Fairly Sudden (I Think) Deafness In Cat

[237SJ]

What are the mechanics of age related deafness in a cat? What exactly is it that fails?

[Peaspeculiars]

presbycusis… age-related hearing loss in cats is often caused by genetics and is inherited down through the parents. It can occur quite quickly but
if your cat has suddenly become deaf, I would check for any infections, mites or ear wax build-up. It can also be caused suddenly by certain types of anesthesia and antibiotics.
Found this on a website which explains the 'mechanics'..
'.....In most dog and cat breeds inherited congenital sensorineural deafness results from perinatal degeneration of the stria vascularis, the vascular bed of the outer wall of the cochlear duct, which leads to hair cell degeneration...'
This link also has pictoral references to explain..
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23122176

hope this helps

[237SJ]

Thanks for that Peas. Sounds like it`s bhe blood vessels then. It`s my Mum`s cat and I have been thinking recently that she is deaf. I took her to the vet`s today to make sure it wasn`t an infection or ear mites. I wish it was really, because then it would be curable but her ear drum was fine so she is just deaf. Shame really.

[Sqad]

237...sounds like a CVA if the cat is old.

Peas has given you the details.

[Peaspeculiars]

237SJ, it is a shame, but there is nothing you could have done to prevent it if it is hereditary and there is no reason why the cat cannot lead a full and happy life with the deafness. The cat may meow louder, not because it is scared or in pain, but simply because it can't hear itself so don't let it tug at your heart strings - it is still the same cat ;-)
Just be a bit careful if it goes out as he/she might not be able to hear cars/ dogs/ people coming - I know it's not ideal, but if your mum has high fences (if it's old and can't jump over them) that would be the perfect set-up to keep him safe in the back garden, but if not just keep a watchful eye, or she might have to consider keeping him indoors permanently if she thinks he might get into danger.
All the best

[237SJ]

Thanks again. The cat isn`t very old as far as we know. I think she is about 10 but the vet says you can`t age a cat as you can some other animals. The cat appeared here several years ago when she seemed quite young. Maybe she`s older than we thought. She does howl a lot now which is why I first thought she is deaf, She seems happy enough though.

[wolf63]

Pastafreak has a deaf cat, a very vocal deaf cat. Caspar is white and was born deaf. Apart from driving Pasta totally nuts by his constant talking he is a happy cat. I think that he is an indoor cat.

[Peaspeculiars]

237SJ - over the years we have taken in several stray cats. Our original vet thought that one was approx 6, the other about 4. After 12 years with us when they began to get 'age related problems' the vet suggested that they were more likely to be approx 22+ and the other around 25. So they had a very good 'innings' and a lovely life. I think the boy cat was a bit deaf towards the end as he didn't half start to meow like a trooper when he couldn't see us :-)

[ducksie]

speaking of a cat's meow, my sisters cat lost her's about a fortnight ago, he no longer makes sounds, what could cause that to happen, he's in no pain or anything, just no sound

[ducksie]

meant to say his meow, not hers

[Peaspeculiars]

Ducksy - possibly an upper respiratory infection (most common) - does he 'go through the motions' to meow but with no sound?

[ducksie]

He does, I am not a cat person but he is making efforts I thought he had a hairball but my sis says she knows when her cats have them, all the years she kept cats this is a new one for her (the loss of meow)

[Peaspeculiars]

Ducksie,
It may be nothing, but it may be worth a trip to the vet just to ensure there are no growths on his vocal chords or throat.
There is a condition called 'laryngeal paralysis' which can either slightly alter or the voice or stop the cat from meowing entirely (it causes the larynx to not open fully when the laryngeal nerve function is affected) or it could be a respiratory infection (but this normally is combined with runny nose/ eye symptoms).
Perhaps best to let a vet take a quick peek, even if the cat doesn't seem to be in any pain - and especially if your sister is sure it isn't just a hairball, as not being able to meow seems to be out of normal pattern. All the best

[Peaspeculiars]

Sorry, just to add, a possible cause of laryngeal problems (effecting the cats throat/ vocal ability) are hormonal for example an under-active thyroid, so if the cat is overweight but not eating more than your sisters cats (and they are all normal weight) it might be something to get checked for at the vets too

[ducksie]

sorry for delay in replying Peaspeculiars, he not overweight but he has cut back on his food toward the other cats, thanks for all your info, I will pass it on to my sister, I believe she will bring him to the vets as she was more than worried about him

[ducksie]

I will give you an update after the weekend peaspeculiars, and again many thanks

[Peaspeculiars]

Good Luck Ducksie, will look out for the update - hopefully it will be nothing to worry about at all xx

[ducksie]

Peaspeculiars, I spoke with my sis today, the cat is getting thinner but making a slight croaky sound now so she will be ringing Vet first thing monday morning and get him checked up, he's not had runny eyes or nose, just the loss of meow. she was very thankful for your help and won't leave it any longer to get help for him

[237SJ]

Update - got home from work today and the cat appears to have some rather nasty dried up discharge from her ear. She`s scratching it as well. I think there is more going on than the vet supposed. I would think she has an ear canal infection or mites. Back to the vet`s again I think.