Is our cat going deaf?

[ThisSpace]

Evening,

During the past couple of weeks our 17-ish year old male neutered cat has started not only to meow but do it quite loudly that I'll go and suss out what on earth he wants.

Is he going deaf? I don't think he's ill because he'll still purr quite easily and is still to be found in his favourite places. Perhaps it's a call for us to go to him as he cannot hear much anymore.

Thanks.

[bensmum]

He is an old man now so it's quite likely. I knew my cat was losing her hearing when she started doing that. She meows loudly and will stand in strange places doing that. I tried standing near her but where she couldn't see me and calling her to test the theory. You could try something like that but unless he is in pain (ear infection?) then it's just an age related thing. You will need to watch to make sure he doesn't go out on the road or anywhere like that though as he won't be able to hear anything that's coming. He will be fine as long as he gets lots of fuss and his routine isn't disrupted

[Mr Veritas]

We have experienced this with three of the cats we have had.It was quite unerving at first,until we realised that they were going deaf(as you say).However,when they (eventually) went stone deaf the howling ceased.
As they are going deaf I think they get worried about not hearing anything,and so howl loudly to reassure themselves(but not us).
I also think that bensmum's advice is right on the button.
Mind you I am 86 and haven't gone deaf or howl(well not yet!)LOL

[pastafreak]

Poor thing...yes-it sounds quite likely.

I have a cat that was born deaf.....and I have never known a noisier animal. This is partly because he can't hear himself...but also because he is such a dependent cat. He follows me everywhere....rather like a child. And if he 'loses' me....he shouts the house down.