Researchers found that only 17 to 22 percent of white cats with non-blue eyes are born deaf. The percentage rises to 40 percent if the cat has one blue eye, while upwards of 65 to 85 percent of all-white cats with both eyes blue are deaf.
To determine if your cat is deaf, clap your hands or rattle your keys when she is facing away from you. If there is no reaction, then there is a good chance that your cat is deaf.
Mostly white cats and albino cats are not prone to deafness, as they don't carry the dominant W gene. Cats with mostly white fur carry a different gene, which explains why they are not completely white. As a result, they aren't susceptible to deafness caused by the dominant W gene.
Deafness can occur in white cats with yellow, green or blue irises, although it is mostly likely in white cats with blue irises. In white cats with mixed-coloured eyes (odd-eyed cats), it has been found that deafness is more likely to affect the ear on the blue-eyed side.
White cats are some of the rarest, making up only about 5% of the total cat population! With their striking snow-white coats, they look dazzling and very unusual and, of course, they are even more special to their families who love them.
Yes, they are uncommon. White cats make up only 5% of the general cat population. But they have captured the imagination of so many. And, for the most part, the things they symbolize are positive — rebirth, happiness, money, prosperity, healing, spirituality and even tolerance.
Hereditary deafness is a major concern in white cats, and even more so if one or both irises are blue in color. Researchers found that only 17 to 22 percent of white cats with non-blue eyes are born deaf.
The vibration of their own voice is another sensation they may notice and enjoy. Deaf cats may purr and meow louder than their hearing counterparts. They may walk into a bathroom or walk-in shower and shriek, enjoying the vibration of their voice reverberating from the tiled walls and floor.
Some deaf cats meow more often and more loudly, because they cannot regulate their “volume,” while others become mute. How do I communicate with my deaf cat? There are many different ways to communicate without sound. You can simply wave at your cat to get his or her attention, or flip a light on and off.
Although it is not an exact science, sometimes cats are more or less likely to be a certain gender based on their coat color. In particular, calico or tortoiseshell cats are almost always female. On the other hand, orange or orange and white cats are almost always male.
Congenital deafness — present from birth — is seen almost exclusively in white-coated cats. The deafness might affect one ear or both and will almost always be evident within several weeks of birth.
Yes, deaf cats most definitely purr! A purr is all about vibration, which is a source of comfort — which is why cats will purr even when they are in pain or frightened.
Indoor white cats live just as long as any other type of cat, which according to the ASPCA is 13-17 years. As long as an albino cat lives indoors, they too have normal lifespans.
Cats with a white coat and blue eyes have a higher risk of being born deaf. This is particularly true of breeds such as Persians, Scottish Folds, Ragdolls, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Oriental shorthair, Turkish angora, Maine Coone and Manx.
The deafness is caused by degeneration of the auditory apparatus of the inner ear and may affect one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). Breeding studies have defined the relationship between deafness in white cats and blue eye colour. The gene responsible is an autosomal dominant gene termed W (for White).
Siamese. Also referred to as “foreign white,” pure white Siamese cats lack the classic darker-colored “points” on the ears, face, legs, and tail. Moreover, all Siamese kittens are born white, developing darker colors as they grow. These cats love their families and prefer to be the center of attention.
yes, deaf cats often show more affection than hearing ones. They usually adore being petted and snuggled because they rely on touch since they can't communicate with you through hearing.
Like their hearing counterparts, deaf cats can enjoy happy, enriching lives. And for the most part, they do not need much in terms of specialized care. Whether your cat was born deaf or lost their hearing due to age, illness, or injury, there's no reason for their quality of life to suffer.
Cats are adept at reading the body language of other felines. Although a deaf cat will not be able to hear another cat hiss, other visual indicators (such as body posture, tail movement, eye contact, and ear movement) will clue him into the situation.
It's a question that many cat owners have wondered. And the answer is a resounding yes! Cats often feel love quite strongly for their owners and other companions.
They don't hear their own voices, so they have no idea how loud they are. An advantage of having a deaf cat is they are not afraid of the vacuum cleaner.” Accommodating cats with congenital deafness is easy because they automatically use their other senses to communicate and gather information from their environment.
One of the biggest indications that your cat may be deaf is to listen to their meows. Some deaf cats call out more often and more loudly as they struggle to regulate their own volume.
Black/White Cats or Gray/White Cats
These cats can be quite resourceful and clever. They are very active and are great mousers. However, they are usually less affectionate than other colored cats.
Snowy animals are prone to a number of health complications, with sunburn and skin cancer particularly common. For some animals, like Barry the cat, the consequences of excessive sun exposure can be lifelong.
WHITE CATS & GOOD LUCK
In many myths and fables, black cats are regarded as harbingers of bad luck. It seems the reverse is true too: In many countries, white cats are seen as a symbol of good luck, and are believed to represent purity and positivity in many regions as well.