Why, the White Cat?
Due to the high prevalence of deafness in white cats, they have become a symbol for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Wearing a white cat pin is a way to show your support for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
There have been many studies done on hereditary deafness in white cats, and researchers have found this interesting link. According to the veterinary department at Cornell University, 65-85% of white cats with two blue eyes are deaf in both ears.
If a cat has only one blue eye, they are less likely to be deaf. Up to 40% of white cats with one blue eye are deaf. The number falls again for white cats with no blue eyes, as only 17-22% of them are deaf. Most interestingly of all, if a cat has one blue eye and one eye of a different colour, and they are deaf in one ear, it is almost always on the same side as their blue eye.
There have been many studies done on hereditary deafness in white cats, and researchers have found this interesting link. According to the veterinary department at Cornell University, 65-85% of white cats with two blue eyes are deaf in both ears.
If a cat has only one blue eye, they are less likely to be deaf. Up to 40% of white cats with one blue eye are deaf. The number falls again for white cats with no blue eyes, as only 17-22% of them are deaf. Most interestingly of all, if a cat has one blue eye and one eye of a different colour, and they are deaf in one ear, it is almost always on the same side as their blue eye.