Deaf cat: find out what are the main signs
Like humans, felines can have some physical disabilities that interfere with their senses and the way they interact with the world. So, how to know if a cat is deaf and what to do in this case? Read on to find out what the signs of a deaf cat are and how to help your pet.
The Feline Hearing
A fascinating feature of cats involves the ability to hear, an extremely important sense for these animals, after all, they are predators by nature. Therefore, they have a very sharp feline hearing and can perceive very distant sounds.
In addition to hearing noises from a distance, cats notice sounds that humans can't even imagine, as they have an impressive auditory frequency, which goes up to 65,000 Hz. To get an idea of the power of hearing in cats , humans have a frequency that only goes up to 20,000Hz.
All this power of sound capture is due to the advanced configuration of the ears of the mustachioed. They are triangular and full of "folds" that make it easier to capture noise, in addition to having many muscles, which allows them to move them in any direction.
It became clear how fundamental this sense is for the interaction of cats with tutors, other animals and the environment that surrounds them. Thus, its absence represents a challenge for these animals and requires attention.
Next, check out how to know if your cat is deaf and what to do to help the cat adapt in the best way to this condition.
Deafness in cats
When the cat has some difficulty listening, there are a series of typical behaviors and situations in everyday life, such as the cat not realizing that the tutor has arrived home.
Understand more about this and other signs that indicate the deaf cat and how to properly care for your friend with mustaches with this disability.
Main signs
First, it is worth saying that cats are very attentive animals, with a great speed of response to external stimuli, especially those of a sound type. That's because, as we've already mentioned, they are natural predators, and this sense is quite developed in kittens.
Consequently, the most prominent sign for recognizing the deaf cat is the lack of reactions to ambient sounds.
Don't be bothered by noise
In the absence of hearing problems, cats usually react with amazement and flee extreme noises. Even if the noise is not so intense or the animal is sleeping, when perceiving a sound in the environment, the ears usually move and return towards the origin of the sound stimulus.
So, if your kitty doesn't bother or run around when the dryer, vacuum cleaner or some other noisy appliance is working, it's time to start investigating.
Not answering when called
Another situation that can mean hearing loss is when the cat does not answer, or move its ears when called by name or the famous “pspsps”.
Not being welcomed by the pussy
A common scenario for those who have a deaf kitten is not being welcomed by them when they get home, as this is a habit present in most felines without hearing pathologies. In the case of deaf kittens, there is no such behavior, as they do not perceive the sounds of the tutor approaching, such as the swing of keys in the lock.
Have greater sensitivity
Another more subtle sign, but one that may be present, is an increased sensitivity to smells and temperatures. So pay attention to the way your little one reacts to new scents and climate changes in the environment.
Caring for a deaf cat
If you notice the signs described above and suspect deafness in your cat , the first thing to do is take your cat to the vet. The professional is able to perform tests that confirm or not the diagnosis. Through the consultation, the veterinarian evaluates hearing dysfunction and makes the necessary recommendations for the context of your pet.
There are some simple measures you can implement to ensure your pet's well-being in your home. One of the most important care is to establish a routine.
With pre-set times to carry out everyday activities, your kitten identifies when to play or eat, for example. This predictability helps reduce anxiety in the deaf cat. To make him calm, you also need to avoid scares, so don't suddenly approach the feline.
It is essential to ensure that your kitty does not go out into the street, because as he does not identify sounds, there is a high chance of getting hurt in the midst of cars and other animals. It is still worth buying toys that stimulate the cat's other senses, such as smell and vision.
White kittens with blue eyes are more prone to deafness
Data concerning the biology of domestic cats indicate that up to 72% of white cats are deaf . This problem has a genetic origin, so when two white cats are mated, the chances of the kittens being deaf increases to more than 50%.
Deafness in blue - eyed white cats occurs because the part of the genes that is responsible for hearing and pigmentation is not present properly. Then, there is a lack of color in the coat and eyes, as well as the absence of this sense.
In this article, you learned a little more about the cat, one of the species with the most developed hearing in the animal kingdom. Also, you learned about the main features of how to tell if the cat is deaf .