Numbness in cats
Deafness in cats refers to the partial or complete loss of hearing. This can occur in one or both ears and significantly affect the cat’s quality of life and ability to communicate.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
Deafness in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, age-related changes, infections, injuries, or toxic influences. It is important to understand the underlying cause to enable appropriate treatment.
Genetically determined deafness is common in certain cat breeds, especially those with white fur and blue eyes. These cats may be deaf from birth, as the lack of pigment cells in the inner ear impairs the development of the hearing cells.
Age-related deafness is a common cause in older cats. As they age, the hearing cells in the inner ear can degenerate, similar to humans. This form of deafness is often progressive and affects both ears.
Infections of the ear, such as otitis externa or otitis media, can also lead to deafness. These infections cause inflammations and swelling that can block the ear canal or damage the structures of the inner ear. Without treatment, this can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Injuries, such as trauma to the head or ear, can directly damage the structures of the ear, which can lead to deafness. Such injuries can be caused by accidents, fights with other animals, or improper cleaning of the ear.
Finally, toxic influences, such as certain medications or loud noises, can lead to deafness. Some antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents are known to be ototoxic and damage the inner ear.
Typical accompanying symptoms
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Decreased responsiveness to noises: A deaf cat may no longer react to everyday noises or its name, which indicates a loss of hearing.
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Changed behavior: Cats that become deaf may appear more anxious or skittish because they feel more insecure.
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Excessive vocalizations: Some deaf cats meow louder than usual because they have lost control over their volume.
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Difficulty locating noises: Deaf cats have difficulty determining the direction of noises, which makes it difficult for them to orient themselves.
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No reaction to loud noises: Cats that are deaf often do not react to loud noises such as vacuum cleaners or doorbells.
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Deviant play behavior: Deaf cats may appear less attentive during play because they do not perceive noises.
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Shaking or scratching the ear: This may be an indication of an underlying ear infection that can lead to deafness.
When to visit the vet?
A visit to the vet is urgently required if your cat suddenly becomes deaf or if it shows signs of an ear infection, such as excessive scratching, head shaking, or discharge from the ears. Such symptoms may indicate serious problems that require immediate treatment.
If the deafness is accompanied by other symptoms such as balance disorders or neurological abnormalities, this should also be a cause for concern and trigger an immediate visit to the vet. Such symptoms may indicate involvement of the central nervous system.
Even with age-related deafness, it is advisable to consult the vet to ensure that there are no other health problems that could be affecting hearing ability.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
It can be difficult for the pet owner to recognize deafness in cats, as cats are very adaptable and use their other senses to compensate for the lack of hearing. Pay attention to the symptoms mentioned above and test your cat’s reaction to noises by quietly clapping behind it or shaking a key ring.
The vet will perform a thorough examination, which includes an inspection of the ears and possibly a hearing test. In some cases, imaging diagnostics, such as a CT or MRI, may be required to rule out structural damage or abnormalities in the ear or brain.
A BAER test (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) can be performed to objectively measure hearing ability. This test measures the electrical activity in the brain in response to noises and can help determine the degree of deafness.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
As a pet owner, you can take measures to support your deaf cat and improve its quality of life. Create a safe environment by eliminating sources of danger such as open windows or balconies, as deaf cats cannot perceive noises that indicate danger.
Communicate with your cat through visual signals, gestures, or vibrations, such as lightly tapping the floor to get its attention. This can help overcome communication barriers.
Avoid approaching your cat suddenly so as not to startle it. Always approach from its field of vision and use gentle touches to calm it.
It is important to continue regular veterinary examinations to monitor your cat’s general well-being and ensure that no further health problems occur.
If the deafness is due to an infection or treatable cause, strictly follow your vet’s instructions for medication and care to restore or maintain hearing ability as much as possible.
Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.