TL;DR: While most cats ignore calls due to behavioral "selective hearing," a sudden change in responsiveness could indicate an ear infection or hearing loss requiring a non-emergency veterinary visit.
Why is my cat ignoring me when I call their name?
It is very common for cats to ignore their owners when called. Unlike many other domesticated animals, cats often exhibit what is colloquially known as "selective hearing." Research suggests that while cats can distinguish their owner's voice from others, they may choose not to respond if they do not feel the interaction is immediately beneficial. However, if this lack of response is a sudden change in behavior, it could point to medical issues such as age-related hearing loss, ear infections, or neurological changes.
Is it an emergency if my cat stops responding to sounds?
- Monitor for symptoms such as discharge from the ears, frequent head shaking, or signs of disorientation.
- If your cat is behaving normally otherwise—eating, drinking, and using the litter box as usual—this is considered a low-urgency situation.
- Schedule a routine check-up with your veterinarian to rule out physical ailments if you notice a sudden change in responsiveness.
How can photos or videos help my vet diagnose my cat's hearing issues?
- Take a close-up photo of the inner ear to help a specialist identify redness, swelling, or wax buildup that might suggest an infection.
- Record a video showing your cat’s reaction (or lack thereof) to various sounds, such as a crinkling treat bag versus a spoken command, to help distinguish between behavioral choice and physical hearing impairment.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Deafness in cats can be identified through behavioral testing in the clinic, observing for responses to sound stimuli outside the animal's visual field, although this method has limitations. Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing at referral centers is the most accurate diagnostic method. A reliable indicator of bilateral deafness in the home environment is the failure of a sleeping animal to awaken to an auditory stimulus that does not activate other senses. Otoscopic examination, radiographs of the tympanic bullae, and neurologic examination may reveal the cause of conduction deafness. Geriatric animals often develop presbycusis, with mid to high frequencies affected first, progressing to complete deafness. Unilateral deafness may present with subtle signs, primarily an inability to localize sound origins. Some cats may acutely awaken bilaterally deaf after undergoing general anesthesia for teeth or ear cleaning.
Chapter: Neurology, Otolaryngology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 520)