The Cat Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [24]
Rex clearly needs more interactive play. Old Gus is a no-go, so I encourage you and the rest of your family to toss paper wads down hallways for Rex to pounce on or to drag a string for him to chase. He might like a game of laser tag on a wall. Just make sure that the area is free of breakable objects like your Aunt Dottie’s antique vase. Also be aware of heavy furniture that could cause injury to a fast-moving, high-jumping kitten in full-throttle play mode. Even the most agile of kittens can misjudge and slam into an immobile piece of furniture. Ouch!
Rex sounds like a delight and he deserves playmates willing to join him in some daily feline fun.
Dealing with Deafness
Q I recently adopted Lizzy, a five-month-old white kitten with blue eyes, from a local shelter. At her first checkup, the veterinarian informed me that Lizzy is deaf. Of course I plan to keep her, but how do I communicate with a deaf cat?
A Lizzy is one lucky kitty to have you as her caretaker. Deaf cats do possess some added challenges, but that just makes them more special.
Some cats are born deaf. A very brief lesson on genetics: Deafness is associated with the simple autosomal dominant white gene, especially in combination with blue eyes. The chance for deafness in white, blue-eyed kittens increases dramatically when both parents are white. What about Siamese cats, you may ask? Though famous for their blue eyes, they are not born deaf because they do not have the dominant white gene.
Cats like Lizzy with white fur and two blue eyes are genetically more prone to deafness due to degeneration of the cochlear duct inside the ear. The mechanism responsible for pigmentation in the eyes also controls auditory development. When the pigment cells responsible for color are prematurely stopped, hearing is affected.
Other cats become deaf due to severe ear infections, drug toxicity, or head trauma. Old age is another cause. Whatever the cause, deaf cats are often easily startled, especially if you approach them from behind or nudge them while they are sleeping. Some deaf cats are quite vocal because they cannot hear their own voices and control the volume of their meows.
It should go without saying that for safety reasons, deaf cats need to live strictly indoors. I recommend that you make an appointment with your veterinarian to microchip Lizzy, and put an address tag on her collar indicating that she is deaf just in case someone does find her outdoors. Attach a bell to her collar so you can keep tabs on her movements.
Since Lizzy can’t hear you, you need to approach her face first so as not to startle her; otherwise she might take a swipe at you out of fear. Approaching her directly prepares her for interaction. Don’t forget to ask your houseguests to do the same. If you need to wake her, stomp the floor near her so she can feel the vibrations. If she is sleeping on a cat bed or piece of furniture, push on the surface next to her rather than touching her.
You can teach a deaf cat to come, sit, and perform other tricks using hand signals. You can also communicate by using a flashlight or laser pointer. Use the flashing light to guide your cat where you wish her to go. Flashing lights can also be employed to distract a deaf cat who may be on a kitchen counter, clawing the couch, or committing another feline misdeed.
The bottom line is that with help, deaf cats can enjoy full, robust lives. They are remarkably adaptable and will compensate by relying more on their other senses, such as sight and smell.
Talking to Cats
Q When I say the word “treat,” my cat, Toto, comes running. If I say “walk,” he heads for the door where I keep his leash and harness. He loves taking short walks outside. Can cats understand words the way dogs can?
A Just like dogs, cats are more masterful at interpreting voice tones and body language than learning the actual words. They constantly size up our spoken syllables and gestures to determine if we are delivering praise or dishing