Aftercare Following Radioiodine Treatment

Aftercare After Radioiodine Treatment | Bringing Your Cat Home

Guidance on caring for your cat after radioiodine treatment, including safety precautions, recovery and follow-up care.

Bringing your cat home

Once your cat is discharged, there are a few simple precautions to follow. These are designed to minimise radiation exposure while your cat continues to eliminate small amounts of radioactivity.

Your cat will need to remain indoors for a week after they get home, and close contact with people should be limited, particularly with young children or pregnant individuals. The cat should ideally be kept in a separate room, and there should be limited time spent with the cat on your lap (a maximum of one hour per day). Your cat should not sleep in the same bedroom as you for this first week. We will also advise you on handling litter safely during this time, which can either be flushed down the toilet, or stored for a period in an outdoor area or garage.

Recovery and improvement

Most cats begin to show gradual improvement over the following weeks as thyroid levels return to normal. Many owners notice their cat’s appetite normalises, weight stabilises, and behaviour often becomes calmer.

Follow-up care

We recommend follow-up checks with your regular vet at 1 month and 6 months after treatment for a blood test and physical exam. These visits allow monitoring of thyroid levels, kidney function, and blood pressure.

Helpful Links

International Cat Care – Hyperthyroidism in cats