Cats with normal hearing will turn their heads in the direction of a sound, moving their ears around to locate the exact position of the noise. Cats that don't do this may well be deaf. Hereditary or degenerative factors, as well as diseases of the inner ear, can produce permanent deafness. Many white cats are often deaf from birth. Deafness caused by infections of the outer and middle ear, wax, or parasites, on the other hand, may just be temporary. In general, however, cats cope very well with deafness.

• The most important factor is your pet's safety. Try to avoid letting your cat get into situation where its lack of, or limited, hearing could endanger it. So, for example, don't let your cat out to roam in areas with lots of traffic, near lawnmowers or barking dogs.
• Replace voice commands with hand signals that are distinct, easy to see and consistent. Or use a torch to call your cat in for meals at night.
• Try using vibrations, such as a foot stomped on the ground, or sharp clap of the hands, at close range. When your cat turns around (either in response to your hand signal or vibration), offer a reward.
• Encourage eye contact.
• Remember that deaf cats won't hear the hisses or threats from approaching animals, so keep them away from conflicts with other cats or dogs.
• Put a quick release collar on your cat showing your address, your vet's phone number and a note which says, 'I am deaf'.
• It may be safer to confine your cat to a fenced garden.