that your cat’s thyroid may be in danger.

Dr. Miaomiao Wang is with the California Environmental Protection Agency and was the lead researcher of the study. Dr. Wang said that many carpets and furniture upholsteries have chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in them as they were common in furniture until about the year 2000.

Related:What Is Feline Hyperthyroidism?

In prior studies, it was found that high exposure to PFAS could adversely affect the thyroid function of humans, and now it is believed that it may also be detrimental for the thyroids of cats who are exposed to the PFAS as well.

Dr. Wang said that they’ve been investigating the effects of PFAS for several years and that cats are great to look at for examining how toxins and pollutants can affect humans as well based on how they affect them.

PFAS exposure can occur from the leaching out of objects in the home, as well as ingestion in diets and food-contact, as well as drinking water, dust and hair. Wang says that cats and humans share similarities in the way they react to exposure to residential environmental factors, including dust. Wang also said this is particularly true of toddlers.

That said, cats also have the very common endocrinological disorder of hyperthyroidism–where the thyroid overacts in hormonal productivity due to the enlarged thyroid. Dr. Wang’s team wanted to see if there was any connection with the PFAS.

They looked at the blood levels of PFAS in two different groups of cats who lived in the San Francisco, CA area. One group included 21 cats who were sampled between 2008 and 2010 and the other group of 22 was sampled between 2012 and 2013. Most all the cats were at least ten-years-old.

They found that the higher the levels of PFAS in the feline’s blood, the higher the odds of an overactive thyroid in the cat were. As well, the blood levels of a specific subcategory of PFAS was significantly higher in cats who were hyperthyroid.

Related:FDA Alert: Pet Foods and Treats May Contain Hormones That Trigger Hyperthyroidism

The team found that the sample period difference showed a PFAS decline, and they believe that was due to the common decline in PFAS blood levels in humans as the chemical’s usage continues to be phased out.

Dr. Wang recognizes the small size of the study and believes a larger-scale study may continue to offer information about how to keep our cats (and selves) safe from the effects of PFAS. Additionally, Wang suggests regular monitoring of thyroid activity for cats (and humans), particularly in cats who are ten years or older.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Study: Top 10 Most Common Dog and Cat Illnesses

Would it shock you to learn that pet parents spend more than $15 billion a year on vet care? But most of these dollars are spent treating the minor illnesses.
White Bellied Caique

There''s no doubt about it - the White Bellied Caique will bring tons of fun and laughter to your life, and make a perfect family pet.
Cardinal Lory

An often overlooked and rarely seen parrot in the pet world, Cardinal Lory has a lot of desirable traits that have the potential to make it more popular.
Pencilfish

Pencilfish are named for their slender, pencil-like shape and they generally grow no more than 2 inches long. They are peaceful by nature.
4 Basic First Aid Tips For Cat Emergencies

Know what to look for before an emergency with these first aid tips for cats Knowing what steps to take during an emergency involving your cat can be the dif…
Cao De Castro Laboreiro

A large and impressive livestock herding breed, the Cao de Castro Laboreiro is fairly rare outside his home country of Portugal.
Snoring Dog Sounds Like Daffy Duck

We love this sleepy fellow - he''s oblivious to his amused owner who has captured his adorable snore on video. He sounds just like Daffy Duck!
Alabama Map Turtle

The Alabama Map Turtle is a beautiful breed that is protected in Alabama and rare in Georgia, a great choice for a beginner turtle keeper.
Swedish Hare

The Swedish Hare is bred to enjoy being athletic and active. The Swedish Hare should appear graceful, powerful, and alert.
Adoptable Dog of the Week – Maverick

We''d like you to meet Maverick, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. He''s a 9-month-old Border Collie mix living in Northville, Michigan.
HABRI Grant Helps Study Impact of Shelter Cat Adoption by Kids With Au

HABRI awards a grant to the University of Missouri that will look at the effects of shelter cat adoptions in families that have children with autism.
Pyrenean Mastiff

A fluffy dog with a calm and even temperament, the Pyrenean Mastiff is a super-sized softie. This dog originated in the Aragonese Pyrenees region of Spain.
Three-Toed Box Turtle

The Three-Toed Box Turtle is a subspecies of the Common Box Turtle, and it is named ""three-toed"" because its back feet feature three toes.
Basic Dog Tricks: Shake A Paw

The shake a paw trick is a basic trick that should be one of your dog''s standards that he can pull out when guests come over and he wants to impress them.
Moluccan Cockatoo

Moluccan Cockatoo, or the Salmon Crested Cockatoo, is one of the most intelligent and curious pet parrots.This goofy bird will be your lifelong friend!