Blue-Eyed White Cats: Commonly Born Deaf? A Surprising
Choosing the Gene for BlueEyed White Cats
It's important to note that "blueeyed white cats" is a general term that encompasses any feline with blue eyes and white fur, regardless of whether they are a domestic shorthair or a cat of any breed.
Congenital Deafness Syndrome
This condition is primarily caused by a genetic abnormality on the autosomal chromosome, which leads to incomplete development of certain auditory organs.
Let's simplify the genetic aspect: Cats with albinism genes or those lacking the genes to produce melanin can result in a fullwhite coat and a pair of blue eyes. The genes that control melanin also play a role in the synthesis of cells in the cat's auditory organs. The absence of these genes can affect the development of a cat's hearing.
Some blueeyed white cats may have one yellow eye and one blue eye, and the cat's hearing on the side with the blue eye is typically weaker.
How to Test a Cat's Hearing
If your cat responds enthusiastically to your gestures or movements when it sees you but completely ignores your calls when turned away, it might be time to take it to a vet for a more thorough examination.
Rest assured, not all blueeyed white cats are completely deaf. If they react slightly to loud noises, they may simply have reduced hearing capabilities.
Moreover, cats with congenital hearing impairments have their own ways of "hearing" sounds. They rely on the sensitive pads of their paws.
The pads contain a wealth of sensory receptors, and in blueeyed white cats, these receptors are particularly abundant. They can detect even the tiniest vibrations on the ground.
Despite their hearing difficulties, these cats can still maintain a strong bond with their owners, and many owners may not even realize their cat has a hearing issue.
