How to Tell If Your Cat is Deaf: Understanding Deafness in Cats
Last Updated on January 4, 2026 by Holly Anne Dustin
Are you worried that your beloved kitty might be hard of hearing? I just began noticing the signs of deafness in my Treeno. Now that I know what to look for, I see it in Thunderbolt too. Cats are known for their keen senses, including their acute hearing. However, just like us, cats can experience hearing loss or even be born deaf. Recognizing the signs of deafness in your kitty is essential to ensure a deaf cat’s well-being and to provide them with the care they need. Read on for tips on how to tell if your cat is deaf and what to do if he is.
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How to Tell If Your Cat is Deaf:
It can be hard to tell if a cat is deaf if you have another cat that hears. A deaf cat will tend to look to the hearing cat for visual clues about what is going on. The deaf cat will play with its hearing companion, chasing through the house just like a normal cat. I think my Thunderbolt may have been following his friends’ leads for a few years. Look for the following signs if you are wondering how to tell if your cat is deaf.
Related Post: Cat’s Amazing Ears
Lack of Response to Sounds
One of the first things you might notice is that Kitty doesn’t react to thunderstorms or the vacuum anymore. The giveaway to me that something is up with Treeno is that he doesn’t race to the food bowl with the first crack of the can anymore. He doesn’t respond to me calling his name either. Deaf cats may not engage with a favored squeaky toy anymore.
Behavior Tip-offs in a Deaf Cat
If Kitty is hard of hearing, he may sleep more deeply because the noise in the household won’t wake him. He will startle more easily if touched while he’s sleeping, or unaware of your presence.
Deaf cats become clingy. The lack of their sensory input makes them insecure. If your deaf cat is seeking more attention then usual, provide it with touch and slow blinks. Your loving attention will help your deaf cat adjust to life without sound.
Shaking his head a lot, or scratching at his ears, could be a hint that Kitty is losing his hearing. He doesn’t understand why his hearing is going, so Kitty shakes and scratches in hopes of restoring it.
Vocalization and Vibration
The vibration of his own voice is something a cat that is losing his hearing might enjoy. He’ll go somewhere he can enjoy the reverberation of his voice and howl. Treeno has been enjoying the acoustics of hotel bathrooms and my dining room for the last year or so. It’s been driving me crazy. Now I know why.
A deaf cat can’t understand how loud he’s talking. So you may notice his vocalization is getting louder. It’s not unusual for a deaf cat to yell at the top of his lungs.
The Snap Test
It won’t give you the full picture, but the snap test is a good way to tell if your cat is deaf. When you are in a room with Kitty, snap your fingers or shake your keys behind his head. If he doesn’t respond, it’s likely he’s deaf. Take him to our vet to confirm it. Some reasons for deafness can be treated or cured.
What Causes Deafness in Cats:
Congenital Deafness:
Some cats are born deaf due to genetic factors. Persians, Scottish Folds, Ragdolls, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Oriental Shorthair, Turkish Angora, Maine Coon, and Manx are breeds most affected. The most common cause of congenital deafness in cats is the presence of the “white” masking gene. Seventeen to Twenty-two percent of white cats without blue eyes are born deaf; around 40% of odd-eyed white cats; and 65–85% of white cats with two blue eyes are are deaf.
Acquired Deafness:
The most obvious cause of acquired deafness, just like in humans, dogs, and other animals, is advanced age. While age and genetics obviously can’t be treated, many of the other causes of acquired deafness Other reasons cats can lose their hearing include:
- Ear mites
- Infections
- Impacted ear wax
- Polyps or tumors
- Tumors
- Medications, especially chemotherapy drugs
- Trauma or injuries
Caring for a Deaf Cat
Communication
Communicate with your deaf cat with touch and sight. Your can teach him simple hand signs for things like come, dinner, walkies, or his name. Flashing lights and laser pointers can indicate dinner, or Mama’s home. Tapping the bed beside where he is sleeping can be less startling than touching him. Slow blinks can show your love and affection.
Environmental Adaptation
- Keep Kitty inside. Without her sense of hearing she won’t be able to avoid cars or predators. Teach her to walk on a leash, ride in a stroller, or build her a catio if you want to provide your furbaby with outside enrichment.
- Give Kitty high places where she can see her whole environment.
- Use toys that have a vibration or light feature to keep her engaged and entertained.
- Keep a predictable routine to increase Kitty’s security
Summary:
Recognizing the signs of deafness in cats is essential for providing them with the right care and adapting your interactions to suit their needs. By understanding how to tell if your cat is deaf and the causes of deafness in cats, you can keep your relationship with your special cat strong, making their world a brighter place despite their hearing loss. Remember, a deaf cat can lead a happy and fulfilling life with your support and understanding.
