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:
Symptoms of Cat Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps can cause issues with a cat’s nose, throat, or ears as they grow. Signs to watch for include:
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.
Treatment of Cat Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps in cats are treated with surgery.
Most of the time, veterinarians can remove polyps by retracting the soft palate, grasping the polyp with a surgical instrument, and gently pulling and twisting.
Cat polyps have a long, thin stalk, and this gentle pulling and twisting removes the polyp at its base. Unfortunately, approximately half of polyps that are removed will regrow.
Giving oral steroids, such as prednisolone, on a tapering dose after surgery can dramatically reduce the risk of regrowth.
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.
Recovery and Management of Cat Nasal Polyps
The recovery period after cat nasal polyp removal can last up to two weeks. During that time, your pet may prefer soft food if their throat is tender.
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.
Prevention of Cat Nasal Polyps
Minimizing your cat’s exposure to viruses may reduce their risk of chronic inflammation and secondary nasal polyp formation. As the exact cause is not completely understood, polyp formation may be difficult to prevent.
Quickly treating any underlying respiratory or ear infections may also reduce risk.
Unfortunately, aside from ensuring complete removal of the stalk and giving a tapering course of steroids after removal, there’s no way to prevent future regrowth.
Any polyps that regrow will eventually need to be surgically removed again.
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.