Cats don’t have the best vision, but their sense of smell is spectacular, thanks to the 200 million scent receptors in their noses.
As for their hearing, unfortunately, they can experience hearing loss because of injuries and old age or inherited deafness, especially if they’re white with blue eyes.
Common signs your cat is deaf include no response to sounds, sleeping through noise, no interest in squeaky toys, and increased vocalization, among others.
Let’s explore further!
Signs Your Cat is Deaf
Deaf cats don’t act much differently than other cats. However, if you have a deaf cat, you most likely won’t be greeted at the door because deaf cats can’t hear when you’re coming home. There might be exceptions, though.
My friend has a deaf white cat, and his cat sometimes waits for him by the door until he gets back home, thanks to his heightened sense of vibrations, but I digress.
Let’s discuss the common signs of deafness in cats.
1. Deaf Cats Don’t Respond to Sounds
One of the clearest signs that your furry friend may be deaf is the lack of response to sounds. Fully hearing cats will usually react to noises like the sound of a can opener or when you call them by their name, as well as loud noises like vacuum cleaners. If your feline doesn’t react to these noises, they’re likely deaf.
2. Deaf Cats Sleep Through Noise
Cats sleep a lot, but they’re generally light sleepers because of their sensitive hearing. In other words, they easily wake up even at the slightest noise. If your pet doesn’t wake up through loud noises or other disturbances that would usually wake them, it’s another sign that they’re deaf.
3. Deaf Cats Display Unusual Behavior
Don’t get me wrong; almost all felines exhibit strange cat behaviors because they’re weird by nature, but deaf cats act even stranger because of their disability.
For instance, they’re more easily startled because they don’t hear you or others when approaching. They’re overall more anxious or jumpy than the hearing cats.
Some deaf cats can also act clingy because they feel insecure due to their disability. Moreover, they can develop feline anxiety and follow their owners everywhere.
4. Deaf Cats Meow Loudly That Other Cats
All cats meow a lot, particularly when asking for food or upset. However, a deaf cat can’t hear their voice, so they meow even louder than fully hearing cats. They don’t know that they’re super loud, and with this behavior, they’re trying to compensate for their disability and making sure that you will hear them.
This is especially noticeable in cats that used to hear normally and start to meow more and more loudly as their hearing decreases.
5. Deaf Cats Don’t Respond to Clapping
A simple way to determine if your cat is deaf is by clapping. When your cat is turned with their back or when they’re looking away, clap your hands. Hearing cats will respond by turning towards the sound, but a deaf one won’t.
6. Deaf Cats Don’t Play with Noisy Toys
Most cats love squeaky toys. If your feline isn’t interested in playing with these types of toys and prefers visual or tactile toys, it’s likely because they can’t hear the sounds they make.
My friend’s deaf cat prefers chasing red laser dots over anything else. He also likes playing with the feather wands. When we had no clue he was deaf, we bought him a noisy toy. He just sniffed it and went along his day, and now we know why.
Note: If you decide to entertain your cat with a laser pointer, be careful because laser pointers can harm your cat. Choose a pet-friendly laser pointer and use it properly.
7. Head Shaking or Eye Discharge
There’s reversible and permanent deafness in cats. Reversible could be caused by ear mites, tumors, polyps, outer and middle-ear infections, and wax build-up. Permanent deafness, on the other hand, is usually a result of genetic issues, drug toxicity, inner ear infections, noise trauma, and old age.
If you believe your cat was hearing at one point but now shows signs of deafness, look out for signs of reversible deafness, such as head shaking or eye discharge. They can signify ear infections, which can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Therefore, if you notice that your feline is frequently shaking their head, scratching their ears, or has eye issues, visit the vet immediately. The vet will examine your furry friend and treat the ear infection before it causes irreversible hearing damage.
Do Deaf Cats Still Meow?
Deaf cats meow, and they do it even more loudly than hearing cats because they can’t hear their voice. That’s their way of making sure their owners respond to their demands. What’s more interesting is that by making a loud noise, the sound waves travel, reflect at them, and get picked up by their unique whiskers.
Do Deaf Cats Not Purr?
All cats purr when they’re happy; it has nothing to do with hearing. The same goes for kneading. While deaf cats can’t hear themselves purr, they still do it because it feels good, and it’s part of how they communicate with their favorite humans.
How to Care for a Deaf Cat
If you recently found that your cat is deaf, don’t worry. You two can still lead a happy life together. Here’s my list of tips for living with a deaf cat:
- Deaf cats rely on touch and sight to communicate, so I suggest gently petting and cuddling your feline to reassure them whenever you notice they’re anxious. As for getting their attention, you can use hand signals and light gestures.
- Provide a quiet, cozy area where your feline can unwind without being startled. Make sure this space is free from sudden movements or vibrations that might scare your cat.
- Cats like routines, so you should provide a consistent daily routine for feeding, playing, and grooming your cat. This helps your feline feel more safe and know what to expect.
- Keep your deaf cat strictly indoors to ensure their safety. If you have the space and means, create a safe outdoor space without escape points. Moreover, keep your cat active and their other senses sharp by using feathers for sight, toys with strong scents, or even DIY cat toys.
- Microchip your cat if they’re prone to running away. A microchip isn’t a GPS device, but it can help identify your pet at animal hospitals and shelters if they do escape and someone brings them in.
