Household chemicals may be causing cat disease | Reuters

Household chemicals may be causing cat disease | Reuters:

"Although hyperthyroidism was a relatively rare disease 35 years ago, it has become a leading cause of death among U.S. pet cats. Symptoms include weight loss despite increased appetite, hair loss and irritability. Dye, a veterinarian, tied a spike in this disease to the introduction of PBDEs into homes as a flame retardant about 30 years ago. 'The increased use of these chemicals tracked the increased recognition of this syndrome in kitties,' Dye said. She believes dust from the chemicals may be ingested by cats as they groom themselves."

In case anyone needs a reason not to get new furniture.