Maine Coon Lumps, Bumps & Polyps

Finding a lump on your Maine Coon can be unsettling. Whether it’s a tiny bump or something more noticeable, the first instinct is often worry.

Some growths turn out to be harmless, while others need veterinary attention.

Ear polyps, in particular, can cause confusing symptoms and may be mistaken for infections.

Mysterious Lumps and Ear Polyps in Cats: What You Should Know

Owners often discover these issues by accident - while petting, grooming, or noticing changes in behavior.

A small swelling behind the ear, a sudden tilt of the head, or persistent scratching could point to an underlying problem. If your kitty seems uncomfortable or something feels off, it’s worth investigating.

Many benign conditions mimic more serious ones. A simple reaction to a vaccine can feel like a suspicious mass.

A polyp deep inside the ear can look like an infection at first. The good news? Most of these conditions are treatable when caught early. Knowing what to watch for can make all the difference.

What Is an Ear Polyp?

Nasopharyngeal polyps are non-cancerous growths that develop in the ear canal, throat, or nasal passages of young cats.

These soft tissue masses originate from the middle ear and can extend into the nasopharynx (the area behind the nose and above the throat).

While benign, they can cause significant discomfort and recurring infections if left untreated.

Symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Polyps

Since polyps grow inside delicate structures, symptoms depend on their location. Common signs include:

• Ear-related symptoms: Head shaking, scratching, recurrent infections, or discharge
• Nasal symptoms: Congestion, snoring, sneezing, or nasal discharge
• Throat symptoms: Change in voice, difficulty swallowing, or noisy breathing
• Balance issues: Head tilt or loss of coordination if the polyp affects the inner ear

Kittens and young cats are most often affected. Many cases are first misdiagnosed as routine ear infections, leading to repeated antibiotic treatments that provide only temporary relief.

Causes and Diagnosis

The exact cause of these polyps isn’t fully understood, but they may be linked to chronic inflammation or viral infections like feline calicivirus. Some kittens may be born with a predisposition to develop them.

A vet can often detect a polyp during an exam. However, some cases require sedation or imaging tests (such as X-rays, CT scans, or endoscopy) to confirm the diagnosis.

Since these growths originate deep in the ear or throat, a full examination is sometimes necessary.

Treatment Options

Small, accessible polyps may be removed with a simple procedure called traction avulsion, where the growth is gently pulled out.

However, regrowth is common if the base of the polyp isn’t fully removed. In more advanced cases, a bulla osteotomy (surgical removal of the affected tissue from the middle ear) may be required to prevent recurrence.

While surgery can sound intimidating, most cats recover well and experience a significant improvement in comfort and quality of life. Early detection and treatment lead to the best outcomes.

For further reading, the Cornell Feline Health Center provides an overview of feline ear conditions, including polyps: Cornell Feline Ear Disorders.

A Kitten Diagnosed with a Polyp

Ear Polyp??
by: Rachel in New Zealand

"Okay, so I’ve had my new gorgeous wee Maine Coon kitten, Dave, for five weeks now. We were treating what was thought to be an ear infection… but now it turns out to be a nasopharyngeal polyp requiring expensive, invasive surgery (bulla osteotomy).

Has anyone else ever experienced this and seen the outcome of the surgery? Extremely upsetting! :-("

Rachel, I’m so sorry you’re going through this with Dave. It’s upsetting to think your kitten had an infection, only to find out he needs surgery. You’re not alone - other cat owners have faced this, too.

Nasopharyngeal polyps are growths that start in the middle ear or throat.

Some cats only need a simple removal, while others need a more involved surgery called a bulla osteotomy. This removes the polyp at its root, which lowers the chance of it coming back.

It’s completely understandable to feel worried. Many cat owners have been in your shoes and found that their cats bounced back faster than they expected.

If you have concerns, asking your vet about recovery time, pain management, and costs may help you feel more prepared.

You’re doing the best you can for Dave, and that’s what matters most.

Comments:

Polyp
by: Kim
You should have this checked and removed as soon as possible. A blood test is also a good idea. It could be cancer.

Worry
by: Helen
I’d recommend getting a second opinion from another vet.

Five weeks is very young to leave the mother. A good breeder might offer to exchange the kitten for a healthier one. In the future, getting a kitten at 8-12 weeks can help avoid early health issues.

Wishing you the best of luck.
-Helen in Texas with the Bezzer Buzzer, aka Mr. Magnificent Himself.

Painless Lump on the Back

by: Damir in Zagreb, Croatia

I have a 3.5-month-old kitten. A few days ago, I noticed a small lump under the skin on the left side of the back, near the forelegs.

It’s slightly smaller than a pea, moves easily, and doesn’t seem to cause any pain. There are no changes to the skin.

Reply:
Hi Damir,
Lumps like this can have many causes, and while some are harmless, it’s always best to check with your vet.

Since your kitten is around the age for vaccinations, this could be a reaction to an injection - these often cause small, temporary lumps that go away on their own. Another possibility is a microchip, if your kitten has one.

Other benign causes include fatty tumors (lipomas), which are soft and movable, and cysts. If the lump grows quickly, becomes firm, or seems to bother your kitten, that’s a reason to have it checked sooner rather than later.

Your vet will be able to tell you what it is and whether it needs any treatment. Hope it turns out to be nothing to worry about!

~Carrie

Comments:
Lump
by: Helen
This may be where your kitten got a vaccine. Some shots cause a small lump that goes away in a few months. If your cat has a microchip, that could also be it.

Like Carrie said, your vet will be able to sort it all out for you.

When to See a Vet & What to Expect

Finding a lump on your cat can be worrying, but not every bump is serious. Some are harmless, while others need quick attention. Knowing when to call the vet can help you act with confidence.

When to Have a Lump Checked ASAP

Not all lumps require urgent care, but see your vet right away if you notice:

• A lump that grows quickly
• A firm, hard, or fixed mass under the skin
• Any swelling that seems painful
• Bleeding, oozing, or changes in the skin
• A bump that is red, inflamed, or warm to the touch
• Sudden weight loss or behavior changes along with a new growth

If your cat’s lump is small, soft, and hasn’t changed, it may not be urgent. But it’s always best to mention it during a routine checkup.

What the Vet Might Do

Your vet will start with a physical exam. They’ll check the size, shape, and feel of the lump. Based on their findings, they may suggest:

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) - A small sample is taken with a needle to check for abnormal cells.
• Biopsy - A larger tissue sample is removed to get a more detailed diagnosis.
• X-rays or ultrasound - Imaging helps determine if the mass extends deeper into the body.
• Blood tests - These check for signs of infection, inflammation, or underlying conditions.

What to Expect

Many lumps turn out to be harmless, such as fatty tumors (lipomas) or cysts. Some vaccine reactions or minor infections cause temporary swelling.

But if the growth is suspicious, early detection makes a big difference. If needed, your vet will discuss treatment options.

Trust your instincts - if something doesn’t seem right, a quick vet visit can bring peace of mind.

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