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

2014 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Awards Best In Show To Wire Fox

It’s the end of the another Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (there’s been 138 of them to be exact), and the 2014 Best In Show Trophy was awarded…
Schweenie

The eager-to-please Schweenie is a fun combination of the feisty little Shih Tzu and the clever, often headstrong Dachshund.
Small Münsterländer

Known as the Kleiner Mnsterlnder, the Small Mnsterlnder looks like a smaller version of the versatile hunting breed known as the Large Mnsterlnder.
Top 10 Totally Terrific Toques For Dogs

Get a-head (get it?) of winter fashion trends. Top your pooch with a toasty warm (and utterly adorable) a Canadian-inspired toque.
Alpine Dachsbracke

The Alpine Dachsbracke has the ability to track game over the roughest terrain, even through the brush, following the trail long after it has gone cold.
Best Puzzle Games for Cats

How do you keep your cat entertained and out of trouble? If you want to train his brain, try one of these puzzle games for cats.
April Fool’s Joke Now A Real Dog Clothing Line At American “Beagle

From “pupper” vests to cozy sweaters, American Eagle’s got your pooch covered this winter It may have started out as an April Fool’s…
Turn Up The Heat With Winter Coats For Dogs

They''re not just fashion statements - winter coats for dogs help keep the chill at bay. A winter coat can make a huge difference for your dog this winter.
Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore

Though he is quite rare outside his homeland, the Grand Anglo-Franais Tricolore is a talented hunting breed that any hunter would be lucky to own.
Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish are a family of saltwater fish made up of over 100 distinct species. They resemble angelfish and have compressed, disk shaped bodies.
Discussing The Truth About Cat Food

Do you really know what goes into your cat''s food? We chatted with the folks at TruthAboutPetFood.com to learn more about what our cats are eating.
Adjust Your Attitude About The Benefits Of Dog Chiropractic Care

The fact of the matter is that dog chiropractic care can be beneficial for a wide range of problems - it may even help to prevent joint degeneration.
Banana Coconut Dog Treat Recipe

It''s not just coconut oil that''s good for dogs - coconut meat packs a healthy punch, too! Did you know that shredded coconut is a great source of fiber?
Yorwich

A rare designer dog breed, the charming Yorwich is a mix of purebred terriers. The breed was developed by breeding Yorkshire Terriers to Norwich Terriers.
Kitten Album Covers Proves That Cats Rock!

Cats want to rock all night, and meow the rest of the day! We are raising our paws in the air like we just don''t care for this kitten album cover art.