What are the signs and symptoms of a deaf cat? Is it true that white cats are deaf? How to treat a cat with hearing problems? Check out the full explanation below
Many of us do not know that disability occurs not only in humans but also cats experience the same thing. For example, cats with hearing problems are deaf. Deafness or deafness in cats is the inability of cats to hear and perceive sounds.
If we find that our cat has these problems or if we are considering adopting a deaf cat it is important for the owner to sort out the correct information on how to best care for a deaf cat.
Recognizing Deaf Cats and How to Take Care of Them
How can a cat be deaf?
Cats can lose hearing from birth or with age just like humans. Usually cat owners will find it difficult to identify this problem.
Deafness is caused by an inflexible eardrum and sound is not transmitted effectively. However the owners can realize through behavior changes such as not coming when we call them or not paying attention when we get home.
Some cats are born partially or totally deaf because this genetic defect is called congenital deafness. In the majority of cases, congenital deafness is usually associated with pigment.
Cats that have white hair or are mostly white are not albino, often associated with deafness, is that right?
It turns out that this is just a myth, in fact cats of any color can become deaf.
How to know a cat is deaf?
As I mentioned earlier, to find a deaf cat, the cat does not respond when the owner calls him, but sometimes normal cats have the same behavior.
In general, it is difficult to spot a deaf cat because usually a cat with hearing problems will have an increased visual ability to understand what is going on around him. So they will continue to play around the house like a normal cat.
It may be easier to spot deafness in a cat if you only have one cat in your household. Deaf cats will sleep very soundly, to find out you can startle them by clapping their hands or dropping keys near them. If he stays asleep, the cat is deaf.
Are deaf cats linked to other health problems?
No, deafness in cats is generally not associated with any specific health problems.
How to teach a deaf cat at home?
Deaf cats are used to their surroundings so take advantage of using body language to communicate.
For example, when a cat sees you, squat down and stretch out your arms to call it. Strengthen his instinct to approach you by using his favorite small snack.
Stand up straight by waving your arms up when the cat does things you don’t like. Like jumping on the kitchen table, scratching the sofa and others.
If the cat seems to be moving away, you need to get his attention so that the cat doesn’t get scared.
By creating a scheduled routine you can quickly teach a deaf cat.
How to communicate with a deaf cat?
As I mentioned earlier deaf cats are very alert and aware of their surroundings even though they have problems with their sense of hearing instead they increase their sense of sight.
Visually we can use several strategies to get their attention for example by flashing the lights above when we enter the room.
You can also use a laser pointer. Point a spot on the floor in front of your cat and then grab his attention to turn and look at you.
Touch and vibration are also important for deaf cats, with a little stomping on the floor can be a way of communicating for cats to know where their owner is.
You can also caress brush and comb his fur to calm him down.
Another way is through purring when we touch the cat like hugging him etc. you can see if he responds by purring.
The last one is, of course, by playing with the cat. You can use toys such as balls so the cat can actively hunt and chase the ball.
What else do you need to know about caring for a deaf cat?
The most important thing to remember is that you must have a sense of responsibility and special treatment for deaf cats. They cannot hear the sound of vehicles or car horns sounding so they need to be closely watched.
It is also important to teach children to love deaf cats.
With the explanation above, you can now think about how to care for and train a deaf cat so that it can live a normal, healthy, and happy life.
