Another risk to our cats (and our childrens) health!

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And this one is not from China. If you saw the report that was released today about household dust that contains flame retardant particles (PBDEs) that were used in furniture, carpets and fabrics that were made prior to 2004; you know what I am talking about. If not, here is the link - http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-08/acs-slc081307.php These flame retardant particles are being inhaled alogn with household dust and are accumulating in our cats bodies (and they are being found in our bodies as well). In older cats the concentration of PCBE. is causing our pets to develop hyperthyroidism, which is treatable if diagnosed early enough in both cats and humans. The problem with the article is the fact that it does not list the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats; so, how is the average person going to know something is wrong and ask teh vet to check for this? Well, here is a link to a site that discusses thyroid disease in cats - both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/hyperthyroidism.html A quick summary of the symptoms of hyperthyoidism is: "The disease is an overactivity of one or both of the thyroid glands in the neck, which is very common in older cats. Because these glands control the metabolic rate, affected cats will tend to be overactive, eat and drink more than usual, yet lose weight dramatically. If the condition is left untreated, the racing heart becomes unable to cope with the strain, and the cat will die from heart failure. AND other signs can include increase thirst, increased urination, vomiting, diarrhea, behavioral changes and central flexion of the neck." Since this product was used extensively before 2004 and is still in our carpets, curtains, furniture, etc.; it is no wonder that this is listed as "very common in older cats". So, if any of your cats are experiencing these symptoms or start to experience these symptoms; take them to the vet to be checked. This can be treated if you do not wait too long.