Cats are known for their sharp senses, including their acute hearing abilities. When a cat begins to lose its hearing, it can be a frustrating and disorienting experience for both the cat and its owner. Deafness is a common problem that can affect cats of all ages and breeds. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic abnormalities, infections, and injuries. As a cat owner, it's important to be able to recognize the signs of deafness in cats. In this blog, Pet Barn is going to provide you with the most important symptoms of deafness in a cat.

Here are 7 symptoms of deafness in cats:

  1. Lack of response to sounds

Cats with hearing loss may not respond to sounds that they would normally react to, such as a door opening or a can of food being opened. They may also fail to respond
to their name or other verbal cues. It’s important to note that a lack of response to sounds can also lead to safety issues for deaf cats. For example, a cat that can’t hear a car coming may not move out of the way in time. As a result, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep deaf cats safe, such as keeping them indoors or using
visual cues to communicate with them.In addition to safety concerns, a lack of response to sounds can also have an emotional impact on both the cat and its owner. Cats that are losing their hearing may become more withdrawn or less engaged with their surroundings, which can be concerning for their owners. It can also be frustrating for owners who are trying to communicate with their cats and aren’t getting a response. However, with patience and understanding, it’s possible to develop alternative methods of communication that can help to bridge the gap caused by hearing loss.

  1. Increased vocalization

Cats that are losing their hearing may begin to meow more frequently and loudly, especially when they’re trying to get your attention. This increase in vocalization can be a sign of frustration or anxiety, as the cat may not be able to hear their voice or the sounds around them as well as it used to. For example, a deaf cat may start meowing more loudly than usual when they’re hungry, as it may not be able to hear the sound of its food bowl being filled. Alternatively, they may meow excessively when they’re looking for attention, as they may not be able to hear their owner calling their name or making other sounds to get their attention.

  1. Unusual behavior

Unusual behavior is another symptom that may indicate a hearing loss in cats.
Deaf cats may exhibit behaviors that are different from their normal patterns, such as staring off into space or acting confused or disoriented. They may also become easily startled or anxious, as they may not be able to hear approaching people or other animals.
One of the most common unusual behaviors in deaf cats is the tendency to stare off into space. This behavior may be a sign that the cat is trying to compensate for their hearing loss by relying more heavily on their other
senses. Deaf cats may also exhibit other unusual behaviors, such as pacing, circling, or acting disoriented, as they may not be able to orient themselves as well as they used to without the help of sound cues.

  1. Deaf cats may sleep more than usual

Because they are not as stimulated by sounds and activity as they used to be. They may also become less interested in interacting with their human family members or other pets. They may also be more prone to lethargy and inactivity, as they may not be able to hear the sounds that typically motivate them to play or explore their surroundings.
Owners should pay attention to their cat’s behavior and energy levels and take additional precautions to ensure that their deaf cat is safe and comfortable.

  1. Balance problems

Hearing loss can affect a cat’s sense of balance, which may lead to stumbling, falling, or difficulty jumping up or down from elevated surfaces. This can be a serious concern for cats, as falls and other accidents can lead to injuries. If you notice that your cat is having difficulty with their
balance, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.

  1. Frequently scratching at their ears or shaking their head:

Chronic ear infections can cause hearing loss in cats. If your cat is frequently scratching at their ears or shaking their head, it may be suffering from an ear infection that requires medical attention. Ear infections are a common cause of hearing loss in cats. Chronic ear infections can cause inflammation and damage to the structures of the ear, which can result in permanent hearing loss. If you notice that your cat is frequently scratching at their ears or shaking their head, it’s important to bring them to your veterinarian for an evaluation. Ear infections in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, parasites, or foreign objects in the ear. Signs of an ear infection in cats may include redness or swelling of the ear canal, discharge from the ear, and a foul odor.

  1. Changes in behavior

Cats that are losing their hearing may become
less social and interactive, possibly because they’re not able to hear and respond to their environment as well as they used to. They may also become more irritable or easily startled, as they are not able to hear approaching people or animals.

In conclusion, deafness can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms and seek veterinary care if you suspect your cat is suffering from hearing loss. By being aware of these 7 symptoms, you can help your cat with the best possible care.