It is estimated that no cat looks more "fairy" than a pure white cat. If it has a pair of big sapphire eyes, it is simply a fairy among cats. But many people don't know that the fairy-like white cats with blue eyes have a serious genetic defect - most of them are born with deafness.

Why are white cats deaf?

In fact, almost all cats with congenital deafness are white cats, which is caused by the degeneration of the inner ear hearing organ. Some are deaf in one ear, and some are deaf in both ears. What determines this trait is an autosomal dominant gene called the W (White) gene. This gene controls multiple traits.

Cats with this gene will have all-white fur and may also have blue eyes and congenital deafness. White hair is completely controlled by the W (White) gene, but pupil color and deafness are also controlled by other genes, so they may not be fully visible.

What is the probability of a white cat being deaf?

In nature, it is more difficult for deaf cats to survive. Not only are they more likely to be discovered by predators because they cannot hear sounds, but their blue eyes are photophobic and have poor vision in low-light conditions. (Please refer to: Why can cats behave freely at night? (The reason why cats can see clearly at night))

But among pets, due to human preference and intervention, white cats are selectively bred, thus producing more deaf individuals. Direct statistics on the probability of deafness do not make much sense. Studies have shown that a white cat with two blue eyes has a deafness probability of about 60%-80%; a white cat with one blue eye has a deafness probability of about 30%-40%, while the other eyes are The probability of deafness in white cats is about 10%-20%.

There are also research statistics that the overall deafness rate of white cats is about 22%.

How to tell if a cat is deaf?

It is much more difficult to determine deafness in cats than it is to determine deafness in dogs. If there are two cats at home, one of whom is deaf and the other has normal hearing, it is basically difficult to detect. Because deaf cats will learn their daily habits from hearing cats, they may look the same.

When there is only one cat in the house, it is relatively easy to detect deafness. Call your cat when you turn your back, or make strange noises. If the cat doesn't respond, it's probably deafness.

Do deaf cats have other health problems?

No, except for the deafness, everything else is normal.

　Can deafness be cured?

No, congenital deafness cannot be cured, and there is no need to treat it. If your cat is deaf, don’t let it go outside. Deaf cats can live healthy lives in an indoor environment.

Can a deaf cat still communicate with me?

Of course. Many cat owners may not find out that their cats are deaf for a long time, because deaf cats rely more on vision and the feeling of vibration.

Try to use body language to communicate with cats. With a little training, deaf cats can also live a healthy and happy life.