Advice about deaf cat

[Sanity Claws]

I have a foster cat whom I think is deaf or has very little hearing. She is easily startled because she doesn't hear someone approaching. I realized that she seems so withdrawn because she doesn't hear what is going on.
Does anyone have any tips on how to work with a deaf cat? How to approach her? How to wake her? How to call her?

[Hela]

1. I found some information for you

Vibration and lights seem to be good ways to alert them you're in the room.

Lots of tips here, here, and here.

[Sanity Claws]

6. Thank you

I will review them this evening after work.

[zuul]

2. . . .

Always approach her from the front so she can see you coming.

Use touch and vibration to communicate with her. When you enter a room, stomp or walk with heavysteps. The vibrations will help alert her to your presence.

Use a laser pointer to get her attention and teach her some basic hand signals. You can use a vibrating collar as a way to get your her attention and as a training device.

You may want to invest in a “pet locator” that attaches to the a collar, which emits a tone when the transmitter is activated so you can find her since, she won't come when you call her name.

[Sanity Claws]

4. Thanks for the suggestions.

Stomping is a no-go unless I want to be evicted. I live in an apartment and am concerned that stomping will cause complaints from the downstairs neighbor.
Lights might work.

I already use a light touch to wake her. I tried blowing on her softly but that didn't work at all.
I have a pretty steady schedule regarding feeding and bedtime that she seems used to. That helps.

I have to learn more hand gestures. I have been using my hands to get her to come but she hasn't learned it yet. Give it time, I guess.

I am reluctant to use a vibrating collar. My cats are indoor only and don't wear collars. I think they enjoy being naked.

[Random Boomer]

3. Maybe a thundershirt would help!

Check out this thread:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/116155147

[Laffy Kat]

5. I've raised two dogs who were born deaf.

If they were startled I would immediately give lots of pets or food if I had it on me. Startles should be associated with affection or yummies. You probably already know this, but if you have to wake her up do it slowly by putting your hand under her nose so she can smell you and give gentle pets while she wakes.

[Sanity Claws]

7. Good ideas!

Thanks

[mercuryblues]

8. When my dog went deaf with age

I would flick the lights on and off to get her attention.

[Beastly Boy]

9. Always carry a small flashlight with you

Flash it where your cat can see the light when anyone approaches her. Eventually she will recognize the light as a warning signal and will anticipate the experience without being startled.

Using the same flashlight you can eventually devise a whole series of light signals which will communicate different things of your choice to your cal. Also, most cats can see yellow and blue. You can use these colors to expand your cat's visual "vocabulary". Just be patient and persistent. It will take time.

[Jilly_in_VA]

10. All suggestions so far are good

Treats work. Cats are very food oriented. Also she may be able to pick up a couple of signs...""food" "water" and something for her name, and maybe "up". Dogs usually need to know more signs than cats do though.

[Ruslaideemin1941]

11. Tips to communicate with your deaf cat

Even if your cat is deaf, you can communicate with him or her in many different ways. You can practice the methods like simply waving at your cat, sharp handclaps, or flipping a light on and off to get your cat’s attention. To communicate with your deaf cat, you should use body language techniques. When he looks at your face, call him using your hand and give him tasty food as a part of tempting him to approach you.

[Sanity Claws]

12. Thanks for the response

The foster cat is now my cat. Now that she has been with me for a while, she feels more secure. She still doesn't hear things, or at least not well, but is not as easily startled.
She is far more self-contained or aloof than any cat I've had. Maybe because she is deaf, she stays put in a small area and doesn't freely go around the apartment as other cats would.
Anyway she purrs more, gives affection more, and generally seems happier. I accept that she, like all of us, is a work in progress.