Is deafness common in white cats?
Researchers found that only 17 to 22 percent of white cats with non-blue eyes are born deaf. The percentage rises to 40 percent if the cat has one blue eye, while upwards of 65 to 85 percent of all-white cats with both eyes blue are deaf. Some of these cats are deaf in only one ear.
Are white cats more prone to deafness?
Are White Cats More Prone to Deafness? According to the Feline Health Center at Cornell University, research has found that only 17 to 22 percent of all-white cats without blue eyes are born deaf. The key determiner in deafness in all-white cats lies more in the color of their eyes than that of their coats.
Are all white Ragdoll cats deaf?
This myth comes from an association with their blue eyes. Deafness is more common in cats with blue eyes; however, this is true mostly for pure white cats. Ragdolls come in a variety of colours and do not have the same mutation as the pure white cats.
Why do white cats go deaf?
The deafness is caused by degeneration of the auditory apparatus of the inner ear and may affect one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). Breeding studies have defined the relationship between deafness in white cats and blue eye colour. The gene responsible is an autosomal dominant gene termed W (for White).
When do white cats go deaf?
When the W gene suppresses the melanocytes in the ear, the vascular system in the ear degenerates, and the death of the hair cells follows. The degeneration happens within a few weeks after a kitten’s birth. The resulting deafness is complete, with one or both ears affected.
What makes white cats deaf?
Can Ragdolls be all white?
All Ragdoll kittens are born completely white and will darken with age. Older cats will continue to darken beyond maturity. Like Siamese cats, Ragdolls have the Himalayan gene, which affects the development of points on their coats.
Why are white blue eyed cats deaf?
Are white cats meaner?
Gray-and-white cats exhibited the highest levels of aggression during visits to the vet. The survey also revealed that black-and-white cats were most likely to react negatively when handled, while calicos were more likely to become irritated. Black, white, gray and tabby cats were rated lowest on the aggression scale.
Are white Siamese cats deaf?
White cats carrying the underlying cs Siamese dilution pigment gene can have blue eyes without deafness, and it has been suggested that the presence of this gene explains why purebred white cats are less often deaf than mixed-breed white cats (Pedersen, 1991).
What is a white Ragdoll called?
Cream Lynx Point The Cream Lynx-pointed Ragdoll will have a bright white body with points in slightly darker yet still subtle shades of cream or buff. These points have paler stripes that merge into the main coat color. Next up, the Tortie Points! These Ragdoll cats have distinct points in either seal or chocolate.
What kind of deafness does a white cat have?
Congenital sensorineural deafness occurs in domestic cats with a white coat. It is a congenital deafness caused by a degeneration of the inner ear. Deafness can occur in white cats with yellow, green or blue irises, although it is mostly likely in white cats with blue irises.
What kind of cat is at risk for deafness?
Pure cat breeds carrying the white (W) coat pigment gene(Gebhard et al., 1979) and at risk for congenital deafness (no prevalence data available): White White Scottish Fold European White
What kind of deafness does waardenburgs syndrome have?
Waardenburg’s syndrome, a human condition, presents with deafness, a stripe of white in the hair and beard, blue or different colored eyes (even in blacks and asians), no pigment behind the retina, and minor structural deformities around the nose and eyes.
Can a deaf cat have a blue eye?
The risk of deafness in relation to coat colour and eye colour is shown in the figure below. If deafness occurs, it may be either unilateral or bilateral. Overall, deaf cats with white coat colour and one or both blue eyes, make up around about 1-1.5% of the total cat population.
