How to Care for a Deaf Cat

Nobody’s perfect, and just like humans, animals can either be born with or develop a wide range of disabilities and conditions throughout their lifetime. That doesn’t mean they don’t have a whole lot of love to give, though! 

While cats with a disability may need a little more attention or support, they can still make incredibly rewarding pets. This is why we’ve made this guide on caring for a deaf cat, so you can give your feline friend all the love and support they need. 

What Causes Deafness in Cats?

Multiple things can cause deafness in cats. In some instances, the cat may have been born deaf, or they may be gradually losing its hearing as it ages.

If the cat’s deafness is sudden, however, then it was likely caused by an illness or injury, though it would be down to a vet to provide a proper diagnosis and reason. 

Depending on what has caused your cat’s deafness, there may even be a chance to have it reversed by treating the underlying condition, which is typically related to sound being unable to enter your cat’s ear. These conditions include:

• Polyps

• Tumours

• Outer and middle-ear infections

• Wax build-up

• Ear mites

Treatments for these conditions vary. Some can be treated at home by properly cleaning your cat’s ears, which you can learn more about in our blog below. In other cases, your cat needs to be adequately examined by a vet, who will then prescribe the appropriate treatment. 

Some of these conditions, such as ear infections, are preventable with the proper ear care routine, which you can learn more about in our guide to cat ear care. 

Please note that you should not attempt to relieve your cat’s deafness without consulting your vet and getting a proper diagnosis. 

How to Tell if Your Cat is Deaf

Cats can be rather aloof around their owners at times, so it can be hard to know if your cat is deaf or if they’re just ignoring you. That said, there are a few signs to keep an eye out for that might indicate that your cat is deaf. These include: 

• Being easily startled.

• Showing signs of dizziness or disorientation 

• Not being bothered by loud appliances such as hoovers. 

• Shaking their head and scratching or clawing at their ears. 

• Signs of ear infections include inflammation, discharge, or a nasty smell from the ear. 

• Exceptionally loud meowing or crying (as deaf cats can't hear themselves).

If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, get them examined by your vet as soon as possible for a full diagnosis and recommendations for appropriate treatment. 

Caring for a Deaf Cats

The overall care of a deaf cat isn’t too different from that of a fully healthy cat. They are still happy to eat, drink, play, and use their litter trays with no trouble. That said, being deaf is still a disability that puts your cat at certain disadvantages that impact how you interact with them and how they can live. 

Here are some things to bear in mind when caring for a deaf cat: 

• Do not let your deaf cat outside as they cannot hear signs of danger, such as cars and other animals. Deaf cats should always be kept as indoor cats. 

• Do not wake them suddenly. This can be very distressing for your cat, as it cannot hear you coming. Instead, try gently touching or patting the space beside where your cat is sleeping so it can feel your presence. 

• Let them know you are there by stomping your feet more when you walk nearby or making a sudden loud noise. You can also get their attention using lights like a torch or laser pointer.

• Provide lots of toys. Deaf cats rely heavily on their remaining senses, especially touch. Make sure they have plenty of enriching toys in different textures and even ones that vibrate, like this GiGwi Melody Chaser Motion Activated Cat Toy.

Behavioural Problems in Deaf Cats

While there's nothing to stop a deaf cat from living a long, healthy, and fulfilled life, caring for one isn't for the faint of heart. There are several behavioural differences between a cat with full hearing and a deaf cat that can be problematic to some owners. 

As well as the symptoms mentioned, deafness in cats can cause several behavioural problems, such as:

• Not knowing where they are, if they’re hiding, and being unable to find them because you can’t call to get their attention. 

• Excessive and loud meowing because they’re unable to hear themselves, and so can’t adjust their volume.

• They may cry loudly in the bathroom or other rooms with an echo because they enjoy the feel of the vibrations in the air. 

• Deaf cats enjoy high places more than ordinary cats and may go out of their way to reach a high spot. This is a defensive behaviour to prevent them from being snuck up on or startled. 

Most of these behaviours are minor and can be trained out if they become too much of a nuisance. 

Are All White Cats Deaf?

Contrary to popular belief, not all white cats are deaf.

However, this myth has some truth to it. Studies have shown that 65-85% of all white cats with blue eyes are deaf from birth. This number drops to 40% if the white cat has only one blue eye, and again to 17-22% if the white cat doesn’t have blue eyes. 

This defect is thought to be genetic as there’s a strict correlation between white-furred, blue-eyed cats and congenital (from birth) deafness. The gene that causes white fur (known as W, for white) also seems to cause a degeneration of the auditory apparatus in the inner ear, which causes the cat’s deafness. 

While becoming the owner of a deaf cat may be a challenge, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience, and you’ll find they’re not all that different from an ordinary cat. They still have a lot of love to give and whole lives to live.