White Cats & Deafness

The White Cat

Understanding the white cat can be quite a puzzle. Why? Essentially, white isn’t a true color in the feline world. Instead, it functions as a “veil” or “shield,” concealing the cat’s genuine hue. It’s not uncommon for white kittens to be born with a colored patch on their head, serving as a clue to their actual color. Thus, a cat that looks white will breed based on its hidden color, rather than its white appearance.

White Cats & Deafness

We often humorously complain about our cats pretending not to hear us – surely not Maine Coons, though! But when it comes to white cats, there’s some reality behind the jest. White cats are predisposed to congenital deafness, meaning it’s present from birth. The likelihood increases for white cats with blue eyes.

This deafness links back to the absence or abnormalities in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin (the pigment). Intriguingly, melanocytes aren’t exclusive to skin; they’re also present in the eyes and ears, which is why we often find white, blue-eyed cats with deafness. Breeds like Maine Coons, Persians, and Ragdolls reportedly have a higher rate of this congenital condition.

White Maine Coon Cats: A Glimpse at the Statistics

White cats constitute about 5% of the entire feline population. Breaking this down further:

• Around 2% of these white cats possess two blue eyes.
• Among these blue-eyed white cats, 40-60% are likely to be deaf.
• White cats with non-blue eyes have a 10-20% chance of experiencing deafness.

Unraveling the BAER Test

The BAER (brainstem auditory evoked response) test, also referred to as the BAEP (brainstem auditory evoked potential), is a technique to assess the hearing capabilities of a cat. Think of it as a device similar to an antenna picking up signals, or an EKG measuring heart activity. The resultant waveform from this test consists of various peaks. While peak I originates from the cochlear nerve, the subsequent peaks stem from the brain. A deaf ear typically shows a flat-line response.

During the test, small electrodes are positioned under the cat’s skin on the scalp, capturing responses. These electrodes don’t cause pain; if a cat shows discomfort, it’s usually from the mild restraint or the dangling wires. A foam insert earphone directs the stimulus click into the cat’s ear. Each ear undergoes individual testing, wrapping up typically within 10-15 minutes. Sedation isn’t commonly required unless a cat becomes exceedingly restless. The results, showcased as a waveform printout, are available immediately post-test.