Caring for Your Cat after Iodine Treatment

After radioactive iodine treatment, your cat will still release small amounts of radioactivity in their urine, stools, and saliva for 2-4 weeks. To keep everyone safe, here are some easy steps to follow for the first two weeks after your cat comes home:

Keep your cat indoors for the first 2 weeks after discharge, and avoid contact with their saliva, stools, vomit, or urine.

Caring for your cat after Iodine treatment

Here’s what you should do during this time:

Keep them in the carrier until you’re home.
Limit close contact: It’s OK to pick up your cat for a few minutes, but they shouldn’t sit on laps for long periods or sleep in your bed.
Avoid face-to-face contact; don’t let your cat lick or groom you.
Handle your cat in a well-ventilated room with open windows or airflow.
Keep your cat off kitchen counters and away from food prep areas.
Wash your hands after petting your cat.
Avoid contact with their waste:
Use a litter tray in an empty area lined with a waterproof liner.
Dispose of litter waste in a rubbish bag and wear gloves when handling the litter tray or cleaning up accidents like vomit.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should stay at least 1 metre away from their cat and their litter or bedding for 3 weeks.

If your cat needs to visit the vet, call ahead and explain the situation. Bring these instructions and keep your cat in the carrier during transport.

If you follow these guidelines, the radiation risk to humans is minimal.

Need help?

At Cat Specialist Services, we’ve created a space that genuinely understands your cat’s needs during their radioactive iodine treatment. Our facility is designed with your cat’s comfort in mind, offering natural sunlight, calming garden views, and even some “cat TV” to help them feel at ease while they’re with us.

We believe a relaxing environment is just as important for their recovery as the treatment.

Our dedicated, compassionate feline specialists and support staff are here to care for your cat every step of the way. Using state-of-the-art equipment, we’ll closely monitor your cat’s health and provide extra care they might need, including pain management and tailored nutritional support.

Are you worried about your cat’s health?

If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.

Patient Stories

Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.

Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.

See All Stories

Skilled and compassionate cat nurses make all the difference

Veterinary patients can’t speak, but they always communicate. Skilled and compassionate cat nurses know exactly what cats are trying to say. They bring a specialised approach that combines behavioural insight, technical precision and emotional awareness.

Expert care and a tailored plan saved Ed from pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition that disrupts digestion and often goes unnoticed until a cat becomes seriously ill. That was the case for Ed, whose vague symptoms progressed into a life-threatening emergency. Thankfully, with expert care from Cat Specialist Services, she made a full recovery.

Emma’s radioactive iodine experience

Emma, a sweet 12-year-old Domestic Short Hair, came to us for Radioactive Iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism. Our feline-friendly techniques ensured stress-free blood sampling, and she is now thriving.

Tango Triumphs Over FIP

At 5 months old, Tango was diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Once considered a fatal disease, the introduction of new treatments has significantly boosted the survival rate.

Toffee Survives Tick Paralysis

Toffee faced a frightening battle with tick paralysis and aspiration pneumonia, she was rushed to AES when her owners noticed her vomiting, breathing difficulties and trouble walking.

Contacting Us

Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.

1300 228 377

1-15 Lexington Rd,
Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119

Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pm
Saturday/Sunday - Closed