🐾 Vet Guide 2025: Treating Nasal Pharyngeal Polyps in Cats for Better Breathing 🐱🩺

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Is your cat snoring loudly, sneezing excessively, or scratching at its ears? These may be signs of a nasopharyngeal polyp—a benign but problematic growth in the back of the throat or ear canal. In this 2025 vet guide, we’ll explore what these polyps are, how they’re diagnosed, treated, and what to expect for recovery. 😺💡

🔍 What Are Nasal Pharyngeal Polyps?

Nasopharyngeal polyps (also called otopharyngeal polyps, middle ear polyps, or inflammatory polyps) are the most common benign growths found in a cat’s external ear canal or upper throat. They are typically soft, non-cancerous tissue masses resulting from chronic inflammation. 📈

Polyps can appear:

• 🧠 Behind the soft palate (nasopharynx)
• 👂 Inside the middle ear
• 📦 Within the external ear canal

Though most often seen in young cats, any feline—regardless of age, sex, or breed—can develop a polyp. 🐾

🤔 What Causes These Growths?

The exact cause of these polyps remains unknown. However, common associations include:

• 🦠 Chronic ear infections
• 🤒 Viral infections (e.g., feline calicivirus)
• 🔥 Persistent inflammation in the upper respiratory tract

It’s believed that inflammation stimulates tissue overgrowth in the ear or throat, eventually forming a polyp. 🔬

📋 Signs of Nasopharyngeal Polyps in Cats

Signs depend on the size and location of the polyp. These can vary from subtle to severe. 🚨

👃 Nasopharyngeal Symptoms:

• 😴 Snoring
• 🤧 Sneezing
• 👃 Nasal discharge (clear or cloudy)
• 😤 Difficulty breathing through the nose
• 😿 Swallowing trouble or appetite loss

👂 Ear-Related Symptoms:

• 🐾 Head shaking or tilting
• 👂 Ear scratching
• 😵 Balance issues or stumbling
• 👀 Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movement)
• 💨 Foul odor from one ear
• 🦠 Chronic ear infections

Rare complications: Some cats may develop secondary conditions like:

• 🧠 Intracranial abscess (from inner ear infections)
• 🫁 Hiatal hernia or megaesophagus due to chronic obstruction

🧪 Diagnosing Nasal Pharyngeal Polyps

Diagnosis starts with a thorough physical examination, especially inspection of the ears and throat. In most cases, sedation or anesthesia is needed to properly visualize the polyp—particularly if it’s deep in the ear or behind the palate. 🩺😷

Diagnostic tools include:

• 🩻 Skull radiographs or advanced imaging (CT/MRI)
• 🧠 Otoscopic examination under anesthesia
• 🔬 Biopsy for confirmation and to rule out other masses

🔧 Treatment: Surgical Removal Is Key

Polyps must be surgically removed. Depending on the location, one of two methods is used: 🛠️

1️⃣ Traction/Avulsion Technique:

This method involves “plucking” the polyp from the throat. It’s minimally invasive but has a 15–50% recurrence rate. 🔁

2️⃣ Ventral Bulla Osteotomy (VBO):

Used for polyps deep within the ear. This involves accessing the bulla (middle ear cavity) surgically to fully remove the polyp’s origin. 💉🧠

🛡️ Post-Surgery Care

After polyp removal, cats may require:

• 💊 Antibiotics to prevent infection
• 💉 Anti-inflammatory meds like prednisone to reduce recurrence risk
• 🧴 Ear cleaning and care for any residual infections
• 👕 E-collar to prevent scratching during healing

Note: Some cats may experience temporary facial nerve effects—like blinking difficulty—but these usually resolve within days or weeks. 🧠⏳

🌀 Can Polyps Return?

Yes—recurrence is possible, especially with traction-only removal. Prednisone therapy post-op may lower this risk. The key is early intervention. The sooner a polyp is diagnosed and removed, the better the outlook. 🌟

🌈 Long-Term Outlook

With proper surgery and follow-up, most cats make a full recovery. Recurring cases may require repeat surgery or referral to a veterinary specialist. 🏥🐾

Monitor for any return of symptoms and keep up with regular vet check-ups. 📆

📲 When to See a Vet

If your cat is:

• 😴 Snoring unusually
• 🤧 Sneezing or drooling often
• 👂 Having chronic ear infections
• 🐾 Scratching at one side of the head frequently

Then it’s time for a veterinary exam. Early treatment of nasopharyngeal polyps greatly improves quality of life. 💖

📍 Final Thoughts

Though benign, nasopharyngeal polyps can significantly affect your cat’s comfort and health. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking timely veterinary care can help your feline breathe, hear, and play freely again. 🐱🎉

Need guidance for snoring, sneezing, or ear issues in your cat? 🐾💬 Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to speak directly with Dr Duncan Houston and get the support your cat deserves. 🩺📱