I started this post sitting at my computer listening to the birds in our maple tree outside the office window. That was muffled by the sounds of Ginny purring on my lap once she spotted me here. The cats have been fed so they are running *thump...thump* up and down the stairs being nosy and full of beans. The cars are whizzing by on our main street. The sounds of the morning from the office. I think what it must be like for my Siamese, Mr. Ed to hear nothing. Does he feel isolated, lonely, scared? Does it matter not that he hear the going's on in the house because he feels safe and knows that his day will be taken care of for him. I don't know. I hope the latter but sometimes it bothers me.
Even though he doesn't hear he is still bold enough to be where he shouldn't be.
CAT-TIP FOR THE DAY - a little about deaf cats.
Most deaf cats are white with blue eyes. About half of all white cats are deaf in one or both ears. If a white cat has one blue eye, the chance of deafness is higher and if it has two blue eyes, the chance of deafness is even greater. If a white cat is deaf in only one ear and has one blue eye, they tend to be deaf on the side of the blue eye. Old age does not cause deafness in cats as often as it does in dogs. After 13 years of age, 15% of cats will show some loss of hearing. For the most part, deaf cats cope well. Of course, they must be kept as indoor-only cats. You must be careful not to surprise a deaf cat from behind or they will become anxious. Our cat, Ed is stone deaf and will sleep through noise that will send my other cats fleeing. When I approach Ed I am always careful to be sure that he sees me so not to startle him. He is a very nervous cat anyway because of his background. He was taken from a home of 47 neglected cats so even with a loving home he tends to be on edge a lot but I don't blame that on his deafness. He just had bad luck.
I hope you don't hesitate to adopt a white cat because of your fear it may be deaf. Not all are deaf and even if it is, a deaf cat can have a happy, fun-filled life.
hugs, Deb
I have such a love for animals that that would not be a factor in my adopting. You are such a kindhearted soul; that I can tell!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I had a very sweet little white deaf cat once. She unfortunately was 'let out of the house' by an uncaring roommate and lost. I have always hoped "Baby" was found and adopted by someone else!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that about white cats, but it would never matter to me=love has no bounds; Mr. Ed is a handsome, lucky cat now to be part of your loving family ...I've missed you while I was busy moving into the new house and hope all is well...I am having a special post tomorrow (Oct. 7) about my first baby, Nikki; hope you can visit...Have a great day, Deb; I bet beautiful Riley is growing like a weed!!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning...Thank you so much for responding to my post on your blog. Good news this morning because all four kittens were on my front porch. I'm going to start leaving food out there for them. And, maybe, by winter they will be used to eating there and more use to me then I can put winter shelters out there for them. They would be protected from the weather. Feeling alittle more hopeful this morning.
ReplyDeleteKathy