Hearing Loss in Cats: Causes, Signs and How to Help a Deaf Cat

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Hearing loss in cats is common, and often unnoticed. Cats are good at compensating, using sight, smell and vibration. But recognizing the problem helps you protect and care for your cat, and sometimes find a treatable cause.

Causes

Congenital

Some kittens are born deaf. White coats with blue eyes are a classic link, because the gene affecting pigment can also affect the inner ear. Deafness may be in one or both ears. See white cats and deafness.

Age-related

Like people, older cats can lose high-frequency hearing as the cells in the inner ear wear out. It is usually gradual. See senior cat care guide.

Acquired disease

• Ear infections, including middle and inner ear disease. See cat ear infections.
• Ear mites, and excess wax. See ear mites in cats.
• Polyps and tumors in the ear canal or throat, especially in young cats.
• Trauma, such as a blow to the head or a fall.
• Ototoxic drugs, such as some antibiotics and ear cleaners, particularly when the eardrum is damaged.
• Loud noise, over time.
• High blood pressure. See high blood pressure in cats.
• Other illnesses, such as infections or cancer.

Signs

• Not waking up to loud sounds.
• No reaction to its name, or to the can opener.
• Startling when touched or approached from behind.
• Louder meowing, especially at night.
• Not turning its ears toward noises.
• Sleeping more deeply.
• Disorientation, or trouble locating you.
• Head tilting or balance problems, if inner ear disease is present.

Test gently, using a sound that does not create vibrations or air movement, such as a clap out of sight, and watch for ear twitches. Do not rely on one test, because cats may ignore sounds.

Diagnosis

The vet looks in the ears for wax, infection, polyps and eardrum damage. For a firm diagnosis, especially in kittens, a BAER test, brainstem auditory evoked response, measures electrical signals from the ear to the brain, and can reveal deafness in one or both ears. Further tests may be needed to find an underlying cause, including bloodwork and imaging.

Treatment

Treatment is possible when the cause is an infection, wax, mites or a polyp. Polyps may need surgery. Hearing loss from genetics, age or severe damage is permanent. Hearing aids are not used in cats.

Living with a deaf cat

• Keep it indoors, or in a safe enclosure. See how to build a catio and outdoor access options for cats.
• Use visual signals. Flash a light, wave, or stamp the floor to create vibrations.
• Approach where the cat can see you, or touch gently and warn it.
• Keep routines steady.
• Use treats and hand signals to train. See positive reinforcement for cats.
• Use a harness and ID, in case it escapes. See cat microchipping and identification.
• Keep it away from dangers it cannot hear, such as cars.
• Introduce other pets carefully.

See caring for a deaf cat for more practical tips.

Prevention

You cannot prevent congenital deafness, but you can treat ear infections promptly, avoid unsafe ear products, protect from loud noise and have regular checkups.

Breeding

Responsible breeders test white cats for deafness. Ask about hearing tests if you buy a white kitten.

Testing hearing at home

Home tests are rough, but can give hints. With your cat resting and facing away, make a sound that creates no vibration, such as a clap across the room, a squeaky toy or a clicker, and watch for ear flicks or a head turn. Repeat on different days, since cats may choose not to react. Do not stamp or bang a table, which creates vibration. If your cat reacts poorly, bring it to the vet for a formal check.

Hearing loss in kittens

White kittens with blue eyes are most at risk, and blue-eyed cats may be deaf in one ear on the blue-eyed side. A kitten that does not wake to noises, or that does not respond to its mother, may be deaf. Early testing helps you plan, and means you can begin safe habits from the start. See white cats and deafness.

Training a deaf cat

Deaf cats learn quickly with hand signals. Use a consistent gesture for sit, come and feeding time, and pair each with a treat. A flashlight blink can serve as a call at night. Teach family members the same signs, and be patient. See clicker training a cat, using a light flash as a marker instead of a click.

Quality of life

Deaf cats can enjoy a full life with a few adjustments. They may be more vocal, and may startle more easily, so approach gently. Offer a rich indoor environment with climbing, toys and sun. Most deaf cats are happy and well adjusted.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat seems to have lost hearing, or if there is head tilt or discharge. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.