Nasopharyngeal polyp in cats
A nasopharyngeal polyp is a small, benign, fleshy mass that occurs mainly in young cats. It begins in the middle ear or in the tube connecting the ear to the throat, then grows and descends behind the soft palate, where air passes from the...
What is it?
A nasopharyngeal polyp is a small, benign, fleshy mass that occurs mainly in young cats.
It begins in the middle ear or in the tube connecting the ear to the throat, then grows and descends behind the soft palate, where air passes from the nose to the throat. It then blocks this passage, much like a plug.
The cat breathes noisily, even when awake and calm. Because the polyp originates in the ear, signs related to the ear may also be present.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Nasal congestion or snoring sounds with each breath, including when the cat is awake and at rest.
The noise develops gradually over weeks—this duration is important to the veterinarian, as it points toward a cause that blocks the airway rather than a temporary infection.
Nasal discharge and sneezing, more subtle than in upper respiratory infection.
Difficulty swallowing, the cat eating slowly or making several attempts.
Labored breathing, sometimes with mouth open when the polyp is large.
Possible ear signs: head tilted to one side, head shaking, ear discharge, or foul smell from the ear.
Small nosebleeds, less common.
Snoring while sleeping is normal in many cats. What should alert you is noisy breathing when the cat is awake and calm, or breathing that requires effort.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The exact origin of the polyp is unknown.
It is an inflammatory overgrowth of the lining of the middle ear or the tube connecting it to the throat.
Old inflammation or infection of these areas is often suggested as the starting point, although this link has not been proven.
Young age: the condition mainly affects young cats, often under one year old, sometimes from a few months of age.
Older cats can also be affected, but this is less common.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian listens to the breathing, checks airflow through each nostril, and examines the ears.
The polyp is often hidden behind the soft palate: to see it, the back of the throat is examined under anesthesia by gently lifting the soft palate.
Imaging of the head, preferably a CT scan, shows whether the middle ear is affected, which influences the choice of treatment.
The cat's age, gradual onset of signs, and presence of ear disease help distinguish this condition from other causes of noisy breathing.
Treatment
Treatment consists of removing the polyp under anesthesia, usually through the mouth, by gently pulling it at its base.
Since a portion may remain in the middle ear, the polyp grows back in some cats. An anti-inflammatory medication is often prescribed after removal to reduce this risk.
When the middle ear is affected or the polyp returns, middle ear surgery may be recommended to remove the base. This can cause temporary side effects on the eye or balance, which the veterinarian will explain before the procedure.
No home treatment can make a polyp disappear: medication alone is not sufficient.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
No known prevention exists.
Having a young cat that breathes noisily while awake or shows signs of ear disease examined promptly allows for early management before the problem worsens.
Ear infections and respiratory infections should be fully treated.
Possible complications
Increasingly marked breathing difficulty if the polyp grows, up to open-mouth breathing.
Difficulty eating and weight loss.
Middle ear infection, with balance disturbances.
Polyp regrowth after initial removal.
When to see a veterinarian
Your cat breathes with its mouth open while at rest, or its gums or tongue are bluish: seek emergency care.
It breathes noisily even when awake and calm, for several days.
It has difficulty swallowing or eats much more slowly than before.
It tilts its head, frequently shakes its head, or has ear discharge.
Noise returns after polyp removal.
Prognosis
The prognosis is good: after removal, most cats return to normal breathing.
The main risk is polyp regrowth, especially when its base could not be removed from the middle ear. Follow-up allows early detection.
Frequently asked questions
Does my cat purring necessarily mean it has a polyp?
No. Many cats purr a bit while sleeping with no consequences. What suggests a polyp is noisy breathing when the cat is awake and calm, developing gradually in a young cat, sometimes with a tilted head or discharge from an ear.
How to distinguish it from a common cold or chronic rhinitis?
Feline rhinitis and chronic rhinitis mainly cause sneezing and a runny nose, often on both sides. A polyp, on the other hand, primarily causes a stuffed-nose sound in a young cat, sometimes with ear signs. If your cat had severe rhinitis before the noise started, and has no ear signs, the veterinarian will also consider scar tissue narrowing at the back of the nose.
Can a polyp return after surgery?
Yes, it is possible, especially if part of it remained in the middle ear. Report to the veterinarian any return of breathing sounds or ear signs: middle ear surgery can then be discussed.
Is it cancer?
No. The nasopharyngeal polyp is a benign mass of inflammatory origin. It causes problems through its location, not because it invades the surrounding tissues.
References
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 10 October 2026
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