How to Deal with a Deaf Cat

by Dusty

Loving a deaf cat might sound challenging for some humans, but they will soon quickly learn that we are highly adaptive, particularly when we don't know we may be a bit different.

It doesn't matter if you are elderly, losing your hearing, or born deaf, for humans, caring for a hearing-impaired cat is a challenge. After your human has adjusted to the idea of your hearing loss, you'll find that you and your humans behavior changes quickly to communicate with each other. Your human will find new ways to call you, new ways to play, and still have a wonderful and meaningful relationship with you. And they will be able to provide you with a secure and happy home.

Deaf cats may not be able to hear, but their sense of feel is extraordinary. They will feel vibrations from other pets walking on the floor, even toilets flushing. Sometimes your human may even question whether or not the kitty is truly deaf.

Because deaf cats cannot control the volume of their voices, they usually fall into one of two categories with respect to vocalization:

1) They meow rarely, or not at all;

2) Their mews and screams are inappropriate. For example, a hearing kitty would know to quietly sneak up on a bird at the window. The deaf kitty might go running and let out a loud squeal, not realizing her squeal warned the bird. Or a deaf kitty might let out a big scream that sounds like her tail is caught in the door, but you discover she's just having fun with her toy mouse.

Your human must adjust her communication just for you. At feeding time, maybe she could tap her toes on the floor to call the deaf kitty. Cats can feel the vibrations if they are relatively close. If the cat is on another floor of the house, your human should bang her hand on the steps or flick the hallway light switch. Develop a consistent communication pattern with the kitty, so she knows what you want.

With other cats, your human has likely noticed that their ears flicker and move when they hear noises. A deaf cat's ears will flicker and move as well, but these are communications to their human and other pets. Over time, everyone may be able to understand what certain ear flickers mean.

Deaf animals get startled easily, so make sure your human always gently pats the surface where kitty is sleeping if it is necessary to wake kitty up. Flicking the lights will also help wake a cat from a nap.

Deaf cats are easily startled. If your human walks up behind a deaf cat, they should always stomp their feet heavily on the floor to let kitty know someone is coming.

When the deaf kitty is looking directly at you, move your hands in a "come here" motion and pat the floor to call him. Most cats can't resist a good petting and will come when summoned. Make sure your human is always consistent with this communication and practice it often. Very soon, kitty will react every time he sees the "come here" sign language.

All cats have a need to be high in the air, but deaf cats have more extreme needs for high places. Make sure there are places where kitty can be high - a top shelf in a closet, or on a dresser perhaps. Or your human can easily build a shelf out of scrap wood and attach it a few inches from the ceiling.

Make sure your human spends time every day petting, cuddling and playing with the deaf kitty. Hearing-impaired cats need company. The warmth of human hands is a balm to them in their silent world.

Sometimes the deaf kitty may turn her back on your human and ignore them, knowing that kitty is getting ready to jump on something not allowed. To get kitty's attention, have your human stomp her foot on the floor a few times. Kitty will feel it, although she may still choose to ignore her human, but even cats that can hear will do that.

Your human should also recognize that kitty might need a companion. Deafness increases the level of loneliness for any animal or person. If your human really feel you are lonely, consider getting another cat. Carefully screen any potential animals. Your human may want to make sure this new friend is gentle and not aggressive.

Learning some basic sign language is a great learning experience for both human and cat. Mouthing the words at the same time reinforces what the human wants to communicate to the kitty. Of course, body language and facial expressions will go a long way in telling kitty yes or no.

You can also make up your own hand signals on the fly. For example, when a bird would visit the window feeder, your human could flap her fingers in a bird motion and say, in singsong, "pretty bird, pretty bird." The deaf kitty will quickly learn what it means and could look out the window for the bird. Saying the word not only added a method of communication with kitty, it also lets a hearing cat know we had a visitor.

If kitty will stand for it, your human can put her mouth against kitty's head, tummy or back and say words. She use the phrase "pretty girl, or my best boy" while overemphasizing the "p or b" sounds and blowing onto the top of her head or her back. She may not know it means she's pretty, but she does know it means that your human is crazy about her and she immediately gets cuddles and purrs.

Purchase a laser light cat toy at the pet store for playtime. Both of you will come to love this time together. Do not let your deaf cat outside. He cannot hear cars, lawnmowers, mean dogs or potential threats. It is absolutely unsafe for a hearing-impaired animal to be left outside.

Well there you have it, all that I know about taking care of a deaf kitty. My humans sometimes think I may be deaf....until someone opens a cat food can, and I am there in a flash. I have what is called "Selective Deafness" I only hear what I want to, heeheehee.

The End