Heather Kalinowski is a pet lover and new mom who spends her
days helping other pet owners protect their pets with dog and cat insurance. Trupanion offers 90% coverage for
diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if a pet becomes sick or injured.
Just like people or other pets, cats can be born deaf or can
lose their hearing due to chronic ear infections, ear mites, injuries, or from
genetics. Deafness due to aging is called presbycusis and is the most common
type of hearing loss in cats. While hearing loss due to aging or genetics
cannot be prevented, there are opportunities to lesson your cat’s chance of
losing their hearing from other causes.
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Manny, a deaf cat who lives at The Family Pet Hospital in Ashland, MA. |
It’s important to keep an eye on your cat’s ears for any
signs of an issue - black ear canals,
reddened ear canals or yellow discharge are big warning signs. The inside of
the ear should always be a pinkish color. Get regular checkups by a veterinarian
to make sure infection and ear mites aren’t hanging around and stay away from “self-help”
products as they could lead to more damage to the ear if administered
inappropriately.
Trying to decipher true hearing loss can be tough because
animals sometimes sense you’re there even if they cannot hear you. Owners
should take notice after their cats do not respond to outside noises, become
disoriented, or aren’t aware of your presence until you physically interact
with them. It can also be a warning sign if the pet is difficult to wake up or
has an “unbalanced” walk.
If you are concerned your pet may be deaf, it’s important to
take them to a veterinarian to find out the extent of the problem and if the
problem is caused by an underlying issue that needs to be treated. But if you
find out that your cat is deaf, and will live out the rest of his life in
silence, his life can still be as amazing and fulfilling as it would have been
without hearing loss. It just takes a little extra effort to keep them safe and
sound.
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Manny, a deaf cat who lives at The Family Pet Hospital in Ashland, MA. |
Keeping a deaf cat inside is the best way to protect them.
Hearing-impaired cats will not be able to hear outside predators or oncoming
traffic. Keeping a bell attached to their collar is also helpful so if your pet
does venture outside the home, you can hear where they are at all times. And be
sure to always make vibrations when approaching your cat. Startling them could
ruin the relationship and cause anxiety.
Deafness cannot be treated, but your cats will be able to
adapt and compensate for their life’s change. With a few extra precautions and
understanding, living with a deaf pet can be just as – or even more! –
rewarding than living with a hearing pet. Read real stories about living with deaf cats here.
Do you have experience with a deaf pet? What is your best
tip on interacting with a deaf animal?
