Oftentimes, small flap-like protrusions known as polyps are found in cats, especially on the mucous membranes of the ears, nose and even the rectum. This kind of growth is mostly benign and may not be fatal, may not be a problem at first but could progress into something more serious. Read on as we explain further the different types of polyps and what they entail.
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Feline Nasal Polyps
Feline nasal polyps are found in the nasal cavities of cats, which is a critical place for polyps to develop. When these polyps become bilateral, forming on both nasal cavities, they obstruct breathing and result in respiratory distress.
Nasal polyps are made of inflammatory cells and epithelial cells which can grow up to 2cm in length. Polyps are triggered by irritants and allergens in the nasal cavity found in places like water bowls. With the Petcube Water Fountain, your cat gets up to 99.7% purified water which prevents the growth of harmful bacteria with the use of UB lights.
Younger cats between 8 months to one year are mostly prone to nasal polyps. Research has also proved that cats under the age of 1 are prone to inflammatory polyps while exhibiting some clinical symptoms such as:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Excessive mucous secretion
- Sneezing
- Head shaking
- Head tilt
- Visible polyps on nasal openings
- Difficulty in swallowing
Ear Polyps in Cats
Ear polyps in cats can be very painful,especially when these polyps extend in size and spread to other parts of the ear like the middle ear or ear canal. Viruses such as the Feline Leukemia virus (FeLV) and some immunodeficiencies have been identified as triggers of inflammatory ear polyps in cats.
My neighbor’s cat had problems with its hearing at one time and was taken to a vet for examination. Upon close examination, it was discovered that it had developed many polyps in both its ears with a possible ruptured eardrum. The polyps were removed using the traction method, and it regained its hearing ability over time.
The ear is an organ of balance which, when distorted, leads to hearing loss, pain and discomfort. A polyp could rupture the eardrum when it grows extensively, leading to more complications. This type of polyp is critical and would need the attention of a veterinarian to avoid further spreading.
“My cat had her ear polyps removed through surgery but after some time, they came back and spread to her nose and throat”, - Reddit User
Throat Polyps in Cats
This could be one of the most complicated polyps in cats as it could affect both respiratory functions and feeding. Luckily, some studies proved that with the traction method of treatment, throat polyps in cats are four times easier to treat without recurrence. This involved using surgical tools like forceps to remove polyps from the throat.
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A typical symptom of throat polyps in cats is reverse sneezing- a sharp and unusual coarse sound made by a cat in an attempt to clear its throat of some lodgment, which is followed by nasal discharge.
“It is believed that throat polyps are commonly caused by inflammatory changes secondary to infection with a respiratory virus”, - Dr. James Flanders
Rectal Polyps in Cats
The rectum is a strange place for polyps to develop, but it does occur if there is chronic inflammation in that region. Chronic inflammation could trigger cells in the rectum to proliferate excessively, leading to polyps formation. However, these polyps are termed benign and have not been classified as cancerous.
Rectal polyps can really be uncomfortable for cats due to its constant irritation with the soft tissues around the rectum. It could also lead to other symptoms such as difficulty with defecation, especially when there are so many of them. Usually, this kind of polyp is resolved through surgical opening of the rectum and removal of polyps.
Conclusion
Polyps are mostly found in areas covered by mucous membranes that are prone to inflammation such as the nose, throat and ear. Polyps are generally not cancerous and would resolve with a simple traction surgery. Care should be taken to prevent cats from coming in contact with irritants such as unpleasant smells or allergic plants to prevent inflammatory development which could lead to polyps.
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