An animal expert explains why white cats, especially those with blue eyes, are often deaf. The video covers the genetics behind this trait, how to tell if your white cat can't hear, and separates fact from myth about white cat deafness.
There is a widespread myth that all white cats are deaf. But is that true or just another tale? In fact, in some cultures it is believed that these wonderful white cats are interpreters of spiritual messages or protective talismans that protect us from bad energies. To see if this is true or not, in this video by an animal expert, we are going to analyze the relationship between white cats and deafness. Lets get started. The answer is not as simple as yes or no. To understand it, you first have to know why a cat has a white coat and there are three main reasons. One is that it is albino. Its white color is due to the dominant gene C or K, which can also influence the color of its eyes, which can be reddish or blue. Two Dominant gene S is the gene responsible for coats with white spots. Three Dominant gene W in English, this is the one that will dye the fur and eyes white, even if there is pigmentation underneath. This gene is key in the relationship between the color of the fur, the eyes and hearing. Now is there really a connection between white cats and deafness? White cats are not always deaf, but their likelihood increases depending on the color of their eyes. Blue eyes have the highest predisposition and up to 60% may be deaf or have low hearing heterochromic eyes, that is one blue and one of a different color. In this case, deafness most commonly affects the ear on the side of the blue eye, with a risk of 40% eyes of any other color. Only 20% of these cats have hearing problems. But what is the explanation for white cats with blue eyes being deaf? The key lies in the dominant gene W, which affects both the pigmentation and the development of the inner ear. This gene is present from the kitten's embryo and is responsible for camouflaging the natural coloration of the coat, skin and eyes, making them white, although it also negatively influences the melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for pigmentation and other important functions. In the case of the inner ear, the melanocytes of the organ of Corti do not function properly when this gene is present. To better understand it, the organ of Corti is responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain and due to its malfunction, the auditory system does not develop or function as it should, increasing the risk of deafness. That said, it is worth noting that this relationship is not absolute. Although it is more common in white cats with blue eyes, not all white cats with this characteristic are deaf. Furthermore, although deafness is more prevalent in cats with greater depigmentation of the hair, skin and eyes, it does not affect 100% of cases. If you are fascinated by this explanation of whether white cats are deaf, do not miss other interesting facts about them in the video that we have left for you in the card and in the description box. Finally, we are going to give you some guidelines so that you can recognize if your white cat is deaf or not. You will have noticed that deaf cats or those with very poor hearing develop incredible ways of adapting. For example, they perceive sounds through touch, such as vibrations in their surroundings. That's why it can be difficult to tell if a white cat is deaf simply by observing its behavior. If your cat is white and has blue eyes, we recommend that you don't neglect visits to the vet. Specialists can use tools such as the Boer test, a specific test to diagnose hearing problems and determine their degree. Although not all white cats are deaf, it is true that their genetic makeup increases the chances of deafness, especially if they have blue eyes. However, this condition does not affect their quality of life. Deaf cats are just as happy and adaptable as any other feline. And that's it for the explanation of whether all white cats are deaf. What did you think? Don't forget to leave us your comment and hit the bell to know when we publish a new video. If you want to know other interesting facts about cats, don't miss the playlist that we have left for you here on the side. Until next time, experts. Good grief.
