Are all white cats deaf

According to the stereotype, white cats are deaf. But there are also nuances to this statement, for example the presence of deafness depends on the color of the eyes or the breed of the animal. But is there really a correlation between the lack of hearing and the white coat color in cats, and what to do if the pet can’t hear?

And the truth is.

The beauty of a white cat is simply fascinating, and admiring it few people will remember that an animal can be deaf

Not every cat with blue eyes is necessarily deaf. Yes, often these animals are hearing impaired, although, despite such an ailment, they are very popular. After all, a pure white cat with sky blue eyes is really very beautiful. Therefore, many people want to have such a pet, even despite some “subtleties”, such as hearing loss.

Scientists have found that in white cats with one or two blue eyes deafness is often inherited. Such animals have a 65 to 85 percent chance of being born deaf. But if there is only one blue eye, there is only a 40% chance of being deaf, and if the eyes are a different color altogether, there is only a 17-22% chance of being deaf.

Causes of deafness in white cats

Before one considers his pet deaf, one should first verify the fact

Such animals are deaf as a result of the dominant “W” gene, which is passed from one generation to the next. It affects the hearing apparatus, creating a certain defect in it, appearing in both or one ear. Because of the same gene, cats are always white, but they often pay for this with an ailment in the form of deafness.

The BAER test is used to test for this, and usually gives the most truthful results. Taking into account the fact that deafness sometimes affects only one hearing organ, it can be detected only by means of this test. You can, of course, check the animal at home as well – you can sneak up to the animal while it is not visible and make a loud sound: whistle, shout, etc. But this test is unlikely to be accurate, especially when dealing with unilateral deafness.

What to do if a pet is deaf

Lack of hearing from birth does not prevent a cat from feeling quite harmonious

It is interesting that cats, being deaf, feel themselves healthy and quite happy. But the task of the owner to provide such peculiar pets a safe existence. After all, because of its illness, the animal can get into an unpleasant situation, sometimes even with the risk to life. It is necessary to provide the cat with the absence of situations where its life would depend on the possibility of hearing beeps. They shouldn’t go out into the street, since they will be in danger almost every step of the way. They could be injured or even killed by a car or stray dog that pulled up unexpectedly.

Nonetheless, deaf from birth cats can be wonderful pets and keep their owners company. The key is to take precautions and remember that your pet is special.