Assistance request- anyone here have experience with deaf cats?

[hlthe2b]

1. I have dealt with (usually older) deaf cats and know many who have reared them from the bottle..

Honestly, I think consistency is the issue with any hand signals you choose to use. You can probably find some recommended signals on YouTube, but cats with sight intact are going to watch your body language intently, and it will not take long for your signals--whatever you choose--to be associated with a desired action and outcome. Waking them, though, needs to be with a slow, purposeful touch so as not to startle them (and thus trigger "fight or flight" )

But, as long as you institute some safety measures for those times when a lack of hearing can be problematic (e.g., outdoor encounters, if any), they will quickly learn your routines and how they can adapt to them.


I should also mention that not all blue-eyed, predominantly white cats are deaf. Many are, but some only in one ear, and some have normal hearing.

Good luck!