Hi there

My friend found this little kitten under the garden shed. She put adverts up, but no one claimed her. I have taken her on and brought her home for the first time yesterday. My mums dog knocked something over and I noticed that the kitten (not yet named!) didn't flinch! I researched and carried out a hearing test on her and I think I can safely say that she is deaf. It doesn't bother me that she's deaf, infact, it's made me lover her even more! I have done a little research on the net and most websites say that she will have to be a house cat. This makes me feel dreadfully guilty and cruel. Does anyone have or know of a deaf cat that has led a normal life by going outside? Obviously, I know that she won't be able to hear the dangers, but someone has said about a cat proof garden...how do you do that when they love to climb?? any comments gratefully received!

well done for taking her on

just one question, why do you feel cruel for keeping her indoors? a lot of cats are kept as indoor cats and lead perfectly happy lives not to mention are much safer from the dangers of the outdoors (not just cars or predators but people also). i think it`d be more cruel to let her go outside possibly, i`ve never had experience with deaf cats but i`d imagine it`d be extremely dangerous not to mention scary for her if she cant hear. can`t help with the cat proofing i`m afraid as i have no idea how it works, i`m like you and wonder how it`d keep them in lol my 2 just climb their way over everything - they`ve only been going outdoors in the past few weeks and already worked it out (one is 3 and the other 1 but i kept them as indoor cats till we got a garden large enough that they never leave it now)

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owned by:

jake - chocolate labrador
sydney - liver/white english springer
twix - dlh cat
lacey - dsh cat

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Agree it would be much crueler to allow her unrestricted outdoor access. She won't be able to hear cars etc.

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Keeping a cat indoors isn't cruel if it's what's best for the cat, but I think it's probably harder work because you have to make sure she has plenty to keep her entertained, like maybe a cat tree (there was a post earlier about deaf cats liking to get up high), lots of toys, etc, plus lots of love and attention from you. Also, you have to provide her with a litter tray. You could also (when she's old enough) teach her to wear a harness so she can go for walks round the garden with you, which my Sam loves (he's an indoor cat) because it's time spent with me when there are no distractions like computers and TV, and he gets my undivided attention.

Lots of people have indoor cats

The RSPCA website has a short guide to keeping cats happy indoors - I'm sure others can point to other information

My 2 are indoor cats and it just takes a little more time energy to play with them but that is half the fun

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Far far safer to keep her indoors, as she won't hear cars, dogs or other cats approaching, you can cat proof your garden by putting special fencing up or possibly adapting the fence you have got.

Keeping a cat indoors is not cruel, I have two indoor kitties and as long as you give them things to do and and places to hide and a cat tree/scratching post and give them attention and playtime they can live happy fulfilled lives, and a safe one at that, as there are so many dangers out there for cats that are 100% healthy let alone for a deaf kitten.

You have not mentioned getting her scanned she may be chipped.

Hi, I currently have a deaf white cat in residence here so we have something in common! I really do not think it would be safe in ANY circumstances to let a deaf cat roam freely outside ( and all my other cats do have free outside access ) Since being on this forum I have come to understand that it is possible for a cat to live a full and happy life inside if it's owner is willing to invest time and energy in it's needs.
Your other option would be to cat proof your garden, or provide an outside run.

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Nellie Paddy Mitzy Milo Peggy Murphy

Millie and Monty, the White Devils!