There can be no reason why your deaf cat can't live a fulfilling life full of enjoyment. Some animals are genetically prone to deafness or are born deaf. For instance, deafness can be a congenital defect in blue-eyed white cats. In other instances, hearing loss might be brought on by disease or trauma. How do you care for a cat that is deaf? Tips for deaf cats.
Causes of deafness in cats
Cats can become deaf due to a variety of causes, just like humans can. Some people are genetically inclined to be deaf or are born without hearing. White cats with blue eyes, for instance, are frequently deaf. Additionally, those who have two different eye colors frequently have a deaf ear on the exact same wavelength as the blue eye. Cats who suffer from severe injuries or recurrent ear infections can additionally lose their hearing. Senior cats frequently experience hearing loss due to age as well.
Cats without hearing are better at using their other senses. These are sensitive to air currents and vibrations, such as the shaking in the ground when you cross the room. They also tend to give their family members more attention. Many cat owners never even realize their cat family members have hearing loss since they adjust for it so well.
Your cat may be deaf.
Contact your vet to set up an appointment if you think your cat may be deaf. In addition to evaluating whether the cat is deaf, we'll identify the underlying issue and, if necessary, suggest a suitable course of action for treatment. Additionally, there are other symptoms that could point to your cat's hearing loss.
Cats with deafness may show these symptoms:
1: Not answering when addressed by name. Not answering when a reward bag or container of cat food opens
2: Louder than usual meowing
3: Sleeping more soundly or for longer
4: Quick to startle
5: Ignoring formerly upsetting noises, such as dog barking, the hoover, etc.
How do you take care of a deaf cat?
There is no reason why your cat can't enjoy a full and joyful life, regardless of whether they were born deaf or acquired a loss of hearing later in life. They require the same level of maintenance as any other cat. To keep them secure and content, you might just need to implement a few changes. Additionally, since deaf cats are unable to hear their own meows, you may occasionally have to put up with some rather loud yowling.
Do not allow your deaf cat to go outside. They are unable to recognise the noises of potential threats like predators, automobiles, and heavy machinery if they are deaf. They are also unable to hear you beckoning them to go home. Deaf cats tend to feel more exposed to danger and startle readily. Increased anxiety as well as, in some situations, aggressiveness may result from this. Approach your kitty companion from the side so they can observe you coming to prevent frightening them. If they're asleep, enter the room with firm steps and stomp your foot. Your cat will become aware that you are nearby thanks to the vibrations created by your footsteps. Blow softly on your cat's fur if that doesn't wake them up from their nap.
How to Speak to Your Deaf Cat
Cats adjust to hearing loss quickly and rely on other senses to make up for it. As was already indicated, vibration is the simplest technique to alert your cat to your impending arrival, but there are other options as well.
Use visual signals when your cat can't hear you speak. The majority of cats are quick learners and are obedient to hand signals. To communicate with your beloved pet, you can even create your own unique sign language. A wonderful opportunity for connecting is to teach your cat some simple signs. You'll be able to summon your cat to you, let them know it's time for food, start an enjoyable game of fetch, etc., without ever "saying" a word once you've trained them to recognise a few basic movements.
You can still communicate with your hearing-impaired cat by speaking to them. Your cat will feel your breath or the resonance of your voice if you place your lips on their head or back when telling him that you love them. Don't be startled if your cat friend comes to you and presses themselves against your lips; many deaf cats grow to like this kind of communication.
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