Caring for a Deaf Cat: Safety, Communication and Enrichment

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Living with a deaf cat is not as hard as many people fear. Cats rely on smell, sight and touch as much as hearing, and many deaf cats seem to cope with ease. They do need a few adjustments to stay safe and to feel secure, and the effort pays off in a close bond. This guide covers the practical steps.

Why cats are deaf

Some cats are born deaf, most often white cats with blue eyes. The same gene that gives the white coat can affect the inner ear. See white cats and deafness for the genetics. Other cats lose hearing later, because of chronic ear infections, trauma, loud noise, certain drugs, tumors or age. Hearing loss is common in senior cats. See senior cat care guide.

If your cat seems to have lost hearing suddenly, see a vet. Wax, ear mites, infection or polyps can be treated, and hearing may return. See how to clean a cat's ears.

Signs of hearing loss

• Does not react to loud noises, the vacuum, the doorbell or your voice.
• Sleeps deeply and does not wake at sounds.
• Is startled when touched from behind.
• Meows louder than before, or at odd times.
• Does not come when called, even for food.
• Ears do not swivel toward sounds.

None of these proves deafness. A cat may ignore you by choice. A vet can test hearing, and a BAER test gives a definitive answer.

Keeping a deaf cat safe

Safety is the biggest concern. A cat that cannot hear cars, dogs or people approaching is at much greater risk outdoors.

• Keep the cat indoors, or let it outside only in a secure catio or on a harness and leash. See how to build a catio and harness training a cat.
• Check doors and gates. Look before you open a door, since the cat will not hear you calling it back.
• Microchip and tag. If the cat escapes, it will not respond to calls. See cat microchipping and identification. Put a tag on that says the cat is deaf.
• Be careful with stairs and balconies, and use screens. See cat proofing your home.
• Watch other pets. A deaf cat may not hear a dog's warning growl.

Communicating without sound

Deaf cats learn quickly through sight and touch.

• Hand signals. Use a consistent signal for come, food and no, and reward each with a treat. A flick of the hand or a beckoning motion works well.
• Light signals. Flash a lamp or a flashlight to call the cat at mealtime.
• Vibrations. Stomp on the floor or tap the cat's bowl. Cats feel vibrations in their paws.
• Scent. Treats and food tell a cat that something good is coming.
• Touch. Pet gently once the cat sees you.

Clicker training can be adapted with a light instead of a click. See clicker training a cat and how to train a cat to come when called.

Avoiding startles

A deaf cat may be shocked when touched while asleep, which can lead to a swipe or a bite. Teach everyone in the household, especially children, to wake the cat gently. Approach from the front, stomp lightly or hold a treat near the nose. Do not sneak up from behind. See how to pick up and hold a cat and how to stop a cat from biting.

Vocal changes

Many deaf cats are noisy, and their voices may sound loud, odd or mournful. They may yowl at night because they feel alone or cannot hear themselves. A routine, evening play and a warm bed help. If yowling starts suddenly in an older cat, ask a vet about cognitive decline, thyroid disease or high blood pressure. See why do cats meow at night and hyperthyroidism in cats.

Enrichment

Deaf cats need stimulation through sight, smell and touch.

• Window perches with a view of birds. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
• Wand toys, laser-free chase toys and puzzle feeders.
• Cat trees and shelves. See how to choose a cat tree.
• Catnip or silvervine for scent play. See is catnip safe for cats.
• Safe houseplants such as cat grass. See cat safe houseplants.

Living with other pets

Deaf cats can live with hearing cats and friendly dogs. Introduce pets slowly, and watch body language, since the deaf cat cannot hear hisses or growls. See how to introduce a new cat to your cat and cat tail language.

Sun protection

If your deaf cat is white, protect it from strong sun, because pale ears and noses burn easily and may develop skin cancer. See cancer in cats.

When to see a vet

See a vet if hearing loss is sudden, if the cat shakes its head, scratches its ears or has discharge, or if behavior changes. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.