Is Your Precious Cat Going Deaf?
Some cats can lose their hearing as they get older, but sudden loss of hearing often is the result of illness or injury and may be temporary or permanent.
If the loss is gradual, you may not notice right away, since your cat has adapted to his or her well-known environment. There are ways to test your cat to see if hearing loss has occurred and if you are not sure, a trip to the vet can confirm it. Just a few modifications to your daily lifestyle should help both of you get back into the swing of things.
Hearing cats know when you walk into a room, open the drawer to get the can opener or open the fridge and usually come running to lend you a paw. Deaf cats do not have this luxury but they are sensitive and can feel the vibrations.
The number one suggestion with a deaf cat is never sneak up on them purposefully (accidents happen)
The number two suggestion is to never touch a deaf cat that hasn't seen you first. Do your best to make sure your cat sees you so they do not get frightened. One way is to tap firmly on a piece of furniture or door frame when you walk into a room.
It is also a good idea to have a collar with a bell, (that way you won't sneak up on your pet if they are on the move).
Some owners teach their deaf cat sign language (there are not formal signs) but there's a few signs that you may be using now and not noticed you are doing it. With my kitten (she is hearing) when she comes over to my leg and meows I say up and use my hands to curl my fingers up like you would with a child.
If she wants up she usually reaches up on my leg with her paws, she is about 4 months now but we have been practicing awhile. Another sign you may already be using is when you want your cat to come and sit next to you on the couch or bed you probably pat the furniture, or to come to you then you pat your leg.
I also tap my finger on the food bowl and swish my finger in the water when I want to draw her attention to the dish. Of course, with a deaf cat you must make sure they are in your line of sight and are paying attention. Those are just a few signs, see it's not that difficult, and you may come up with a few on your own to teach your cat.
While many people say no to letting a deaf cat outside I agree and disagree if you have a well fenced in yard and train your kitty to walk using a harness you might want to let them enjoy the fresh air. Especially if your cat is older and used to going outside.
Never leave them unattended and some folks even have large cages that the cat could play in, of course the choice is up to you. We have a neighbor whose cats are declawed in the front paws and they play in a gigantic kitty maze and love it. Then when it is time to go inside they march for the door.
If you have a new kitten that has never gone outside you may consider keeping it that way. Any cat deaf or not has the chance of slipping outside sometime or another so It is also a good idea to have a collar with not only your name but a phone number and the message "I am a deaf cat", knowing this could explain a lot to a person who has found your cat. Try these tips and see if they help you and your beloved deaf kitty adapt to their new lifestyle.