How can you tell if a white cat is 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.

Do white cats have hearing problems?

Deafness is far more common in white cats than in those with other coat colours. According to the ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats, "17 to 20 percent of white cats with nonblue eyes are deaf; 40 percent of "odd-eyed" white cats with one blue eye are deaf; and 65 to 85 percent of blue-eyed white cats are deaf."

What causes deafness in white cats?

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).

Why is my white cat not 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.

What are the signs of a cat being deaf?

Five Phenomenal Facts About White Cats!

Do deaf cats meow?

Deaf pets also pay closer attention to vibrations and air currents. For example, the breeze made by a door opening may cue a deaf pet that someone has arrived. Some deaf cats meow more often and more loudly, because they cannot regulate their “volume,” while others become mute.

Is there a hearing test for cats?

For all ages canines and felines

The Pet Acoustics Home Pet Hearing Test is an easy, hands-on way to observe and record if your pet has full hearing or may have partial hearing or hearing loss.

Are pure white cats rare?

Cat breeds come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including white cats. Pure white cats are fairly rare in the general cat population, as they require a gene that hides every other possible coat color and pattern in a cat's genetic makeup.

Is my cat deaf test?

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.

Should white cats be kept indoors?

The ideal thing is to keep cats indoors during the hours when solar radiation is most intense, from 11 am to 5 pm, or shelter them from the direct sunlight, keeping them in shady places. Another very useful precaution is to apply a specific sunscreen for animals, with a high protection factor.

Do all white cats have health problems?

Short answer, no. White cats are no more prone to illness than any other cat. However, an albino cat may be more prone to medicial problems such as light sensitivity and skin conditions from a lack of pigment (just like humans).

Are pure white cats blind?

White cats are no more prone to blindness than any other color, with the exception being albino cats. Albinism is a lack of color pigments, or melanin, rather than an actual white coat, and it is usually accompanied by red eyes.

Are white cats mean?

Overall, orange cats and bi-colored cats were characterized as friendly, while black cats, white cats and tri-colored cats were regarded as more antisocial. White cats were considered to be more shy, lazy and calm, while tortoiseshell cats were more likely to be depicted as both more intolerant and more trainable.

Are white Ragdoll cats deaf?

These cats are often deaf in the ear on the same side as their blue eye. It doesn't slow them down too much or otherwise affect their day-to-day lives, but it's good to be aware. While point coloration is standard, Ragdolls can sometimes wear other hues and patterns.

How rare are white cats with blue eyes?

5% of the general cat population is white cats (i.e. pure white). 15-40% of these pure white cats have one or two blue-eyes. Of those white cats with one or two blue eyes, 60-80% are deaf; 20-40% have normal hearing; 30-40% had one blue eye and were deaf while 60-70% had one blue eye and normal hearing.

Are white cats special?

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.

What percentage of white cats are deaf?

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. Some of these cats are deaf in only one ear.

What do you call a white cat?

Polar - Like the cold weather bear, Polar is a great name for a white cat. Ghost - On par with Phantom, Ghost is a great name for a white cat who is silent but always watching. Sky - A name for a cat that is as light as the sky. Bones - A unique name for a boy cat. Weiss/Weiß - German for the color “white”.

What color eyes do white cats have?

Cats who are solid white or mostly white may have blue, green, gold or copper eyes. The most common eye colors range from greenish-yellow to gold.

Are white cats more affectionate?

University of California, Berkeley researchers surveyed 189 cat owners in a study published in the October 2012 edition of Anthrozoos. Orange cats were regarded as the friendliest by respondents, while white cats were labeled aloof, and tortoiseshell cats were thought to have too much "attitude."

What is the rarest cat color?

The albino cat is the rarest of all coat types. Two recessive alleles in the C gene cause complete albinism, and it is extremely rare for cats to get both.

At what age do cats go deaf?

Around the age of 7-11 years some cats will start to show early signs of ageing such as blindess or deafness. These changes can be a sign that there is a serious underlying medical problem (such as kidney disease or diabetes) but can also just be due to the cat getting older.

Why does my cat barely meow?

More Serious Reasons Why a Cat May Not Vocalize

While most instances of cats not meowing are simply "personality" issues, it's sometimes the case that a more serious physical problem can cause a cat's silence. ​ Speak with your vet if you suspect another cause or if the silence is new.

Do deaf cats need special care?

Whatever the cause, deaf cats need special care and attention. Of course, they can still enjoy a full and happy life, especially if your feline's sense of smell and sight are still strong. Cat parents of deaf cats should get an accurate diagnosis and then take steps to accommodate your pet's disability.