What to Know Before Adopting a Deaf Cat

With a little extra effort on your part, raising a deaf cat can be an amazing experience for both the cat and you.

by Mollie Jackman, | July 31, 2024

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Adopting a cat from a rescue or shelter is always a rewarding experience. And adopting a deaf cat? That can actually be even more fulfilling — especially since they’re among those cats who are adopted less, despite adapting well using their other senses. While caring for a deaf cat is similar to caring for a hearing cat in many ways, there are a few specific considerations to keep in mind.

What to know about deafness in cats

When adopting a deaf cat, you should understand their condition and how it impacts their daily life. Recognizing the signs of deafness and learning about the underlying causes can help you provide the best care for your new feline family member.

Signs of deafness in cats

To identify if a cat is deaf, observe their behavior and responses to stimuli. Common signs of deafness in cats include the following.

Lack of response to sounds: If your cat doesn’t react to everyday noises, like clapping hands, calling their name, or the rustling of a treat bag, they may not be able to hear.
Excessive meowing or yowling: Deaf cats often vocalize loudly and frequently because they cannot hear themselves.
Deep sleep: Deaf cats tend to sleep more soundly and may find it more challenging to wake up.
Startle reflex: Deaf cats might be easily startled, especially if approached from behind.

Causes of deafness in cats

There are several possible causes of deafness in cats, and each may require a different approach as you learn how to interact with your cat.

Genetics: Some cats are born deaf due to genetic traits. For example, as many as 80 percent of white cats with blue eyes are deaf due to a “white coat gene.”
Aging: Like humans, cats can lose hearing as they age. This gradual process often goes unnoticed until the deafness is more pronounced.
Medical conditions: Ear infections, injuries, or untreated ear mites can lead to hearing loss. Regular vet visits can help catch and treat these issues early.

Understanding these signs and causes can influence how you care for a deaf cat.

Caring for a deaf cat

If you’re considering adopting a deaf cat, you’ll need to make some adjustments for their safety and comfort. Below are a few things to consider.

Planning financial costs

While you should always be financially prepared to take on a new pet, adopting a deaf cat may involve a few additional cat care expenses.

Specialized veterinary care: Deaf cats may require more frequent vet visits to monitor their overall health and address any underlying conditions.
Environmental modifications: You might need to invest in certain items to make your home safer and more comfortable for a deaf cat, such as visual toys, secure fencing, and vibration collars for training.
Health insurance: Consider purchasing pet health insurance to cover potential medical expenses, especially if the deafness is due to an ongoing health issue.

For a detailed overview of the costs involved in adopting and caring for a cat, take a look at our article on how much cats cost.

Managing health considerations

A deaf cat’s health needs aren’t typically too different from any other cat’s. Regular veterinary visits are essential to monitor their health and address any issues that arise.

Routine exams: Regular vet visits help catch any potential health problems early, especially those related to their hearing.
Preventive care: Maintain a schedule of vaccinations, flea control, and dental care to keep your cat healthy and prevent common ailments.
Ear care: Regularly check your cat’s ears for signs of infection, wax build-up, or ear mites. If you notice any issues, consult your vet immediately.

If you have decided to adopt a kitten, here are some tips on how to prepare for your kitten’s first vet visit.

Understanding deaf cat behaviors

Some deaf cats have unique behavioral challenges due to their hearing loss. But there are certainly ways to address and overcome them.

Separation anxiety

Deaf cats may develop strong bonds with their pet parents, which can lead to anxiety when left alone. (They also may have trouble finding you, even when you are home.) Providing reassurance can help alleviate this anxiety.

Solution: Create a safe, comforting environment with familiar scents and objects to reduce anxiety when you’re away. Use visual cues such as leaving on a light (or a TV screen with calming images) and provide interactive toys to keep them engaged and distracted during your absence. When you are home, establish a routine of regular check-ins to reassure your cat.

Startle response

Deaf cats are easily startled since they can't hear approaching footsteps or other auditory cues. This startle response may lead to defensive behavior like hissing, biting, or running away.

Solution: Always approach your deaf cat gently, making sure they can see you coming. Step loudly or create vibrations to alert them to your presence. If they do react defensively, give them time and work on new ways to alert them to your presence.

Communicating with a deaf cat

Deaf cats can’t hear vocal cues, so your typical commands and calls likely won’t work. Deaf cats’ meowing may also be louder and more frequent than with other cats.

To communicate with a deaf cat, you’ll need to use visual and tactile signals to replace the verbal cues you’re used to. Here are a few strategies you can try.

Hand signals: Develop a set of consistent hand signals for standard commands like “down” and “come.”
Vibration cues: Gentle taps on the floor or nearby surfaces can let your cat know you’re approaching to avoid scaring them.
Body language: Your body language goes a long way with cats. Use clear, exaggerated cues to communicate with a cat who can’t hear.

Consistent training with these signals can help them understand what you want. You can build a strong bond with your cat by understanding their behavior and learning to communicate effectively. For more tips on fostering a positive relationship with your cat, check out our article on how to get a cat to like you.

Adopting a deaf cat

If you’re thinking of bringing home a deaf cat, you’ll need to do some preparation to ensure a smooth transition. Check out these steps to create a safe, welcoming environment for your new feline family member.

Preparing your home

Before adopting a deaf cat, it’s essential to make some adjustments for their safety and comfort.

Secure the environment: Make sure your home is free of hazards that could pose a risk to them (like ledges they could fall from or water they could fall into). Consider installing secure screens on windows, and ensure doors close properly to prevent escape. Also, invest in safe cat collars in case they do manage to get out.
Visual and tactile stimuli: Provide plenty of visual and tactile stimuli to keep your deaf cat engaged. Toys that move, light up, or have different textures can be very appealing.
Safe spaces: Create safe, quiet spaces where your deaf cat can retreat and feel secure. This could be a cozy bed in a quiet corner or a dedicated room where they can relax undisturbed.

Some preparation is required before bringing home any cat, but adopting a deaf cat takes a little more care and thought. Learn more about how to choose the right cat for your family.

Introducing a deaf cat to other pets

Introducing a deaf cat to other pets in the household can be tricky for all pets involved. Whether you’re introducing a cat and a kitten, a dog and a cat (including scared dogs), or any other combination, here are a few helpful tips.

Start slowly: Allow your cat to familiarize themselves with their new environment before meeting other pets. Use scent swapping by exchanging bedding or toys between the new cat and other pets to introduce them to each other’s scents.
Supervised meetings: When it’s time for face-to-face intros, keep initial sessions short and supervised. Use visual signals and gentle touches to help your cat feel safe during these meetings.
Monitor behavior: Pay close attention to all pets’ body language and behavior. Look for signs of stress or aggression, and separate the animals if needed. Gradually increase the length of their interactions as they become more comfortable with each other.

Building a strong bond

With care and understanding, you can create a strong bond with your deaf cat, and you’ll enjoy spending lots of quality time together. You can use the following methods to help build your relationship.

Build a routine: Establish a consistent daily routine to help your deaf cat feel secure and understand what to expect. Regular feeding times, play sessions, and grooming can all contribute to building trust.
Use positive reinforcement: Encourage desired behaviors in your cat with treats, pets, and playtime.
Spend time together: Interacting with your cat through play, grooming, and petting (if they like it) helps strengthen your bond.

Adopting a deaf cat can be a uniquely rewarding experience, allowing you to form a deep, special bond with a feline friend who needs your love and care. While challenges are involved, the joy and fulfillment of providing a safe, loving home for a deaf cat far outweigh any difficulties. With patience, understanding, and a few adjustments, you can create an enriching environment where your deaf cat can thrive. If you’re ready to welcome a new furry friend, consider adopting a deaf cat or kitten from a shelter or rescue to make a positive difference in their world.

Questions to ask when adopting a deaf cat

When adopting a cat, especially a deaf one, here’s what you should ask the shelter about your new cat.

What is the cat’s medical history?
Do they have any known behavioral issues?
What kind of environment is the cat accustomed to?
Does the cat have any special dietary requirements?
How does the cat interact with other animals and people?
Does my cat have any deaf-cat symptoms?

Commonly asked questions

Are white cats with blue eyes deaf?

Due to genetic factors, white cats with blue eyes are more likely to be deaf. This trait is linked to the white (W) gene, which can affect the development of the inner ear. However, not all white cats with blue eyes are deaf, so it’s important to assess each cat individually.

How can you tell if your cat is deaf?

You can tell if your cat is deaf by observing if they do not respond to every day sounds like calling their name, clapping, or the sound of a treat bag. Other signs inclue meowing more loudly or sleeping more soundly. To confirm any diagnosis, you’ll need to visit a vet.

How do you wake up a deaf cat?

To wake up a deaf cat, gently tap on the surface where they are sleeping to create vibrations or lightly touch their back to avoid startling them.

References

Feline Deafness

Hearing Disorders in Cats

Love Is Deaf

Visually Evoked Potentials (VEPs) Across the Visual Field in Hearing and Deaf Cats

Mollie Jackman

Mollie Jackman is a writer, editor, and graduate of Lindenwood University’s MFA in writing. She’s also a pet parent to a goofy big-eared dog and two brown tabby cats, plus a rotating cast of foster animals. When she’s not reading, writing, or picking up strays, she can be found binge-watching arguably terrible reality TV shows and cooking competitions or rolling around the local skating rink in Columbia, Missouri.