Congenital deafness in white cats
Also known as Hereditary deafness.
Many white cats, especially those with blue eyes, are born deaf in one or both ears because of the same gene that gives them their colour.
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Origin
- Inherited
- Typical cost in Spain
- BAER test, €80–200.
Symptoms
- Does not react to loud noises
- Meows very loudly
- Startles when touched while asleep
- If deaf in one ear, struggles to locate sounds
Causes
The dominant white gene W, which affects the cells of the inner ear.
How it is diagnosed
A BAER test, which measures the ear’s response to sound.
Treatment
There is none. A deaf cat lives well indoors with visual signals and vibrations.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Very good in terms of quality of life, as long as the cat never goes out unsupervised.
Prevention
BAER testing of white breeding cats.
Breeds at higher risk
It is described more often in these breeds. That does not mean all of their cats will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
Frequently asked questions
What causes congenital deafness in white cats?
The dominant white gene W, which affects the cells of the inner ear.
Can congenital deafness in white cats be cured?
Very good in terms of quality of life, as long as the cat never goes out unsupervised. There is none. A deaf cat lives well indoors with visual signals and vibrations.
How much does it cost to treat congenital deafness in white cats?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: BAER test, €80–200. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
Which breeds are most at risk?
It is described more often in Turkish Angora and Khao Manee. That does not mean every cat of those breeds will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
More in inherited breed conditions
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.