I have had bengals for many years and my sister has just decided to buy one. She collected her yesterday, the most beautiful, loving little girl, but my sister has realised that she is stone deaf! She can't even hear a whistle next to her ear. The breeder is saying that they didn't know and that they will have her back and breed from her, but are they allowed to do this without knowing if it is genetic? They have reduced the price to £300 but my sister is not sure about the commitment. Does anyone have any advice? We are tempted to take her, but I really didn't want another cat and I'd be frightened to let her outside with mine, incase she got into trouble. Mine are both allowed outside on their own, but they know the dangers. Please help as the thought of her going back is upsetting.

I am so sorry to hear this. First, I'd take the kitty to a vet and have them check her out. I find it hard to believe that the breeder was not aware of this. Good breeders know their kittens well. A deaf cat can do well as long as they are not allowed outdoors. They must be inside cats for all of their lives since they would not be able to hear a predator coming near them. This baby is a special needs baby, but would not require a lot of accommodations. She can see, smell, taste. However, inside your home, she is not going to be able to hear the words "no" and understand them.

I'm guessing you and your sister live together and you have cats who are allowed outdoors. There are portable cat enclosures available that will allow this cat to be outdoors and safe. You can build even more permanent enclosures. You could even train her to walk on a harness and leash and take her outside. Just know that once they are outdoors, that is where they want to me and this baby can never be allowed outside without supervision.

My main concern is that the breeder will take this little lady back and breed her. I'm going to suggest that your sister keep this kitty to prevent her from living a life as a queen, which is not always a good one. And if the breeder didn't know she was deaf -- could this be something that could be passed on to other kittens. This is a no-win situation for this poor little girl. I'm guessing cats can learn a type of sign language. In other words -- many cats come running when they hear the rustling of a bag of food or the can of food being opened. This little gal would not know that.

Regardless, this beauty need a loving home. Her lack of hearing is not going to prevent her from being a loving, affectionate kitty. If it were me, I'd tell the breeder I'm keeping her, take advantage of the cheaper price, and get this baby to a vet for a complete checkup.

Hi Sherry, thank you so much for your reply, here is an update: she is keeping her. She is the most gorgeous baby, so loving and she has settled amazingly well. I don't live with my sister, but will help at holidays etc. My sister is quite deaf and wears hearing aids, so she is the ideal person to understand. My husband and I had already decided that we would have her, rather than let the breeder take her back. They get a little bengal boy in 3 weeks, so I think that will help her too and I have given her a cat harness, as my cats refuse to wear it. She has lots of very bright fluffy toys and lights, as apparently you can train deaf cats with sign and lights. Our boy knows that the torch flashing means he is going for a walk. I had to use the torch the other day and as I went to put it away, I realised that Charlie was waiting by the door! As you can imagine, I had to take him for his walk early. I'm so glad they are keeping her. She will be spoilt rotten!

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Matt

What a sweet ending to this story!

I am really happy to hear that your sister will keep her. I truly believe this was FATE, since your sister is also hearing impaired. I'm sure the kitty can be trained with lights, etc. What a wonderful ending to this story.

Thank you all for the kind comments. My sister is already totally besotted with her. I will post some photos soon as she is having a lovely time and is very happy.

That's wonderful! What a great match, I bet both are delighted