Question:
Our granddaughter has a white cat that she raised from a kitten. We've heard that white cats are often deaf. This one certainly is, and we wonder how to teach this cat discipline. Water squirting does not work, as she loves water and will often jump into a bathtub to play. The cat is much loved, but we need suggestions on how to teach her right from wrong.
Z.J., Fergus Falls, MN Jul 12, 2010
Answer:
Indeed, deafness and an all-white coat (often combined with one blue and one green eye) are genetically linked. There is no cure for this congenital deafness. Deaf animals learn to respond to hand and arm signals and body language. A water squirter will only confuse your cat. Stomping on the floor can send vibrations to alert the cat, who will look around and, hopefully, see whatever visual signal you are giving, like showing the food bowl, dangling a toy, or making a gesture for her to come to you or to get down or away.
Subscribe