Investigations on the incidence of deafness in Van cats and its distribution by eye color

Abstract

This study aims to demonstrate the incidence of deafness in Van cats and its distribution by eye color. A total of three hundred Van cats between 2 months and 8 years old were divided into three separate groups (equal in number) at the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Turkish Van Cat Research Center and subjected to hearing tests using Clinical ABR (Auditory Brain Response) device. Because of this study, the rate of deafness in Van cats was 14.33%. Moreover, it was determined that deafness was not related to sex and hair length. Van cats with spots on their heads did not have deafness. Because of the evaluation based on the hearing thresholds of Van cats, most Van cats had a very good level of hearing (0–10 dB nHL). Unilateral deafness was much lower in Van cats compared to other white cat breeds. Consequently, the rate of deafness in Van cats was lower compared to other white cat breeds. Because of this study, the Van Cat Research Center will prevent the breeding of cats that are deaf based on ABR test results in Van and its surroundings. The incidence of deafness in Van cats will decrease as a result of future studies.