My neighbor's cat has had kittens - two only and both white, about 5 weeks old. I'm in two minds about her request for me to take one, but how can I tell if it is deaf or not? Also, what's involved with taking on a deaf cat? Thank you.
Hi Kryztof,
While not all white kittens are born deaf, the percentage is certainly higher. The risk is higher for white cats with two blue eyes (as compared to only one blue eye). The reason gets down to genetics. The dominant gene that causes their white coat and blue eyes also contributes to hereditary deafness. Some cats will only be deaf in one ear instead of both, allowing them to function quite normally. Even if they can't hear, a cat that is deaf can still function quite well in familiar surroundings. They still have very good vision and sense of smell. These cats should be exclusively indoor only, as their lack of hearing puts them at a great disadvantage outdoors where they can't hear cars coming, dogs barking, or other risks. Here is a link for an article from Cornell that explains some of the same points. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/ask-elizabeth-white-cats-and-blindnessdeafness
@chris-vanderhoof Thanks for your help. I will check out the link before making a decision.