What to Expect When Your Cat Receives I-131 Treatment
I-131 treatment for feline hyperthyroidism: two appointments, one injection, and all the care your cat deserves.
When you walk through the doors at one of the Centers for Advanced Thyroid Therapy (CATT), you’re stepping into a place built entirely around your cat’s health and comfort. From the moment you arrive, every detail of the process has been carefully designed to ensure your cat receives the best care possible and that you feel fully informed and supported every step of the way!
So, what happens during an I-131 treatment? How do we prepare your cat? What can you expect after their stay?
Here’s what you’ll learn:
What to expect at your first and second appointments with CATT
How we take care of your cat during their treatment and hospital stay
Home care tips and safety guidelines for after-treatment
Let’s pull back the curtain and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the thoughtful care and expertise defining every CATT experience so you and your cat are fully prepared for this transformative treatment!
The First Appointment: Diagnostics and Planning
Your cat’s journey begins with careful preparation, ensuring the treatment is tailored to their needs. At CATT, we take the time to get it right. Two carefully planned appointments are needed to give your cat the best care.
To prepare for the first appointment, a week before your cat’s first appointment, your cat stops any other hyperthyroid medication (if prescribed).
Next, the night before your appointment, the preparation continues with one more critical step: fasting. Your cat must refrain from eating after 10:00 PM the night before to ensure the most accurate diagnostic results. Water is allowed so they can stay hydrated.
On the day of, in the quiet morning hours, you arrive at CATT to drop off your cat at 8:30 AM. It might feel hard to hand them over, but you can rest assured knowing they’re in the hands of a team dedicated to their care and comfort.
During the first appointment, we perform a series of diagnostic tests to understand your cat’s health fully:
Bloodwork to assess overall health and thyroid function.
Ultrasound imaging to evaluate the thyroid glands.
Technetium-99 injection to rule out any evidence of cancer.
Urine analysis to assess kidney function.
These tests gather all the pieces and create a complete picture to guide treatment. Our specialists carefully review the results to determine the exact dose of I-131 needed for your cat’s recovery.
Quick Tip: If your cat usually gets nervous at the vet, we recommend giving gabapentin before the visit to help them stay relaxed.
The Second Appointment: The Day of I-131 Treatment
This is the big day–the moment your cat takes a pivotal step toward better health!
You bring your cat in early on a Monday morning, greeted by our friendly staff. Unlike the first appointment, your cat doesn’t need to fast, and you’re encouraged to feed them beforehand. Bring along their favorite food and any medications they’re currently taking.
Once admitted, your cat receives a single injection of I-131, administered gently just under the skin. The procedure is quick and painless–no anesthesia is required. We closely monitor your cat from the moment the treatment begins, ensuring everything is progressing smoothly.
Quick Tip: Our team uses specialized tools to track radiation levels, ensuring the treatment is safe and effective.
During Hospital Stay After I-131 Treatment
Leaving your cat overnight is never easy, but at CATT, we make their hospital stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We have cat condos with a separate litter box cubby for our I-131 patients, where your furry friend rests and recovers.
A calm, quiet environment where handling is minimal to reduce stress.
Regular meals, fresh water, and a clean litter box.
Expert monitoring to track progress and ensure safety.
Your cat stays in their designated recovery area for up to three days, surrounded by care. Though it’s hard to be apart, you can feel good knowing they’re in a place that prioritizes their comfort and health.
Each day, we evaluate their radiation levels. If they’ve reached a safe threshold, it’s time for the best part–bringing your cat home!
Home Care Tips & Post-Treatment for I-131
The moment you pick up your cat after their hospital stay, you’re greeted with a wave of relief and excitement. They’re on the road to feeling like their old self again, and your role is to support their continued recovery.
Post-I-131 treatment, your cat deserves a cozy space to recover safely and comfortably during their two-week at-home care period.
Here are precautions you must take for the first two weeks at home:
Wear gloves when cleaning their litter box, and double-bag waste for safe disposal.
Keep them off counters and food prep areas.
Set up a cozy “home base” where they can rest with their essentials nearby.
Though you’ll need to limit close contact briefly, you can still spend quality moments together from a slight distance. These temporary precautions are all about safety; they’ll be over before you know it!
Quick Tip: Schedule a follow-up visit with your vet eight weeks post-treatment to monitor your cat’s progress.
Conclusion
Choosing I-131 treatment for your cat’s hyperthyroidism is a powerful choice that opens the door to your cat's healthier, brighter future.
Hyperthyroidism may be a challenging condition, but with advanced treatments like I-131, there’s a powerful, proven solution that puts your cat’s wellness back on track. This one-time treatment can be the turning point, helping your cat return to their happy, lively self without ongoing medications or surgery.
If you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn more, contact us today! Together, we’ll ensure your cat receives the best care on their journey back to health–giving you and your cat many more joyful moments together.
