We realized recently that Benny has lost his hearing. I should have noticed the signs--Tucker lost his hearing about six months before he died and did some of the same things. Benny caterwauls a LOT, gets startled when someone walks into the room, and no longer responds to his name (he used to make a cute grring sound when you said his name).
There are simple tests you can do to check hearing range (rip a piece of paper, shake some keys, clap your hands), and sadly, he didn't react to any of them. No ear moment or head turning.
It doesn't matter to us. We love him the way he is. We'll take care to alert him in new ways now that we know he can't hear us. For instance, I once read that if a deaf animal is sleeping you should gently tap your fingers on the bed/blanket nearby so he will "feel" it. We also keep a close eye on Ringo, so he doesn't run up and startle Benny.
Here's my breakfast buddy, waiting to see what good food I have for "him."
14 comments:
Aww, Benny! In good health and not-so-good, your peeps simply love you to pieces!
P.S. I've noticed that Sweetie doesn't respond to my usual smoochie noises, so I'm going to try some of the items you've written about, to see how hard-of-hearing she really is.
I am sorry to hear about Benny, but at least he is well cared for! Thanks for the tips as well. Hopefully I won't need them but good to know!
Greetings Sir Benny, Falkor advises the human should always share whole milk/Green yogurt!
~Greek, not green
Such a sweet little guy. He couldn't be in better, safer hands.
Oh Benny. It’s tough getting old, isn’t it?
Poor Benny. I know you love him no matter what. And all his fans do too, including me. XO
Boodie is completely deaf also. When we have a pet sitter over, and she doesn't hear him come in because she's napping, he'll gently touch her to wake her for her meal. Somehow, however, she totally knew when my human and I came home from Chicago Sunday night!
Poor guy. What Bear does when I call his name is one of my favorite things about him. We know Benny's in good hands.
Sweet Benny - your humans are taking such good care of you !
Darling Benny, now your Mom and Papa know you'll be loved even more! Well done Rene and Jim, your senior Furry-man is in excellent hands with you looking after him. XX Michelle in Wellington, New Zealand.
He's so cute! I'm so sorry about his hearing issue. Im sure you'll handle it somehow. Even if he won't be able to hear you, you'll take care of him properly.
Deaf cat doesn't treat the issue as a disability. He'll eventually get used to not hearing. The rest of his senses will strenghten. And you're right - he'll notice your presence when you touch the item nearby him. He'll be able to smell you as well ;)
You're still as handsome as ever, Benny. Mom is taking such excellent care of you. I love you, Benny.
*blows a kiss to Benny*
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