There are a number of hereditary diseases that can occur in cats. For example, white cats are relatively often deaf. This is especially true if they also have blue eyes at the same time. In the following we will explain why this is probably the case.
Key facts at a glance
- It is estimated that roughly one in two white cats is born deaf.
- White cats with blue eyes are particularly at risk of deafness.
- It is believed that a defect in the gene responsible for white color leads to deafness.
- In most cases, deafness can only be diagnosed by a special hearing test at the veterinarian.
- For safety reasons, deaf cats should not be kept outdoors.
Deafness due to a genetic defect in white cats
The fact that white cats with blue eyes are more often affected by deafness indicates that a genetic defect is responsible for the deafness.
The gene responsible for white pigmentation is found in many cat breeds. These include the British Shorthair, the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Persian Cat.
Congenital deafness is far more common in these cats than in breeds where this genetic factor is not as common. Why this is so has not yet been clearly clarified. Nevertheless, there seems to be an obvious connection between eye and fur color and the occurrence of deafness.
Why does the genetic defect lead to deafness?
If a white cat is deaf, the so-called organ of Corti is often missing in its inner ear. In the cat’s ear, this normally serves as an interface between acoustic mechanical vibrations and nerve signals.
If the organ of Corti is missing in a cat, noises cannot be transmitted and the four-legged friend is therefore deaf. Cats without an organ of Corti must be excluded from breeding, as otherwise it would be torture breeding, which is prohibited in Germany.
How do you recognize a deaf cat?
Basically, the development of a deaf white cat is the same as that of cats with functioning hearing. As a layperson, it is hardly possible to notice the deafness. Because cats feel practically every draft, so that clapping behind the four-legged friend’s back, for example, is not suitable as a hearing test and is perceived quite normally in most cases.
Instead, the cat should be given a special hearing test by the vet. This can be used to determine whether the four-legged friend is deaf in one or both ears.
Tips for keeping a deaf white cat
Since deaf cats usually notice dangers in their environment much later or not at all, it is advisable to keep them exclusively as indoor cats. As an outdoor cat, the risk of accidents on the road would simply be too great.
Also note that your deaf cat will notice you a little later and can be startled very quickly if you make unexpected advances. Especially if you have children, you should point this out to them to avoid incidents with the sharp claws of the four-legged friend.
That being said, deafness isn’t a major limitation for cats. In a loving home with considerate human companions, even a deaf white cat can live a perfectly happy life.