The Galway Independent together with the Galway SPCA has launched an educational programme in an effort to reduce cruelty to animals. Each week we will put together questions from the public on animal welfare.

This week we look at how to recognise if your cat is deaf.

It can be very difficult to determine if your cat is deaf. Some cats, particularly white cats with blue eyes, can be deaf from birth and have adapted so well you don't know. As your cat gets older it can also happen.

The signs to look out for are the following:

• Failure to respond when called or if the cat does not notice loud noise.
• If your cat gets startled when you approach him suddenly.
• If meowing is very loud, although some cats are normally loud.
• Shaking the head or scratching the head. Again this may just be ear mites but better to check it out.
• Signs of dizziness or disorientation as well as discharge from the ear. Again this could be an infection but don't take the chance. Get it seen to.

Generally there are two main types of deafness. The first one is where sound cannot travel into the ear. The reasons for this are varied from tumours to wax or mite build up.

The second one is where nerves do not function properly. Again this could be from old age to a genetic problem. It could be drug toxicity to coming in contact with a loud noise.

The first one may be reversible with treatment but unfortunately the second one is permanent

If your cat is indeed deaf, don't worry, it can lead a normal life with a few minor changes.

We would recommend you do not let it out to roam as it is in danger of not hearing cars or dogs which may startle it as well as it getting hurt.

We recommend you keep it in a safe escape proof garden or else make an enclosed run for it.

If this is not an option keep it indoors. Try and meet your cat face on, not come from behind as this may frighten it.

If indoors, have a plentiful supply of toys to keep it happy, as well as scratching posts.

Boxes are good as your cat can play in the box. Put some holes in it so it can tear in and out of them.

Please ensure all pets are kept in until after Halloween. One pet that is often forgotten and kept outside in its hutch is the rabbit. We would recommend to put the hutch in a shed or garage until the festivities are over.

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