Seeking Advice for Managing My Hyperthyroid Cat's Early Morning Begging

Hi everyone,

I have a 10-year-old male cat who was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism last summer. Over the previous months, I was able to balance his Methimazole dosage to result in blood work that has been at its best since developing hyperthyroidism.

One of the challenges I have been facing is his early morning begging for canned wet food. It started around 3 to 4 AM when I first discovered his thyroid issue. It has now moved to an average range of 6 to 7 AM, which is more manageable, but the cries still begin before that time some days.

The desperation in my cat's cries is quite loud, and he keeps it going nonstop until he is given food. He howls as if he is hurt. As suggested by his vet, I have tried not to give him food when he begs to discourage the behavior. It doesn't work.

He seems to be particularly fixated on wet food and begs for it throughout the day and at dinner. I do give him kibble throughout the day, but he craves the wet food. I have tested ranges of high-protein wet food to see which satisfies him most, including Fancy Feast, Cat Person, and Tiki Cat. I have found Tiki Cat works the best (but not entirely).

This has been an almost daily occurrence for nearly a year and is becoming exhausting. When I set a daily alarm at 6 AM and 5 PM to feed him wet food (in hopes he adjusts to waiting for the alarm to sound), the cries always begin before it goes off. Even when I change the time to be earlier, a consistent schedule isn't enough to appease his hunger.

I have tried shutting my door to give myself more peace to sleep, but then he starts running around the house, howling and jiggling my door.

I spoke to the vet about this problem, who attributed it to my cat's becoming a senior. I am at a complete loss.

This habit has become my cat's personality since he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. I also can't imagine how it must be for him if he is constantly hungry. I looked into iodine radiation treatment, but his heart murmur prevented him from being an eligible candidate.

Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? What strategies have you found effective in managing this behavior while keeping your cat's health needs in mind? Perhaps feeding him wet food right before bedtime? Or wet food three times a day for this guy instead of two? I appreciate any advice!