Hyperthyroidism/multiple blood tests?

About a year and a half ago, my 11 year old Gizmo, started yowling and losing weight and we thought it might be hyperthyroidism and had the vet do blood tests. We have done 3 blood tests so far, and there have been no signs of thyroid issues or any other issues. The thyroid levels are not even close to boderline and the kidneys, etc. are fine. Since these tests, we figured out that for some reason Gizmo doesn't like her dry food anymore (her teeth are fine) and I started feeding her the wet food twice a day. She has gained some weight since then. We also think the yowling is behavioral as she only does it when she wants food or attention (she has a strong personality and can be obnoxios when she wants something). It's been six months since her last (and 3rd!) blood test and the vet wants to do another one. Her symptoms have not gotten worse, and as stated before, we think a lot of it is behavioral. The vet is making me feel guilty for not doing more blood tests, but I don't see the point. How many tests do we have to do to rule out hyperthyroidism? I'm not cheap where my cats are concerned (we have spent at least $3000 over the past year in vet bills), but I don't want to throw money away if it's not necessary. Any insight anyone can give on this is appreciated!

I understand that it is recommended that senior cats get blood tests every 6 months. Perhaps that is why your vet is insistent about it.
I admit though, my 15+year old Joji, has not gone for a blood test in 2 years. She is healthy, has no behavioral issues and going to the vet is very stressful for both of us. Maybe some people may see me as an irresponsible pet owner

about it being behavoral. I have had cats that begin the "senior yowl" about that time. I have one now. She is about 10 or 11. I also had a hyperthyroid cat that yowled and lost weight. But if your cat's blood work is normal, I would not worry too much. Don't know if I would go through another round of tests though. It just gets sooooo expensive. Good luck to you and I hope your kitty continues to do well despite the noise!

The yowling is a very common occurrence in older cats. If it's bothersome there's a drug called Senilife that has shown a decrease in that "senior yowl" and the weird geriatric kitty behavior.

What tests has your vet run? Just T4? In house or sent off? They can send off various other tests, such as a free T4 which will give you more accurate answers.

I advise you to do the blood work. Health can change very quickly in senior cats. When Ootay was 15 she had perfect blood work in June. In August she had a UTI and I broguht her in and vet wanted to do blood work. Just two months after the last blood work, the new blood work showed her in the early stages of kidney failure.

Early deteciton is key in survival and treatment.

As for the yowling, it may just be a personality change, cats do change up now and then. I wouldn't call it behavioral, she's just doing something different because she's a cat and that's what cats do.

But it could also be she is losing her hearing and/or sight. and /or senility. Any of those would cause yowling. She might be losing her place....forgets where she is..can't hear you...so she yowls until you are found.

Please keep us posted on Gizmo, but I would go for the blood work.

Yowling is often caused by high blood pressure. Sometimes the high blood pressure is linked to hyperthyroidism or kidney failure, but it can be a condition all by itself. You might ask the vet about checking blood pressure during the next visit. My senior boy gets blood work done about every six months. It was fine last time, but his latest results are not. The six month interval is a decent balance between not spending tons of money on unnecessary tests and catching problems early enough that they can be treated successfully.

Originally Posted by cloud_shade

Yowling is often caused by high blood pressure. Sometimes the high blood pressure is linked to hyperthyroidism or kidney failure, but it can be a condition all by itself. You might ask the vet about checking blood pressure during the next visit. My senior boy gets blood work done about every six months. It was fine last time, but his latest results are not. The six month interval is a decent balance between not spending tons of money on unnecessary tests and catching problems early enough that they can be treated successfully.

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That's a very good point, thank you for posting it!

When you bring Gizmo in for the check up and blood work, ask for a blood pressure reading, too. There are just so many things it could be besides behavioral. Please keep us updated!