The Royal Veterinary College are conducting research to find out why up to 10% of older cats develop an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). This disease can reduce lifespan and quality of life of cats, and can be costly to treat. By improving knowledge of how the thyroid works in young, healthy animals, they hope to find out more about factors involved with thyroid disease. Their ultimate aim is to find ways to prevent cats developing hyperthyroidism in future.