Prospective Owner w/ Question -- Audio Impact?

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Hello,

I’m a prospective first-time cat owner. I’ve been offered a kitten, 12 weeks old. Russian Blue breed. I’ve researched cat behavior, I’ve signed up for multiple YouTube expert channels and I’ve been watching the videos diligently. I'm cat-proofing my home. I am comfortable with the long-term financial commitments, including health insurance. The local vet clinics (I have many to choose from) are all accepting new patients.

That said, I’ve recently learned about just how sensitive a cat’s hearing is. I knew it was stronger than a humans and a dogs, but wow.

I live in a small apartment and I have a window mounted air conditioner/dehumidifier that turns-on quite often during the summer. I live near a beach. As a result it is nearly always on, or mostly so.

I’ve only recently learned about the anatomy of a cat’s ear, and the inner muscles that contract to block out noise. I’m concerned that my air conditioner/dehumidifier may make my apartment unsuitable for the cat for this reason. Even if I could acclimate her to the noise, I wouldn’t want to stress/harm the animal by forcing it into an environment that may do so.

What are the thoughts from the community about this? (Unfortunately moving the unit isn’t an option. It’s in the central room.)

On a side-note, I never listen to loud music or speakers. I use headphones, softly. Thanks again.

It shouldn't be an issue.. Cats can acclimate to their surroundings and live comfortable and happy lives pretty easily.

We live less than 20 minutes from a major airport (airplanes overhead constantly) and just beside a major highway and off of a major street, so traffic is almost constant too. We run window AC units in the summer and a humidifier in the winter, and the two of us living here will watch videos or listen to music using speakers. I also have three small parrots who have high pitched vocalizations. Fireworks will sometimes go off in a park a couple blocks or so away too, so still audible but not loud.

Once in a while, the sound of the humidifier turning on will get their attention and their ears will tilt back until they realize it's normal and not a threat, which only takes a second or two. All of the other noises, they've become so accustomed to that it's just normal to them too. They can get used to the sounds of your home, and as long as you're not blaring music, I don't see it becoming a problem. It's just the unexpected and sudden noises that may catch a cat off guard, but no damage should be done to their ears based on what you've written.

Cats aren't fazed by the noise from an AC unit  If it's one of the types that has the air vent on top, you may even find your cat napping there absorbing the cool air on those hot summer days

the a/c will not be a problem. enjoy your kitty. 

Hey everyone, thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts and experience, and your votes of confidence. There is a separate bedroom which is quieter. I’ve also been considering shelving that will add vertical space for the cat leading to a high corner ledge. I’m adamant that he/she gets the best I can give! Thanks again.

What a lucky kitten to have such a wonderful owner like you! It's awesome you're trying out some cat shelves

And I guess to add on to your question, when I go to my friend's home, sometimes we blast music from her TV. It gets pretty loud and the cat usually just chills on our laps like nothing's happening. (Of course, I wouldn't recommend this!)

My room is also right next to a busy highway and we get fire trucks blaring by. My cat just looks up and sometimes doesn't even care.