Cats Gone Deaf

[frazer_d]

We took on 3 rescue cats 15 years ago. We have lost two to cancer and have one remaining who has daily drugs for Hyperthyroidism. We have noticed in the last few weeks she has not been responding to our calling her in to eat, and then realised her ears were not 'pricking' when we made noises to attract her attention. She looks rather sad now, with only sight and touch to enjoy. Is this usual in older cats?

[wolf63]

Yes - my last cat (adopted when he was in his teens) was deaf, blind and senile at the end of his life. As long as food is going in one end and out the other she should be okay. If there any other changes to her take her to the vet.

However she could just be ignoring you - you know what cats are like.

[Nibble]

Yes, it's not uncommon at all, one of my cats went deaf and lived happily until about 19....

[ladybirder]

Yep, they're just like us really, getting a bit hard of hearing when they're getting on a bit. But I bet she still loves you stroking her and enjoys a fuss. Mine has Hyperthyroidism as well and had an op a couple of years ago. I'm lucky she still has her hearing - she can hear food being prepared from a 100 metres:-)
BTW, you forgot smell, I bet she can still smell fish being cooked.