Have you ever wanted to adopt a cat, but were put off by the fact that the cat was deaf? While adopting a deaf cat poses unique challenges and requires some extra care, it can be a rewarding experience. Some cats are born deaf, while others may lose their hearing with age. There are instances where trauma caused the deafness; however, a cat that is born deaf knows no other way, and will adjust to life accordingly.
One essential of having a deaf cat is to always keep the cat safe in an enclosed area. Most deaf cats, or even partially deaf cats, won?t know if a predator is coming (this not only includes animals, but cars, lawnmowers, and people), and won?t be able to react in an appropriate way. Without being able to hear, they are often fearless and will go anywhere they please when it comes to being outside. The same principle applies to the indoors. Never sneak up on a deaf cat. Instead, tapping gently on an area next to the cat will cause a vibration to get their attention, and have the cat wear a bell on their collar in order to mark where it is at all times.
Despite not being able to hear, it is still important to talk to deaf cats, especially while holding them. Deaf cats can feel the vibrations of a human?s voice when they are being cuddled, which is soothing. Communication is also possible through hand signals and sign language. When the cat is being fed, if hand signals are used to ?call? the cat, they will associate this gesture with going to a person. Hand signals can also be used to signal bad behavior. For example, if a cat is jumping onto a kitchen table, pointing a finger can signal ?no?.
Many cats who are deaf or hard of hearing are louder than regular hearing cats. This is because they have no idea how loud their voice is, so there is no gauge in which to control the volume. Because of how loud they are, many deaf cats have earned the reputation of being crabby, when in reality they just can?t control the loudness of their meowing.
The Cat Protection Society of New South Wales, Australia, has a downloadable fact sheet about caring for a deaf cat. This information sheet can be printed out and given to everyone in the family in order to be prepared for the special challenges deaf cat care takes.
Above all, when adopting a deaf cat, it should be showered with love and affection like all family pets. Due to the loss of hearing, the sense of loneliness is heightened. If your deaf cat is lonely, consider adopting another cat to keep it company.
Although deaf cats have some additional needs compared to a hearing cat, the experience of having a deaf cat is rewarding, as it can teach patience and nurturing skills. Despite having some limitations, these cats can be cared for like other members of the pet family.
This article was written by My Pet Saving?s contributor Melissa. She has a master?s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.
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Source: http://www.mypetsavings.com/2011/08/living-with-a-deaf-cat.html
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