In a touching display of affection and understanding, an Australian pet owner has demonstrated a unique way to wake her deaf cat, capturing the hearts of over 643,000 TikTok viewers. Layla, 28, shared a video on her TikTok account @laylacu9, showing her gently waking her sleeping cat using scent recognition, a method adapted to address her pet’s sensory impairment.
In the viral video, Layla approaches her cat, carefully positioning her finger near the cat’s nose. This allows the cat to detect her owner’s scent, gently alerting her to Layla’s return home. The footage, captioned “letting kitty know that me and the kids are back home,” showcases the cat responding affectionately with licks and nuzzles, highlighting the special bond shared between them. Since its posting six days ago, the video has also amassed over 113,000 likes, reflecting its widespread appeal.
Layla explained in her post, “Kitty is deaf so I use my finger near her nose so she smells my scent is back home and near,” illustrating a thoughtful approach to communicating with pets who have disabilities. Layla adopted the cat from a shelter when it was just four months old, already having the condition when they met.
The video not only tugs at heartstrings but serves an educational purpose, showing how pet owners can adapt their interactions to meet the needs of their disabled animals. Patrik Holmboe, head veterinarian at Cooper Pet Care, commented to Newsweek on the challenges and nuances of dealing with deaf pets. “Deafness in both cats and dogs is quite interesting… It can be very difficult to assess, especially if an animal is only partially deaf,” said Holmboe. He noted the use of the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response test to diagnose the degree of deafness, which involves playing sounds to each ear and measuring the brain’s response.
Holmboe also pointed out that while deafness is generally more problematic in dogs due to training and safety issues, indoor cats like Layla’s face fewer dangers, making their management considerably easier.
The video has not only spread awareness but has also fostered greater appreciation for the deep bonds that can form between humans and their pets, regardless of physical limitations. Comments from viewers reflect this sentiment, with one user noting, “If she’s deaf and sleeping with her belly up then she must feel incredibly safe in that home.”
Layla’s video continues to inspire and educate, showcasing the compassion and adaptability required to care for pets with disabilities.