Deafness can be a handicap in the cat who is a relatively independent animal. However, whether born or sudden, it is generally well-tolerated and cats get used to it, more or less long term.
On the other hand, a deaf cat is exposed to more danger and the communication between you is more complex. Discover the good gestures to take care of your little tomcat every day.
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Deafness in cats
Deafness in the cat is a disorder that should not be neglected because it has consequences on his daily life. It can be unilateral, that is to say, it concerns only one ear, or bilateral and affect both.
There are two origins to deafness in cats:
Genetic Deafness
Genetic deafness is a form of degeneration of the inner ear that usually affects blue-eyed and white-haired kittens in their mother’s womb or in the first few days after birth. In this case, it is the W allele that is involved.
Temporary Deafness
Deafness that occurs during the life of the cat can be temporary and due to a disease (such as otitis) or shock, or definitive. In the latter case, the cat completely loses the hearing of one of his ears or both. It is usually due to a tumor, a bacterial or parasitic infection, a violent shock or a neurological disease.
Let’s not forget also that a cat can lose hearing once aged due to aging!
A cat can totally live while being deaf, it is absolutely not impossible. Indeed, deaf cats tend to develop their other senses further to compensate for the loss of their hearing. However, a cat that suddenly becomes deaf due to a particular disease can have a lot of trouble getting used to it, because it will have a sudden sensation of losing its bearings.
Finally, we must not forget that a deaf cat is very vulnerable when he has access to the outside, because he will not hear the danger as any hearing cat would.
The right actions to take care of your deaf cat
If your cat is deaf and his deafness is effective from birth to adulthood, you will need to learn the right things to communicate with and care for him. Indeed, you will not be able to behave with your animal as you would with a hearing tomcat.
Learn to communicate with your deaf cat
You will not be able to communicate verbally with your deaf cat, which is why you will have to learn gestures and facial expressions to establish exchanges. The principle is simple: you make a simple and simple gesture to say something (“no!”, “Come!”, “At the table!”, Etc.) and you repeat it whenever you need it. Your pet will get used to it and learn to understand you very quickly.
Complete this gesture with communication using your facial expressions. In fact, your pet can determine by looking at you if you are angry, happy, if you invite him to join you, if you are upset, etc.
Always show consistency by doing the same gesture to tell him one thing. The cat is intelligent and will understand you, but stay constant to avoid disturbing it.
Vibrations
You do not have to scream to get your cat to you, because he can not hear you. And if he sees you gnawing at you, he risks associating your behavior with nervousness and refusing to return.
On the other hand, your deaf cat perceives the vibrations very well. We advise you to go home by hammering your feet on the ground. By perceiving the vibrations of your footsteps, your pet will understand that you are calling him and that his presence is required.
Do not insist too much on your voice, because it can perceive your irritation and show itself irascible or annoyed. Be patient and delicate.
The dangers of the outside world
A deaf cat is much more vulnerable outside because the loss of hearing does not allow him to hear the dangers. It is generally advisable not to let out a deaf cat and to provide him with a well-adapted interior and games to avoid any risk of stress and boredom.
On the other hand, you can totally take your animal on a leash; get used to it from an early age to make it easier for both of you. Your cat will be able to enjoy the outdoors in your company and without danger.
Expand his other senses
To develop the sight of your cat, do not hesitate to play with him by stimulating it with the help of bright, bright or brightly colored toys.
Your cat also recognizes you with the smell. We advise you to always wear the same perfume so that he learns to develop his sense of smell and locate you thanks to him.
Also, think of touch by caresses, an important act to strengthen your relationship and to communicate your love to your cat. The caresses are very important with a small deaf matou because it will perceive your affection by this means.
Do not hesitate to say soft words to him by approaching his head, his belly or his back by articulating the sounds well. He will perceive the vibrations and associate them with the well-being, which can incite him to purr.
Mealtime
It is obviously useless to call your cat when his bowl is ready. On the other hand, come to him by showing it to him. As soon as he sees you, he will follow you to where you want him to eat.
Talk to your guests
Deafness is a handicap that must not be neglected. Do you know that if you have adopted habits with your pet, your guests do not know them and can do badly if they do not want to? Explain the situation to them and give them advice on how to communicate with your pet, respect his needs, avoid any danger and not give him stress.
Another tip
Beware of doors! Your guests may not always think to be alert and your cat can escape when they open and close doors and windows.
Remember to equip your cat with a small bell necklace to locate it more easily. On his collar, indicate your name and address, your number and phone and the contact information of your veterinarian.
Do not hesitate to indicate that your cat is deaf, to limit the risk if it is found by a stranger. Finally, think of equipping it with a subcutaneous chip to identify it more easily if it escapes you.
