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

Petmate’s Wetnoz Lilac Carrier Is Perfect For Trendy Dogs On The Go

Pampered pooches will want to travel in style sporting the hottest color this season You’ve got lots of places to be and you want to bring your dog alo…
American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is an easy-going cat that openly displays affection and does well with children and dogs. They do, however, like their quiet time.
Understanding The Dog Heat Cycle

Do you have an intact female dog? We''re going to go over the basics about the dog heat cycle, including its various stages and how to deal with it.
Dream Job Contest: Slovenian Castle Is Looking For Dog (And Owner) Car

The winner of this contest will be living large with their dog in a real Slovenian Castle… with a salary to match the lifestyle Is your dog looking fo…
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog was bred for he Czechoslovak Special Forces as an attack dog but has come to be used for search and rescue.
Porkfish

The name porkfish is usually used to describe a particular species of grunt that can be found in the tropical regions of the world.
Hap Cichlids

Hap cichlids exhibit a wide variety of colorations and patterns ranging from solid blue to multicolored combinations of red, orange, and purple.
Eurasier

The Eurasier is a fairly new breed, having only originated in Germany as recently as 1960. It is an intelligent, highly trainable and calm breed.
Gluten-Free Carob Molasses Dog Treat Recipe

This Gluten-Free Carob Molasses Dog Treat Recipe uses rice flour to keep the gluten out and the tasty in. I added an egg to help it keep its consistency.
Utonagan

The Utonagan breed was specifically developed to look like a wolf. Despite their wild appearance, Utonagan dogs make wonderful companions and family pets.
Canadian Horse

The Canadian Horse is a beautiful, strong horse that is known for being spirited and full of energy, as well as powerful.
Scents Of Security Comfort Toy Is A Security Blanket For Your Dog

The Scents of Security comforting dog toy gives your pooch a way to always be close to you. Ideal for create training puppies, separation anxiety.
Warning: The Deadly Dangers of Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs

Winter can come with many unpleasant surprises - including antifreeze poisoning in dogs. Recognizing the symptoms is key to saving your pet''s life.
KEDi Documents the Lives of Istanbul’s Street Cats

The street cats of Istanbul have a special relationship with the city''s residents. KEDi follows the lives of 7 Turkish tabbies as they interact with humans.
Boston Marathon Bombing Service Dog is The Star Of a New Book

A special service dog named Rescue is the star of a new book about how he came into the lives of two survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing.