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Living With a Deaf Cat

Tips to help you both adjust

By Erika Sorocco

Perhaps your cat was born deaf and has never heard the sound of crunchy cat food falling into the food bowl or the sound of birds chirping outside the window in the morning. Or maybe your cat just lost its hearing because of old age. Either way, adjusting to such a handicap can be difficult for both your feline and you. But it doesn’t have to be. By making a few modifications to your daily lifestyle and spending a little extra time with your cat, the two of you can thrive alongside one another and come to terms with this challenge. Here are some simple tips and tricks to help you along.

Click here for CatChannel's quiz to see if your cat is deaf.

**Get the December 2008 issue of CAT FANCY to read the full article.**

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Living With a Deaf Cat

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Reader Comments
I have a deaf cat (Sasha), and although I was afraid at first about adopting him, my fears were unwarranted. He is a very happy, affectionate and playful little guy, and since he was born deaf, he doesn't realize that he's "missing" anything. It helps tremendously that I also adopted his two littermates, both of whom can hear. They are great playmates for him and help "take care of" him. Sasha is very inquisitive and completely fearless, whereas loud noises send his brothers hiding for cover! He is also very friendly with strangers: His brothers are afraid of unfamiliar voices, but since Sasha can't hear them, he treats other people the same way he treats me - with complete trust. He LOVES to be petted, and he is also very vocal. He purrs and meows much more loudly than his brothers. Of course, I NEVER let Sasha (or his brothers) go outside; they are strictly indoor cats. Sure, it has been a little harder teaching him to stay off furniture, etc., but it's worth it in the long run. I'd encourage anyone who's considering adopting a deaf cat not to be afraid and, if possible, to also adopt a hearing cat (ideally a sibling) to keep him/her company. Deaf cats can make good pets and definitely thrive in a loving home!
Beth, Minnetonka, MN
Posted: 2/14/2011 12:23:16 AM
I love my cat she may not be able to hear but she is still a gift from god and she loves laying with me on my stomach while i watch tv she also sleepon my head and waits for me to come out the bathroom to attack me with kisses
anthony, bronx, NY
Posted: 9/13/2010 10:06:17 AM
My cat is almost 12 in human years and she is completely deaf and blind in one eye. It does make things a bit more complicated and, it is a challenge but, she has adapted a bit like when i tap my foot she know "feeding time" because the certain vibration. And i also use laser points to train her to follow it and give her a treat when she comes.
Maddie, Tampa, FL
Posted: 3/26/2010 7:13:41 PM
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