White Cats and White Kittens: Deafness, Sun Protection and Care Tips

A pure white cat with bright blue eyes is one of the most striking sights in the cat world. White kittens are also some of the most searched-for kittens online. But white cats come with two health issues every owner should understand: a higher risk of deafness, and a higher risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

Neither means a white cat can't live a long, happy life. With a little knowledge and some simple precautions, white cats make wonderful companions.

Below you'll find why white cats are more likely to be deaf, how eye colour affects the risk, how to tell if a white kitten can hear, how to care for a deaf cat, and how to protect a white cat from Australia's strong sun.

Quick answer

Not all white cats are deaf, but white cats are much more likely to be born deaf than other cats, especially those with blue eyes. Figures in the ASPCA's Complete Guide to Cats suggest about 17 to 20% of white cats with non-blue eyes are deaf, about 40% of odd-eyed white cats, and 65 to 85% of white cats with two blue eyes. White cats are also prone to sunburn and skin cancer, especially on the ears and nose, so in Australia they should be kept out of strong sun.

Why are white cats more likely to be deaf?

It's genetic

A solid white coat usually comes from a gene known as dominant white (W). This gene stops pigment cells reaching the skin and fur, so the coat grows white. It masks whatever colour or pattern the cat would otherwise have. A white cat could carry tabby, black or ginger genes underneath, hidden by the white.

The same pigment cells also play a role in the inner ear. When the dominant white gene affects these cells in the ear, the hearing structures can fail to develop properly in the first weeks of life. This leads to congenital deafness, meaning deafness present from birth.

The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine explains that this deafness is caused by an anomaly in the cat's genetic makeup, and that it can't be corrected.

Eye colour and deafness

The same gene can affect eye colour too. That's why blue eyes and deafness are linked in white cats.

These figures come from the ASPCA's Complete Guide to Cats. Dr James Flanders of Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine gives a similar estimate, saying about 80% of white cats with two blue eyes will show signs of deafness.

Odd-eyed white cats are more likely to be deaf on the side of the blue eye.

Not all white cats carry the same gene

Some cats are mostly white because of a different gene, the white spotting gene, which creates bicolour and "van" patterns. Cats with a little colour on the head or tail are often in this group. The strongest link to deafness is with the dominant white gene, which produces a completely white coat.

How to tell if a white kitten is deaf

Deaf kittens often go unnoticed at first, because they learn to follow their littermates. Watch for these signs:

• No reaction to sounds behind them, such as a clap, a rustling treat bag or a door opening
• Sleeping very deeply and being hard to wake without touch
• Startling easily when touched or approached from behind
• Very loud meowing, because the cat can't hear its own voice
• Following other cats' cues rather than responding to sounds
• Odd-eyed cats turning only one ear towards sounds

Simple home checks

1. Wait until your cat is relaxed and looking away from you.
2. Make a sound out of sight, such as squeaking a toy or shaking a treat bag. Avoid clapping near the cat, which can create air movement or vibrations it can feel.
3. Watch the ears. A hearing cat usually swivels its ears towards the sound.
4. Repeat on each side to check for deafness in one ear.

Home checks aren't definitive. A cat that's deaf in one ear can seem to hear normally.

The BAER test

The only reliable way to test a cat's hearing is a BAER (brainstem auditory evoked response) test. It measures the brain's electrical response to sound. Responsible breeders of white cats may BAER-test their kittens. Ask your vet whether testing is available near you.

Caring for a deaf cat

A deaf cat can live a perfectly normal, happy life indoors. Many deaf cats don't seem to know anything is different.

Dr Flanders of Cornell advises:

• Keep deaf cats strictly indoors. A deaf cat can't hear cars, dogs or other dangers.
• Avoid startling your cat. Approach from the front, where your cat can see you.
• Signal your presence by stomping lightly on the floor, since your cat can feel vibrations.
• Use visual cues instead of verbal ones.

More tips for living with a deaf cat

• Use hand signals for things like "come", "food" and "no". Cats learn these quickly with treats.
• Flick the lights to call your cat from another room.
• Wake your cat gently, by touching the bed or the floor near it, rather than the cat itself.
• Add a bell to your cat's collar if it's comfortable wearing one, so you can find it.
• Make sure your cat is microchipped, with your details up to date, in case it ever gets out.
• Tell visitors and sitters that your cat is deaf.

Many Australian councils now require cats to be contained anyway. Our guide to cat laws in Australia explains the rules. A secure outdoor enclosure lets a deaf cat enjoy fresh air safely. See our guide to cat enclosures and catios.

White cats and sunburn: an Australian risk

Australia's UV levels are high for much of the year, and that matters for white cats.

Why white cats burn

White fur and pink skin lack the pigment that protects skin from UV light. The ears, nose and eyelids have thin fur and are the most exposed.

RSPCA South Australia warns that pets with white or thin hair can suffer severe sunburn and are prone to skin cancer. It notes that the most common skin cancer in white cats is squamous cell carcinoma, which usually affects the ears, nose and eyelids.

Signs of sun damage

• Pink, red or scaly ear tips
• Crusty or scabby areas on the ears or nose
• Sores that don't heal
• Thickened or curled ear edges

Early sun damage can turn into cancer over time. See your vet promptly if you notice any of these signs. Early treatment is usually simpler and more successful.

How to protect a white cat from the sun

1. Keep your cat indoors during peak UV hours, generally from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
2. Provide shade in any outdoor enclosure.
3. Watch sunny windowsills. Cats love to sunbathe indoors too. Offer shaded resting spots, and ask your vet if your cat's favourite sunny window is a concern.
4. Ask your vet about cat-safe sunscreen. Never use human sunscreen without advice, since some ingredients can be toxic to cats if licked.
5. Check ears and nose regularly during grooming.

RSPCA South Australia's advice is that the best protection for white pets is simply to keep them out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. Our guide to keeping cats cool in summer also covers shade and heat safety.

Bringing home a deaf kitten: the first weeks

If your new white kitten turns out to be deaf, a few simple habits make the first weeks easier for both of you.

Start with one safe room

Set up a quiet room with a litter tray, food, water, a bed and a hiding spot. Let your kitten learn this space before it explores the rest of the home. A deaf kitten relies on sight and smell, so a calm, predictable space helps it settle.

Build a routine

Feed, play and groom at the same times each day. Deaf cats often watch their people closely, and a routine helps your kitten know what's coming next.

Teach hand signals early

Choose a few simple signals and use them consistently:

• Come: a beckoning wave, followed by a treat
• Food: tapping the food bowl or showing the bowl
• Good job: a thumbs up, paired with a treat or a gentle stroke
• No: a flat palm held out, then redirect your kitten to a toy

Kittens learn quickly when signals are always followed by something good.

Use vibration and light

Deaf cats feel vibrations through the floor. Tapping the floor lightly as you approach lets your kitten know you're coming. A torch or flicking the lights can be used to get your kitten's attention from across a room.

Socialise gently

Introduce visitors, children and other pets slowly. Ask people to approach from the front, let the kitten sniff their hand, and avoid touching a sleeping kitten without warning.

Other care tips for white cats

Tear stains and coat care

Light-coloured coats show tear stains and dirt more easily. Gently wipe around the eyes with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. If tear staining is heavy or sudden, see your vet, since it can be a sign of an eye problem.

Grooming

Regular brushing keeps a white coat clean and shiny, and gives you a chance to check the ears and nose for sun damage.

Regular vet check-ups

Ask your vet to check your white cat's ears, nose and eyelids at every visit. Early detection of skin changes makes a big difference. See our guide on how to tell if your cat is sick for other signs to watch for.

Thinking of getting a white kitten?

White kittens are gorgeous, but go in with your eyes open:

• Ask the breeder or shelter whether the kitten's hearing has been checked or BAER-tested.
• Don't choose a kitten just for blue eyes. Blue-eyed white cats are the most likely to be deaf.
• Be ready to keep the cat indoors for sun safety, and for safety if it's deaf.
• Remember that a deaf cat is still a wonderful pet. Deaf cats are often overlooked in shelters, but they adapt very well.

Many white and white-and-coloured cats are waiting in Australian shelters. RSPCA Australia encourages people to consider adopting from the RSPCA or another reputable animal welfare organisation first.

White cat care checklist

• [ ] I've checked whether my white kitten can hear, or asked my vet about a BAER test.
• [ ] My cat lives indoors or in a shaded, secure enclosure.
• [ ] My cat is kept out of the sun during peak UV hours.
• [ ] I check my cat's ears, nose and eyelids for redness, crusting or sores.
• [ ] I've asked my vet about cat-safe sun protection.
• [ ] My cat is microchipped with up-to-date details.
• [ ] If my cat is deaf, I use visual cues and avoid startling it.
• [ ] Visitors and sitters know if my cat is deaf.

Frequently asked questions

Are all white cats deaf?

No. Figures in the ASPCA's Complete Guide to Cats suggest about 17 to 20% of white cats with non-blue eyes are deaf, about 40% of odd-eyed white cats, and 65 to 85% of white cats with two blue eyes.

Are all white cats with blue eyes deaf?

Not all, but most. Cornell's Dr James Flanders estimates that about 80% of white cats with two blue eyes will show signs of deafness. A BAER test can confirm a cat's hearing.

How can I tell if my white kitten is deaf?

Watch for no reaction to sounds out of sight, very deep sleep, startling when touched and unusually loud meowing. For a definite answer, ask your vet about a BAER hearing test.

Do white cats get sunburnt?

Yes. RSPCA South Australia warns that pets with white or thin fur can suffer severe sunburn and are prone to skin cancer, especially on the ears, nose and eyelids. Keep white cats out of strong sun.

Can a deaf cat live a normal life?

Yes. Deaf cats adapt well and usually live happy, normal lives indoors. Use visual signals, avoid startling your cat, keep it indoors, and make sure it's microchipped.

Can deafness in white cats be cured?

No. Cornell explains that congenital deafness in white cats is caused by an anomaly in their genetic makeup and can't be corrected. It isn't painful, and deaf cats cope very well.

Related guides

• How to tell if your cat is sick
• Keeping cats cool in an Australian summer
• Cat enclosures and catio ideas

Sources

• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Deafness
• Wikipedia, Congenital sensorineural deafness in cats (citing the ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats)
• RSPCA South Australia, Keeping your white pet safe from sunburn
• RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase, How do I find a responsible dog or cat breeder?

This guide is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your vet.