2007-02-01 03:42:14 · 7 answers · asked by mamai326 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
There isn't an inclination to go deaf; but certain breeds cats born with white fur and blue eyes are more prone to deafness at birth.
The gene that makes cats a solid white ( it's the LW gene for short-haired cats and UW for long-haired cats) is a very dominate gene. In addition to producing the white coat it also favors blue-eyes. Sadly, with the genes coming from the parents in the right combination this will also leave the kitten deaf. This is OK if the cat is indoors and will not be used for breeding. Cats have managed without hearing in caring homes very well.
Several papers over the last few years have shown that this deafness isn't as common as once thought. With proper care in breeding it can be reduced even further.
Felines have interesting genetic "hiccups" for lack of a better term. Almost all calico or tortoiseshell cats are female (upwards of 90%) while most orange or marmalade tabbies are male (around 80%).
Hope this helps. --Andy
2007-02-01 05:07:52 · answer #1 · answered by Andy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are either born deaf or, as with any other cat in its late teens or twenties, they may lose their hearing. I have heard they may be deaf on the side with the blue eye. I haven't tried to test that with my new rescue cat.
If an all-white kitten has a small grey spot on its head it will not be deaf. The grey spot will disappear when the kitten matures.
2007-02-01 04:52:27 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some male white cats with blue eyes ARE deaf, not that it happens gradually.
2007-02-01 10:31:47 · answer #3 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have heard that as well however my cat is white, Siamese, blue eyed and 8 years old and trust me he can still hear everything I say! I believe it's a genetic predisposition but that does not mean EVERY one will go deaf.
2007-02-03 17:12:38 · answer #4 · answered by Rhode Island Red 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No...I had one that lived to 16 and was not deaf.
2007-02-01 03:45:03 · answer #5 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no i had one that live 12 and he never did go deaf
2007-02-01 04:02:30 · answer #6 · answered by Helena White 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. No breed or color of cat will naturally go deaf OR blind (this myth is common with blindness too.)
2007-02-01 04:02:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋