A cat who keeps shaking its head or has discharge from one ear may have an ear infection, mites, or another problem. One less familiar cause is an inflammatory ear polyp, a benign growth that can develop in the middle ear and extend into the ear canal or back of the throat. It cannot be diagnosed by smell or earwax color alone.
What signs can a polyp cause?
- Persistent or recurrent discharge from one ear.
- Head shaking, scratching, or discomfort around the ear.
- A head tilt, loss of balance, circling, or abnormal eye movements.
- Noisy breathing, sneezing, or difficulty swallowing if the growth extends toward the throat.
- Changes around one eye, such as a drooping eyelid or prominent third eyelid.
Not every cat has all these signs. Some cats have chronic ear symptoms that do not improve with routine treatment because the underlying growth remains.
When should you seek urgent care?
Arrange a veterinary examination for recurring ear discharge or pain. Seek urgent care for a new head tilt with balance problems, severe pain, or difficulty swallowing. Noisy or difficult breathing, collapse, or inability to stand is an emergency.
How does a veterinarian diagnose an ear polyp?
The veterinarian may examine the ear with an otoscope, sometimes under sedation, and assess the throat and neurologic signs. Imaging such as CT can help locate growths in the middle ear. A tissue examination may be needed to distinguish an inflammatory polyp from other masses.
What treatment works?
Polyps generally require removal rather than just drops or antibiotics. Depending on the location and extent, a veterinarian may recommend traction removal or surgery involving the middle ear. Recurrence is possible if the base of the polyp remains. Any associated infection or inflammation may need additional treatment and follow-up.
Do not attempt to pull a visible growth from your cat’s ear or put unprescribed drops into a painful ear. A damaged eardrum or deeper disease changes which treatments are safe.
Recovery and monitoring
After treatment, follow instructions for medication, activity, and rechecks. Contact the clinic if discharge returns, balance worsens, the cat stops eating, or pain increases. Some neurologic signs can be temporary after ear procedures, but your veterinarian should explain what to expect in your cat’s case.
For other ear problems, see ear mites in cats and ear infections in cats.
Frequently asked questions
Are ear polyps cancer?
Inflammatory polyps are benign, but other ear masses can be different. A veterinarian may recommend tissue testing.
Will antibiotics cure a polyp?
Antibiotics may treat a secondary infection, but they do not remove the underlying growth.
Can an ear polyp cause a head tilt?
Yes. Middle-ear involvement can affect balance. A new head tilt deserves prompt examination.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Inflammatory polyps in cats.
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Nasopharyngeal polyps.
Educational information only; persistent ear or breathing signs require veterinary assessment.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.