The link between white cats and deafness: everything you need to know

The white cats They are truly fascinating. Their fur, similar to that of It snows, and their eyes, which are often blue or even disparate colors, they create a sense of mystery and beauty. These unique characteristics have led to the mistaken belief that all white cats are deaf. But is this true? What is the relationship between their fur color, eye tone, and hearing ability? In this article, we will take a closer look at this connection in a detailed and precise manner.

The W gene and its impact on white cats

El W gene, from the English word “white,” is responsible for the characteristic white coat of these felines. This gene is pleiotropic, meaning it has multiple effects on the animal. Not only does it determine the color of the coat and eyes, but it is also associated with hearing problems. Cats that inherit this gene have a higher chance of being born deaf due to its influence on the development of the inner ear.

During embryonic development, the mutation in the W gene affects precursor cells known as melanoblastsThese cells are responsible for migrating to different parts of the body, including the inner ear. If the melanoblasts do not reach the inner ear, the hair cells responsible for transforming sound waves into electrical impulses do not develop properly, causing deafness in the cat.

Who is most affected by deafness?

The relationship between the W gene and deafness is not uniform; it varies depending on the color of the cat's eyes. According to studies, white cats with eyes blue They have between a 60% or with a 80% chances of being deaf in both ears. On the other hand, white cats with odd-shaped eyes have between a 30% or with a 40% chances of developing unilateral deafness (in one ear only), usually associated with the side where the blue eye is located.

In comparison, white cats with colored eyes Verde o amber are significantly less likely to suffer from deafness, with figures ranging from 10% and 20%.

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Information about the eyes of cats

Frequency of white cats in the population

It is important to mention that only one small percentage of the global feline population is completely WhiteIt is estimated that only the 5% of cats belongs to this category. Of this small group, an even smaller proportion have dark eyes. blue or disparate, which makes these felines unique and even more admired.

Deaf white cats in the wild

In the natural environment, the deafness can be a major problem for cats. These animals depend on their five senses to hunt and avoid predators. If a cat is born deaf, its mother may reject it as more vulnerable, a decision that, although crude, responds to the laws of natural selection.

In domestic situations, this disadvantage disappears, since the deaf cats They can adapt perfectly to living in a home. However, it is essential that those who live with them take certain precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.

How to identify deafness in a cat

Deafness may not be apparent in the first few weeks of a cat's life. Common signs include:

• Lack of response to loud sounds, such as clapping or nearby sharp blows.
• Extremely loud meowing due to inability to control the volume of one's voice.
• Lack of reaction to noises during sleep.
• Balance problems or tendency to sway To walk.

The definitive test to determine if a cat is deaf is performed using the method BEAR (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response). This test measures brain activity in response to auditory stimuli. Although it is minimally invasive, its availability may be limited in some countries due to its high cost.

Related article:

How cats hear

Essential care for a deaf cat

The deaf white cats They are just as affectionate and playful as the others, but they require specific care. Here are some recommendations:

• Keep your cat indoors: Deaf cats cannot hear traffic or other hazards, which increases their risk of accidents if they roam outside.
• Visual comunication: Use visual cues to communicate with your cat. Cats are extremely observant and can learn to associate certain movements with actions like “time to eat” or “come here.”
• Avoid scaring him: Always approach your cat from the front and avoid sudden movements that could scare it, since it cannot hear you approaching.
• Provides stimulation: Play with your cat using interactive toys and spend quality time together to strengthen your bond.

Albino cats and their differences with white cats

It is important not to confuse white cats with albino cats. Although both have white fur, albino cats are completely devoid of pigmentation, which also affects their eyes and skin. Albino cats have pink or very light blue eyes due to the absence of melanin, and their skin is extremely sensitive to sunlight.

Unlike white cats, Albino cats are not predisposed to deafnessThis is because their depigmentation is due to a mutation in the tyrosinase gene, which does not affect the development of the auditory system.

Knowing these differences is important to ensure proper care according to the needs of each animal.

The connection between coat color, eyes, and deafness in white cats is a fascinating phenomenon that illustrates the complexity of feline genetics. Although some white cats face additional challenges due to deafness, with proper care and attention, they can enjoy long, happy, and fulfilling lives alongside their humans.