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

How To Use Treats For Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

Come! Sit! Stay! Good dog - here''s why using treats for positive reinforcement dog training will get your dog motivated to learn good behaviors and tricks.
Don Your Dog In Dapper Apparel This Holiday Season

Can’t you just picture a pawstiviely precious miniature poodle prancing down Park Avenue in this get up? It seems like designer duds for dogs are the i…
Squirrel Hides Nut In Dog’s Fur [Video]

Now here’s a place where none of the other squirrels would ever look for your winter store of nuts – in a dog’s fur! And that’s just…
Ancient Dogs Provide Clues About North America’s Early Inhabitants

Research digs up evidence on how the North American dog/human dynamic has changed over the centuries New research out of the University of Illinois is using…
Cat Reunited With Family After Being Mistakenly Shipped 1,200 Kilomete

Baloo decided to take a nap in a box- only to be shipped half way across the country. But luckily, this improptu delivery story has a happy end.
Thuringer Rabbit

The Thuringer Rabbit is a uniquely beautiful breed that features a coat that is buff to deep yellow ochre with blue-black ticking.
Elegant Parrot

One of the most prominent members of the Australian Grass parakeet family, the Elegant Parrot is a charming little bird with a big personality.
5 Safety Tips For Moving With Dogs

Moving is a long process, so you''ll want to simplify as much as possible. We''ve put together a few tips to make moving with dogs safe and stress-free.
Fill Your Cat’s Stocking With Temptations Treats

Ho, ho, ho – holidays are here! As a loving pet parent, you’re probably already planning what presents to buy and what to stuff in your pet’s stocking – they’re a part of the family, too, so they deserve nothing less than to be a part of the holiday cheer and spirit of giving.
Pacu

Pacu fish are a large family of freshwater fish related to the piranha. While some species look like piranhas, they are herbivores and are peaceful fish.
Jagdterrier

The Jagdterrier is known for its black-and-tan coloration as well as its work ethic and hunting skills, as well as its courage, energy, and intelligence.
Norfolk Terrier

A small dog with a big personality, the Norfolk Terrier is out to charm anyone who crosses his path. Playful, affectionate, bold, inquisitive and friendly.
It’s All Greek Yogurt To Me Dog Treat Recipe

One of my favorite snacks is Greek yogurt. Smooth, creamy and rich, Greek yogurt is a taste of the Mediterranean you can enjoy in the middle of the day.
Acara Cichlids

Most acara cichlids are somewhat aggressive and territorial and they have a tendency to eat smaller fish. Acaras come in a wide range of colors.
American Hairless Terrier

Although a new breed, the American Hairless Terrier has gathered quite a fan club in its few decades of existence. It is an intelligent working breed.