Frequently Asked Questions

The radiation emitted from the cat is a combination of beta and gamma radiation. The strongest emissions are from the beta rays, which travel a maximum distance of 2mm. This allows them to target the overactive thyroid tissue specifically. It is also why, there are safety measure in place for 3 weeks post treatment for staff and then owners not to be too close to the cat for long periods of time. The radiation degrades over time, so by 3 weeks post treatment the radiation levels are negligible. In the first week they are the strongest, which is why we hospitalise the cat in a special shielded environment.

If you add up the cost of other treatments and monitoring over the course of the cat’s life, they are comparable. However, with RAIT, the cost is an upfront lump sum payment, rather than spread over years. 

No. Owners often feel it is stressful for the cat to board for 7-10 days post treatment. However, due to legal requirements for the radiation safety just discussed, it is essential for the health and wellbeing of the owners not to have the cat around them at this time. The cat is no more stressed here than in a boarding cattery if you went on holidays, and often stress levels are lower as there are fewer cats around them. Once treated, we do not need to fuss with them, except to feed them, clean their cages and chat to them twice daily.