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Cat Nasal Polyps: Common Causes and How To Treat Them

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Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that develop in a cat’s ears and nose. They are also called nasopharyngeal polyps because they often grow into the nasopharynx, the space in the back of your cat’s throat. 

Let’s look at cat nasal polyps and what to do if your cat has them. 

Key Takeaways

  • Cat nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that develop in a feline’s ears, throat, and nose. Vets do not consider them a medical emergency.
  • Nasopharyngeal polyps occur most frequently in young cats. While the exact cause is unknown, it’s believed that cat nasal polyps may be associated with inflammation.
  • If your cat has chronic sneezing or noisy breathing, a nasal polyp may be the cause.

What Are Cat Nasal Polyps?

A polyp is a non-cancerous, fleshy, pink mass that grows from a stalk.

Nasal polyps in cats are made up of inflammatory and skin cells. If a polyp grows to a large enough size, you may be able to see it when you look in your cat’s nostril or ear canal, but they are usually difficult to see with the naked eye. 

Most nasopharyngeal polyps originate in the middle ear and often extend into the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the area of the throat behind the nose and sinus cavity.

As the polyp grows, it extends into the nasopharynx and can cause problems if it puts pressure on the surrounding ear, throat, or nose tissue. 

Cat nasal polyps are not considered a medical emergency. 

Types of Cat Nasal Polyps 

Nasal polyps are classified according to where they originate: 

Causes of Cat Nasal Polyps

Nasopharyngeal polyps occur most frequently in young cats. While the exact cause is unknown, it’s believed that cat nasal polyps may be associated with inflammation. This inflammation can come from an underlying ear infection or a respiratory virus like calicivirus or herpesvirus.   

Cats that come from crowded environments, like catteries or shelters, may be at an increased risk for developing polyps due to increased exposure to viruses. Cats living in a community where many unvaccinated cats share resources are also at an increased risk of polyps. 

Any breed of cat can get a nasopharyngeal polyp. While they are more common in young cats, cats of all ages can be affected. 

How Veterinarians Diagnose Cat Nasal Polyps

Because your cat’s Eustachian tubes are located deep inside their head, nasal polyps will be difficult to see when your cat is awake, unless they are very large. 

If your cat has symptoms of a nasopharyngeal polyp, your vet may recommend sedating them to search for a polyp. While your cat is under anesthesia, your vet can examine the back of their throat. 

Your vet may use an instrument to sweep the back of your cat’s soft palate and pull the polyp forward. If this isn’t successful, a small, flexible scope may be used to look inside your cat’s throat, ears, and nasal passages. 

A complete workup, including blood work and X-rays, may be recommended to rule out other common causes of your cat’s symptoms. 

Occasionally, advanced imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be recommended to better visualize the inner and middle ear. 

Some cats may require a more extensive surgery called a ventral bulla osteotomy. During this procedure, a veterinarian surgically opens the hollow chamber below the ear (the bulla), to remove the polyp at its origin. A surgical laser is sometimes used to remove the tissue at the point of attachment to discourage regrowth. 

If the polyp is in a location difficult to access, such as deep in the ear or nose, a scope may be needed to help with removal. 

After surgery your cat may be prescribed antibiotics, such as Clavamox

They may also be prescribed ear drops, like Tresaderm

While nasal polyps can be treated and are potentially curable in cats, they have a high rate of recurrence. 

If your pet underwent more extensive surgery (such as a ventral bulla osteotomy), they may need to wear a cat recovery collar for 10 to 14 days until their stitches are removed. 

Cat Nasal Polyps FAQs

How long can a cat live with nasal polyps?

Young cats affected by nasal polyps can live a normal life span after the polyp is removed. Failing to remove the polyp can lead to chronic infections, worsening symptoms, and a decreased lifespan. 

How do you get rid of polyps in a cat’s nose?

Nasal polyps in cats are removed surgically. 

How much does it cost to fix a cat’s nasal polyp?

The cost of surgery varies, based on which technique is performed and what region of the country you live in.

Removal with traction and avulsion by your vet is cheaper than a ventral bulla osteotomy performed by a veterinary surgeon.

Surgery can cost anywhere from $400 to $4,000. 

How do I tell if my cat has a nasal polyp?

If your cat has chronic sneezing or noisy breathing, a nasopharyngeal polyp may be the cause. Your vet will need to sedate your cat to determine whether they have a polyp. 


WRITTEN BY

Melissa Boldan, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Melissa Boldan graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. She initially practiced mixed animal…


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