Hi and welcome to Pet Talk.

I have a Deaf cat (alough he is not mute). Our vet thinks he is deaf as a result of abuse, and was probably not born deaf.

The article on "Deaf Kitty Care" has some useful advice.

I have also joined a Yahoo Group called "Deaf Cats Club" - just go to Yahoo goups and search for it (sorry I don't know how to link to it).

A couple of things I have found helpful:

Start to communicate with a deaf cat as as soon as possible with hand signals. They can learn basic commands. Connor Knows "down" (when he has to get off a table or worksurface); "no" (if he has to stop doing something) and "go" (this commend sends him to his sleep place - if he is getting out of hand and needs a time out - just like kids).

I wave my hands in the air to get his attention (like imitating a windmill), and then give him the signals. I also blow gently on him if I approch him from behind or if he is sleeping - this wakes him up more gently than touching him.

Also if he is upset, or wants some luvvies, I hold him against my chest and throat, as I think he can understand from the vibrations that I am trying to communicate with him.

I was not able to use a squirt bottle with Connor as it totally freaked him out (dont know his history but he WAS abused, and some things just make him go nuts!).

I guess you just need to figure out what works for your cat best! Try the Yahoo group as well - all the members are deaf cat owners, and owning a deaf cat presents a unique set of challenges, so help and sympathy from other people in the same situation help a lot.

With regards to the comment that she does not like human contact, I have a similar problem with Connor, He is not a lap cat by any means, but does enjoy human contact on his terms. I have found that by taking him into a room on his own, and giving him some one-on-one time, he is now more affectionate and snuggly.

One other thing to consider - make sure Kellie has a special "sleep place" preferably in a corner and up high if possible. (Connor has a bed on the top shelf of our utilities room). Deaf cats get very jumpy when they are "sneaked up on" - even although unintentianally, both by the humans and other cats in the house. Connor seems to sleep more deeply and more relaxed when he is in his corner and nothing can catch him by surprise!

Bless you for giving Kellie a loving home. I would love it if you would post more about your cats (both deaf and hearing).

Hope to hear more about yourself and your cats soon.

Julie