Dear Sparkle,
Like many blue-eyed, white kitties, I am deaf. You know, as in can’t hear a darn thing. But for some crazy reason, my human still insists on talking to me! I have pointed out numerous times that this is completely useless, as I have no idea what she is saying. But still, she persists. Why is she doing this? I may be deaf, but I am beginning to think she is dumb.
Signed,
Deaf and NOT Dumb
Dear DAND,
Since I don’t know your human personally, I can’t say for sure whether she is actually dumb, or just a little bit dense. I can say for sure that humans in general are addicted to chatter. Most of it doesn’t mean anything, so don’t worry, you are not missing out on any important news. Maybe it is a primate thing — monkeys also chatter up a storm, and if you shut your eyes, it sounds just like human talk, except maybe a little more shrill. Although you are getting nothing out of your human’s words, perhaps she is. A lot of humans like the sound of their own voice, and having a cat around means it is not so obvious that they are actually talking to themselves. In addition, they are used to the fact that most cats who can hear don’t listen to them much anyhow.
If you and your human have been living together for any length of time, she probably knows ways to communicate with you that don’t involve speech (even though she continues her mystifying use of verbiage). But in case you are a fairly new addition to the family — or if there are other deaf cats out there who have recently acquired humans — you might want her to take note of the following:
- Never approach a deaf cat from behind. There is a good chance you will scare them. Always approach from the front, and make sure they see you.
- While I hate collars, especially ones with bells, that might be a good thing for you to wear. Since you can’t hear your human call you, it will help her to locate you if she has something good for you like food or treats. Of course that also means that if you don’t want to be found, like if you have to go to the vet or if you want alone time, you need to figure out how to keep that bell quiet — if you can feel it move, it is definitely making noise!
- Beds — whether they are cat beds or human beds — are great places for deaf cats to sleep. They are easy for a human to either gently move or sit on if she needs to wake you up without startling you too much.
- Although humans will probably never stop talking, they should also learn some hand signals for their deaf cats. All kitties are smart and know if humans are indicating something. Incidentally, the generous usage of treats (for the cats, not the humans) will speed up the learning process! Deaf cats can also feel floor vibrations and see lights turning on and off — humans can make use of this to signal things like dinner, bedtime, treat time, etc.
- A deaf cat should never, ever go outside. He will not be able to hear danger. Sadly, I have heard of many deaf cats who have been killed by dogs, predators or cars, all because they could not hear them.
- Consider bringing home a hearing friend for a deaf cat. We kitties have other ways of communicating that don’t rely on being verbal. (If humans examine our interactions, they might note that we rarely meow at each other, but we certainly carry on conversations!) A hearing cat can also be helpful for a cat who is deaf.
Other than not being able to hear, deaf cats are just like any other kitties, and they like the same things — toys, treats, premium cat food, 7-foot-tall cat trees, deluxe cat beds, picture windows for bird watching, etc. In fact, deaf cats may like these things even more than hearing cats, so if your human does not have some of these items, I suggest that she go out and get them for you immediately.
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Mom talks to me all the time, I just don’t think she realizes that she doesn’t need to talk to me like I’m a baby. purrin xoxox
Very insightful advice, Sparkle. Humans really do chatter on with lots of nonsense.
Vey good advice. Now I really wish my Mommy and Daddy would listen to mes!
Oh my Cod! My Human chatters ALL THE TIME. I can’t imagine what’s wrong with her. I don’t listen. I’ve never known a self-respecting cat that wasn’t deaf to all that drivel!
Is it possible the human is actually talking to herself and using you as a cover? You know what they say about humans who talk to themselves. Especially if they answer too.
Merry Christmas!
PS Took your advice and acted like a cat should.
We had no idea. Auntie Jen had a blind kitty.
Happiest of Holiday Wishes to all of you!!
Fin & Mom
Sparkle–you give such the best advice!!! Dear Abby ain’t nothin on you!!
And humans–they so do babble so–I just tune Tommy out at times. She wonders if I really do hear her….let her keep on guessing.
Noir
Mom talks to me all the time, I just don’t think she realizes that she doesn’t need to talk to me like I’m a baby.
purrin
xoxox
You are a wise cat, Sparkle
You are a wise, wise kitteh, Sparkle. We hope this helps the deaf kitteh. And her hoomin.
Very good advice Sparkle! We don’t think our mommy knows how to stop chattering so she’d talk no matter who could hear or not. She would love to adopt a deaf or blind kitty one day and give them the loving furever home they deserve!
Good advice and we know first hand cuz our Albert is a blue eyed deaf cat. Mom blows on his fur to wake him up gently to to let him know she is there. He responds to hand signals to come, stop and knows to come when they thump on the floor. He goes bonkers for flashlights and laser toys – not in a good way. He will keep looking for them long after Mom has put it away. Al is a bit of a bully but we think he was that way and is not from being deaf. He likes beans better than cats anyway. White deaf cats also have some eyesight problems too – Al can’t see very well at night or in dim light. Because the handicap is genetic they can also have immune issues but Mom gives us the best cat food there is with lots of vitamins and supplements. Al is now 6 and looking good!
What wonderful advice for any would-be owners. Being deaf should never stop a cat finding a loving forever home ~ they just needed to be treated a little differently.
Excellent advice and information, Sparkle! yeah, we use selective hearing here 😉
Pip, Smidgen, Minnie, and Hollie
That’s some good advice, Sparkle. We can hear just fine, but when our mom talks to us, we rarely listen. Unless she says the word “treats!”
You are so wise Sparkle and your advice is always top-notch!
One of our most favourite fosters, Freddie, was deaf. It took us a while to realise, as he compensated really well. When we were reading up on the dos and don’ts, we were surprised to see that a lot of people think deaf cats are grumpy. The stuff we read attributed that to deaf cats getting freaked out by people who don’t give them a warning they can pick up on before touching them. The simplest tactic we read was to tap the couch or floor next to them before touching them.
Freddie’s dad has taught him to come for dinner by flashing the light three times, and he has learned a couple of hand signals too!
Interestingly, I am a blue eyes white cat who is not deaf. Several people have assumed I am though. I had a white, green eyed brother who could also hear, and Freddie’s two white sisters could hear also. All three in his litter had green eyes.
-Lishy.
Our mum talks to us all the time – we wonder if we should
a) answer her
b) ignore her
c) get her certified
answers on a postcard please.
Excellent advice. HH used to work with deaf people and she said that you make very good points in your column.
Have a great day.
pawhugs, Max
Dat is excellent advice. I bet a deaf kitty could even learn sign language cuz we cats are smart.
MOL, love the part about humans like to talk to themselves. Our Mom talks to us all the time and we sure hope she isn’t talking to herself. That would be very scary since she says some weird things That was great advice about the collar and a friend. Hope you have a fantastic day Sparkle.
My mom talk to me all the time. I’m not debt and she is not dumb but I’m not listening : )
Um, is it possible the Bein thinks the kitty can read lips? Or mebbe the kitty can hear sounds the Beins can’t, like ultrasonics? Just curious.