Feline acromegaly is caused by a pituitary tumor secreting excess growth hormone, causing uncontrolled diabetes and progressive organ damage that was historically difficult to treat.
Cats with undiagnosed acromegaly experience progressive deterioration - insulin requirements climb, organs enlarge, and blood glucose remains uncontrolled despite increasing doses. After stereotactic radiosurgery targeting the pituitary tumor, many cats achieve diabetic remission and return to excellent quality of life. Early specialist referral of any difficult-to-control diabetic cat is a crucial welfare intervention.