Deafness can be temporary or permanent. It usually occurs due to age, genetic defect, infection, mites, trauma or as a side effect of certain medications. Deafness in cats can be either in one or two ears, partial or complete. The problem may be due to the ear itself or due to an inability of the brain to process information.
Hearing loss due to age
Like humans, cats lose some hearing as they get older. With old age, cats may stop responding to loud noises nearby or when walking, and there may be some balance problems. Either way, you should check with your veterinarian to see if the hearing problems are due to age.
Genetic defect
Blue-eyed (razy-eyed, one eye blue, the other eye yellow) white cats are more likely to be born (become) deaf. To avoid this problem, a cat must not be born completely white, otherwise it has a huge chance of being completely deaf.
Ear infections, mites and allergies
Ticks can damage the eardrum. Ear mites is a very common disease in cats. Pay attention. If the cat scratches its ears and behaves restlessly it is worth examining it. If you see redness, swelling or a black, sticky substance in the ear, that’s a red flag and you should call your vet right away. Although these signs may not only indicate ear mites, they may also indicate an ear infection.
Food allergies can cause ear infections. If your cat becomes allergic, change the food and see your veterinarian.
How to live with a deaf cat? Tips
Consider some practical tips:
- If your cat is sleeping on the floor, stomp harder so that there is a vibration on the floor, then the cat will feel the approach;
- If your cat is sleeping on the bed, rock the edge of the bed to wake the cat up;
- If you have many guests coming over, leave the cat indoors;
- Try any way you can to elicit the cat’s reaction: vibration, gestures, touching;
- Never leave a deaf cat outside;
- Put a bell for the cat and you will always find it in the apartment.
Accept your deaf cat
A deaf cat is a problem, but no more so than a healthy cat that doesn’t respond to its name. Cats are very flexible animals, and can compensate for hearing loss through other senses. The main thing to remember is that a cat needs love, both deaf and healthy.