Deafness in cats can be extremely concerning, especially if you have never encountered it before or don’t know what to expect. While deafness is more common than many people think, it can often be overlooked or misunderstood. In this blog post, we'll discuss the causes of deafness in cats, how to tell if your cat is deaf, and what you can do to help your deaf cat live comfortably and safely. We hope you find this information helpful!
What is the normal auditory system in cats?
Hearing is active at 12-14 days old when the ear canals open. Hearing mechanisms continue to develop until the cat is 6-8 weeks old. External sound waves enter the ear canal and cause vibrations in the tympanic membrane. These vibrations are passed along to the oval window in the middle ear, then travel with cranial nerve VIII to the medulla oblongata. From there, they're transmitted to the cerebral cortex in the brain for conscious perception of sound.
What are the causes of deafness in cats?
The inability to hear sound is known as deafness. There are four main types of deafness: inherited, acquired, conductive, and sensorineural. Conductive deafness happens when there is a problem with transmitting sound through the ear canal to the inner ear. Sensorineural deafness occurs when there are abnormalities in the cochlear system or vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII). Congenital deafness is present at birth, while late-onset deafness develops later in life.
Conductive deafness in cats
This cause of deafness is usually acquired and occurs later in life. Causes of acquired conductive deafness include outer and inner ear infections and cancer of the ear.
Sensorineural deafness in cats
There are many causes of sensorineural deafness which can be either congenital or acquired. Ototoxins, long-term exposure to loud sound, trauma, or cancer can all cause sensorineural deafness. If a cat is born with inherited sensorineural deafness, it can lead to hearing loss by the time they are 5 weeks old. This is because their auditory system would have been fully developed by then.
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a form of acquired late-onset sensorineural deafness that is more common in dogs and other species compared to cats.
Congenital sensorineural deafness is associated with the white coat gene in cats whereas deafness is most common in white cats with blue eyes. Cats with two blue eyes have a higher incidence of deafness than white cats with one blue eye.
How do you know if your cat is deaf?
Some deaf cats may not show any signs, while others may have difficulty waking up or be unable to figure out where sounds are coming from. Deaf kittens might also be more vocal than their littermates and play more aggressively.
Cats that become deaf later in life may have symptoms of an ear infection, such as shaking their head, scratching at their ears, discharge or bad smell from the ears, tilting their head to the side, nystagmus (rapid eye movement), circling around aimlessly, and loss of coordination.
How is deafness in cats diagnosed?
If you suspect your cat is deaf, the first step is to take them to your veterinarian for a comprehensive physical examination. This will help rule out any other potential causes of their symptoms and allow for a more accurate diagnosis. An otoscopic exam will be performed to look inside the ears and check for any abnormalities. If deafness is suspected, a brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test can be used to confirm the diagnosis. This test is non-invasive and measures how well sound waves are transmitted from the ear to the brain.
How can you help your deaf cat?
If your cat is deaf, there are a few things you can do to help them live comfortably and safely.
First, make sure their environment is safe. Deaf cats can't hear danger approaching, so it's important to remove any potential hazards from their home. This includes things like poisonous plants, sharp objects, and open windows or doors. You should also keep them indoors to protect them from traffic and other animals.
Second, create a routine for your deaf cat. Having a regular schedule will help them feel more comfortable and less anxious. Set mealtimes, playtime, and bedtimes and stick to them as much as possible.
Third, use visual cues to communicate with your deaf cat. This is similar to sign language and can include things like hand signals, body language, and facial expressions. You can also use flashlights or other light sources to get their attention.
Fourth, deaf cats can benefit from wearing a collar with bells or other noise-makers. This will help you keep track of them and know when they're nearby.
Finally, be patient with your deaf cat. It may take some time for them to adjust to their new situation.
In conclusion, deafness in cats can be caused by a number of factors, including infection, long-term exposure to loud sounds, or trauma. If you suspect your cat is deaf, it's important to take them to the veterinarian for a comprehensive physical examination to rule out any other potential causes of their symptoms. There are a few things you can do to help your deaf cat live comfortably and safely, including creating a routine, using visual cues to communicate, and keeping them indoors. Deafness in cats can be a difficult adjustment, but with patience and understanding, you can help your deaf cat thrive. We hope this information helps and if you have any further questions, please contact your veterinarian.