A cat nasopharyngeal polyp is a benign inflammatory mass that grows from the lining of the middle ear or auditory tube and causes snoring, noisy breathing, nasal discharge, and — when the ear canal is involved — head shaking and a head tilt. Most cats are cured with traction removal plus a short course of prednisolone, though recurrence is higher when bulla disease is present on imaging.
Last reviewed: June 2026
What is a nasopharyngeal polyp in cats?
A nasopharyngeal (inflammatory) polyp is a non-cancerous, soft-tissue mass that arises from the mucosal lining of the middle ear or the auditory (Eustachian) tube. As it grows, it may extend into the nasopharynx (the space behind the nasal passages), the external ear canal, or both. Cats of any age can be affected, but young cats aged 1–4 years are most commonly diagnosed. No sex predisposition is well-established. The exact cause is unknown; an association with chronic upper respiratory infections (feline herpesvirus, calicivirus) has been proposed but not definitively proven (Anderson et al., 2000, Veterinary Record).
What are the signs of a nasopharyngeal polyp in cats?
Signs depend on where the polyp has grown:
Signs of nasopharyngeal polyp (airway involvement)
- Stertor — a low, snoring or rattling sound during breathing, often mistaken for a "congested" nose
- Open-mouth or labored breathing — especially during sleep or when relaxed
- Nasal discharge — clear, mucoid, or occasionally bloody from one or both nostrils
- Voice change or muffled meow — polyp partially obstructing the soft palate area
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) — in polyps that are large or positioned near the soft palate
- Reduced appetite from difficulty breathing and smelling food
Signs of aural polyp (ear canal involvement)
- Head shaking and pawing at the affected ear
- Head tilt toward the affected side
- Otitis externa — discharge, odor, or visible swelling in the ear canal
- Horner's syndrome (drooped eyelid, small pupil, third eyelid protrusion) — from involvement of the middle ear near sympathetic nerve fibers
- Some cats have both nasopharyngeal and aural involvement simultaneously
How is a nasopharyngeal polyp diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made during an anesthetized oral examination — a pedunculated mass is visible behind the soft palate or within the ear canal. CT imaging of the bulla is the most accurate imaging modality for determining the extent of bulla involvement and surgical planning (Oliveira et al., 2012, Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound). CT findings of a well-defined mass with rim enhancement plus asymmetric bulla wall thickening are highly characteristic. Skull radiographs are an alternative but less sensitive for subtle bulla changes.
How are nasopharyngeal polyps treated in cats?
Traction-avulsion (grasping and twisting the polyp free under anesthesia) is the simplest first-line approach for nasopharyngeal polyps. Post-removal prednisolone (typically a 2-week tapering course) significantly reduces recurrence rates. In one study, none of the cats treated with prednisolone after traction suffered a recurrence (Anderson et al., 2000, Veterinary Record).
Ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO) is recommended when CT or radiographs show bulla disease (fluid, wall thickening, or mass extending into the bulla). Of cats with bulla abnormalities, recurrence after traction alone was ~55%, compared to much lower rates following VBO. However, VBO carries a higher risk of neurologic complications — Horner's syndrome and facial nerve palsy occur more frequently with VBO than with traction alone.
Recurrence without bulla disease: In cats with radiographically normal bullae treated by traction, recurrence rates are low — traction alone is usually curative in this subgroup.
When to See a Vet
Call your vet today if:
- Your cat makes a persistent snoring or rattling sound when breathing, even at rest
- Your cat has nasal discharge from one side that has not resolved in 7–10 days
- You notice a head tilt, frequent head shaking, or discharge from one ear
- Your cat is breathing with visible effort or keeps its mouth open while resting
Go to the ER immediately if:
- Your cat is breathing with its mouth open, gasping, or showing blue/grey gums — airway obstruction from a large polyp is an emergency
- Your cat suddenly cannot eat or swallow
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a nasopharyngeal polyp sound like in a cat? The characteristic sound is a deep, rattling stertor — like a congested human or a light snore — present even when the cat is awake and calm. It differs from wheezing (higher-pitched, from the chest). The sound is constant and worsens during sleep or when the cat is relaxed and mouth-breathing.
Is a nasopharyngeal polyp cancerous in cats? No. Nasopharyngeal polyps are benign inflammatory masses, not tumors. Biopsy confirms benign fibrovascular tissue covered by respiratory epithelium. However, other nasopharyngeal masses (lymphoma, carcinoma) do exist and can look similar, making biopsy or histopathology of the removed mass important for a definitive diagnosis.
Can a cat live with an untreated nasopharyngeal polyp? Polyps tend to slowly enlarge over months to years. Small polyps may cause mild signs for a time, but as they grow, airway obstruction worsens, eating becomes harder, and quality of life declines significantly. Surgical removal is curative in most cats and carries low risk.
How much does nasopharyngeal polyp treatment cost in cats? Anesthetized oral exam and traction removal typically costs $500–1,200. If CT imaging is included, add $800–1,800. Ventral bulla osteotomy (for bulla-involved cases) adds $1,500–3,000+ to the surgical bill. A short prednisolone course post-removal adds minimal cost and significantly reduces recurrence.
Can both ears or both sides of the nasopharynx be affected? Bilateral aural polyps do occur but are less common. When both ears are involved, bilateral VBO may be necessary. CT is especially important in bilateral cases to map extent of involvement and plan the safest surgical approach.
Still Not Sure if Your Cat Needs a Vet?
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