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Deafness
A deaf cat is easily startled because he can't
hear you approaching. He sleeps more deeply
because the lack of sound gives him a false sense
of security. Deaf cats can learn to recognize hand
signals or the flashing of a torch (flashlight) to
call him in for meals or at night. At close range,
sharp hand-claps may still gain a partially-deaf
cat's attention. Deaf cats cannot hear danger
signals such as cars, lawnmowers or barking dogs.
If he goes outdoors (or could escape outdoors),
make sure he wears an elasticated (or break-free)
collar bearing his address and write 'I AM DEAF'
on the collar to help people who find him on their
driveway or in their garden. A noisy collar bell
helps you to locate him when he is in motion. It
is safest to confine a deaf cat to a safely fenced
garden or indoors.
Blindness
A cat which bumps into things may be losing its
sight. A cat blind in one eye is easily startled
by sudden movements on his blind side. Blind cats
are easily disoriented and must not be allowed to
roam; indoors only or indoors with access to an
outdoor enclosure is best. He may enjoy walking in
the garden using a harness and lead and these
trips can be enjoyable for you both as you can
observe what things attract the attention of your
cat. Make sure he wears an elasticated collar
stating his address and disability in case he
escapes and becomes lost.
Blind cats rely on scent and memory to find
their way around so keep furniture, food and
litter in the same place and don't leave obstacles
in unexpected places where he could walk into
them. Carrying a blind cat around will disorient
him so if you do move him, place him at floor
level somewhere familiar e.g. his feeding or
sleeping area so he can easily get its bearings.
Sound is very important to a blind cat and many
enjoy playing with jingle toys or rustling paper
(e.g. paper grocery bags).
Deaf-Blind Cats
It is rarer for a cat to lose both hearing and
sight. Such cats are far safer indoors as they can
easily become lost or hurt outdoors. Many adapt
well and still enjoy life, relying on their sense
of smell. The fact that older cats are less active
anyway means that they are less distressed by
these problems than you might think. If you feel
that your cat is distressed by its condition, you
should discuss the matter with your vet who may
recommend euthanasia, especially if the cat has
other age-related problems as well.
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