Hearing Problems in Cats

Cats can hear between 48 Hz and 85 kHz, far surpassing humans and even dogs. This means they can detect high-pitched noises like the ultrasonic squeaks of a mouse and electric appliances!

You might notice your cat staring at walls or off into the distance, usually because they can hear something you can’t! They may be startled by sounds we cannot hear, turning their ears to focus in on a point or suddenly running from the room.

Signs Your Cat has Difficulty Hearing

Cats are experts at masking weakness and hearing loss often comes on gradually, so it can be difficult to detect. Some key signs to watch out for are:

Not responding to sounds like their name, the rustle of a food bag, or loud noises.
Sleeping more deeply or not waking up when you enter the room.
Startling easily when touched or approached from behind.
Meowing louder than usual because they cannot hear themselves.

Behavioural Challenges

When a cat can’t hear properly it affects how they interact with their environment and those around them. Some common behavioural issues I see in hard-of-hearing cats include:

Not coming when called, this is often confused with stubbornness or defiance.
Increased startled or fear responses, which can in turn trigger other negative behaviours.
Aggression or tension with other cats, particularly if they’re caught off-guard by a silent approach.
Disinterest in play or interaction, which may actually be due to missing auditory cues.

Some cats can get on with hearing loss without fuss, however some are likely to feel confused, anxious, or overwhelmed and this can lead to more troubling behavioural problems.

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Living with a hearing-impaired cat doesn't have to be stressful for you or your cat. As a certified cat behaviourist, I can help you make the changes needed to help your cat feel safe and comfortable again.

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