Acromegaly in Cats

Acromegaly is a condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone over a sustained period, typically due to a small tumour in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. In cats, this excess hormone affects how tissues grow and how the body handles sugar, leading to a constellation of gradual changes that may not be obvious at first. Owners often notice that their cat seems larger or heavier than before, with a broader face, bigger paws, or a more prominent lower jaw. Many cats with acromegaly also develop diabetes that proves difficult to manage with insulin, or they may drink and urinate more than usual. The changes tend to unfold slowly, over months or years, and can be mistaken for normal ageing or weight gain. This page explores the signals that may prompt consideration of acromegaly, what is happening in the body to produce those changes, how the condition is investigated through blood tests and imaging, and the range of approaches that exist once a picture becomes clearer.