Is my cat deaf!

A home for Bert

Samantha had recently moved house and wanted to check with a local adoption centre in her area. ‘It seemed like a good idea to pop into the Cats Protection Adoption Centre, once inquiring can never hurt. I spoke to them about my interest in becoming a volunteer and about the different cats that needed a new home. They then introduced me to a cat they thought was deaf,’ Samantha says. ‘So he needed a place where he wouldn't be able to go outside. When they introduced me to him, he didn't realise I was there until he turned around. At first he hesitated, but after a few minutes he came and lay on my lap anyway. He also stayed there for more than an hour. I knew then that I had to take him home.’

Human comfort

The first days together with Bert were incredibly rewarding for her. ‘It was really nice to be able to give him that human comfort he had been longing for for so long,’ Samantha says. ‘He is my buddy and he especially provides emotional support. I am really grateful that I was able to give a home to a misunderstood cat. His self-confidence has grown tremendously since he has been living with me. Our house wouldn't be a home without Bert.’

Not what it seems

A deaf cat in the house, you would think it brings a lot of worries. How did Samantha deal with that?

Fortunately, it turned out afterwards that Bert is not completely deaf. ‘He was suffering from a severe ear infection that perforated his eardrum. We found a large polyp in his ear canal. So he is deaf in one ear, but the other ear still works perfectly!’ says Samantha.

Behaviourist

Bert even inspired Samantha to start her own company.
"I've always had cats, but Bert is a special boy. It is because of him
that I now  have Feline Fine Behaviour,
with which I now want to help owners understand their cat better."

Samantha shares all kinds of tips, advice and facts on Facebook and Instagram. You will also see Bert regularly, he even has his own column. In ‘Bert's Top Tip Tuesday’, he shares his take on all kinds of situations.

Step by step

Samantha even calls her Bert a bit spoiled, as he has no less than two scratching posts. She bought the Devon Rex and the Cat Pleasure for him. ‘Bert is a bit older and he also has arthritis in his back legs. So he really did need a scratching post that has ‘steps’ so he can easily use all the platforms. He also needs to be able to stretch himself fully, as he is a big boy!’