Feline deafness is a genetic disorder that affects cats of all breeds. In most cases, the feline’s inner ear is not functioning correctly, resulting in partial or complete loss of hearing. This condition can be either hereditary or acquired. Depending on the severity of the condition, cats can have difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, loud noises, or even no sound at all.
The good news is that feline deafness can be managed with appropriate care and treatment. It’s important to understand that cats who are born deaf will never be able to hear completely, but they can learn to respond to visual cues and other environmental stimuli. Owners should closely monitor their pet’s behavior in order to detect any changes in hearing levels.
Cats that are deaf can still lead happy and content lives with the right care and understanding. With patience and love, these special cats can still thrive in their homes.
Symptoms of Feline Deafness
- Unresponsiveness to sounds or voices
- Increased vocalization
- Timidity
- Inability to startle
- Head tilting or shaking when trying to hear a sound
- Difficulty navigating in the dark
Diagnosing Feline Deafness
In order to diagnose feline deafness, a veterinarian will likely use brain stem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing. This test measures the electrical activity in the brain and can determine whether a cat is completely or partially deaf. Your vet will conduct a physical exam and observe how the cat responds to sound. If the cat does not respond to sound, or responds differently than what is expected, the vet will suspect deafness.
Stage of Feline Deafness
Feline deafness can be split into two stages: partial and complete.
Partial Stage:
Partial deafness occurs when the cat can still hear some sounds, but might not respond appropriately or be able to distinguish between certain noises.
Complete Stage:
Complete deafness results in the cat being completely unable to hear any sound. In either case, cats should be monitored closely and given special care to ensure their safety and comfort.
Treating Feline Deafness
Unfortunately, there is no cure for feline deafness. However, with the right care and understanding, cats that are deaf can still lead happy and healthy lives. It’s important to understand that cats with deafness will need special accommodations to keep them safe, such as a collar with an ID tag or avoiding leaving them alone at night. It’s important to remain patient and understanding when dealing with cats who have this condition, because they might take longer to adjust. With the right care and understanding, these special cats can still thrive in their homes.
Caring for cats with feline deafness requires some extra attention and patience. To ensure their safety, it’s important to make them aware of any potential hazards like open windows, and not leave them alone at night. Cats with deafness should be given a collar with an ID tag in case they wander away from home.
It’s also important to be patient when dealing with a deaf cat, because it can take them longer to adjust. With the right care and understanding, cats with feline deafness can still lead happy and healthy lives.
Preventing Feline Deafness
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent feline deafness. However, cats can be given a safe and secure home environment free from loud noises or potential hazards. Cats should be kept up-to-date on regular veterinary check-ups because this will help monitor their hearing and alert owners of any changes in their hearing status.