How do you tell if a kitten is deaf?

What is the best way to test for deafness in a kitten? I'm not sure, but I think Elle might be deaf.... anyone know ways to test?

Thanks!
Cassie

I know it sounds harsh, but maybe when she is not looking clap your hands behind her to see if she flinches? I think I saw this on TV....

I try snapping my fingers behind each ear in turn so they can't see it coming...and then looking for any noticeable flinch or reaction.

That is how I have always tested my pets to make sure they could hear out of both ears.

Okay.... I'll give it a try. Thanks!

Well, I looked some stuff up online, too.

I snapped my fingers.........................nothing.

I ripped paper behind her head............nothing.

I jingled a whistle behind her head.......nothing.

I crinkled foil behind her head.............nothing.

I played pop music in a CD player, and had it reasonably loud, put it to
her ears..........................................nothing.

Put it to Mirah's ears.........................Freaked out.

Put it back to Elle's ear......................nothing.

Does this mean she's deaf? Or could it be that she's just so young? Tomorrow, she will be 4 weeks old.... is that too soon? Could her ears still be closed?

No, her ears are not still closed - kittens are hearing and reacting to sounds - as you know from the reaction of your other kitten, much younger than 4 weeks.

You can wait and observe and have this checked out at first kitten shots, or you can have your vet do an evaluation.

Unfortunately, Elle is probably deaf! Please get your vet to confirm at the next checkup. Hang in there, CJandBilly! I know your kittens are really having a hard time of it and so many things are going wrong.

Originally Posted by Nano

Unfortunately, Elle is probably deaf! Please get your vet to confirm at the next checkup. Hang in there, CJandBilly! I know your kittens are really having a hard time of it and so many things are going wrong.

Click to expand...

The only thing that'd worry me about her being deaf is if she'd find a good home..... maybe I can convince my parents?

Thanks!

Well, Elle has an apointment on Wednesday for a check up, so I guess I'll know then! Thanks everyone!

I have read repeatedly that almost every single cat with blue eyes and white fur is certainly deaf.

Oddly enough, if they happen to have a smudge of colour between the ears on top of the head, they can hear.

Thought that kitty may be all white and it sounds as if she is deaf to me.

Good luck at the vets...Some people I am sure would still take on a deaf cat but you would have to be very wary to offer her to the right person.
She could obviously NEVER be an outdoor cat as there would be so many dangers in her not hearing.

Hope it turns out well.

Originally Posted by Loveysmummy

I have read repeatedly that almost every single cat with blue eyes and white fur is certainly deaf.

Oddly enough, if they happen to have a smudge of colour between the ears on top of the head, they can hear.

Thought that kitty may be all white and it sounds as if she is deaf to me.

Good luck at the vets...Some people I am sure would still take on a deaf cat but you would have to be very wary to offer her to the right person.
She could obviously NEVER be an outdoor cat as there would be so many dangers in her not hearing.

Hope it turns out well.

Click to expand...

Thanks! I've heard that before too! The blue eyes, the smudge... I just learned about the smudge two days ago actually!

Well, I think she's deaf. My parents totally deny that she's deaf. I think it's just that they don't want her to be. But, the vet said that she's probably deaf, because her eyes are blue. (However, she was our old vet that couldn't diagnose her with vestibular disease) When we went to another vet Friday, a firetruck drove by, sirens blaring, and Elle just slept the whole time, until I bumped her carrier, and she saw the light, then she started hollering like she does everytime she wakes up. Of course, I forgot to ask the vet about it. I was too worried about her vestibular disease. But, on her next check up, I'll be sure to ask!

I don't know. I think she's deaf, but my parents are always saying, "I'm not sure she's deaf." But, I think she is. My parnets don't spend all day long with her. I do. I think she is, but I'm not 150% positive, which I want to be before making a definite "diagnosis."

SHE'S NOT COMPLETELY DEAF! She is responding to sounds! BUT... only on one side. She's unilateral!