Deaf Cat in 'Deep Cleaning Mode,' Then He Realizes Owner Is Watching

A deaf cat named Boris was having the best time grooming his fur until he noticed his owner standing there filming him. His reaction after he realized what was happening has delighted internet users.

The viral video, shared on TikTok last November under the username @deafboys, shows the white cat relaxing on a piece of furniture while meticulously grooming his fur, before casually looking up to find his owner filming the scene.

"My deaf boy Boris was in deep cleaning mode until he noticed me filming him," read the caption.

When he realizes he's being filmed, Boris immediately stops what his doing, and starts staring at his owner instead. Surprisingly he doesn't seem irritated, but rather pleased to see her. Then he almost falls asleep as she pets him on the head.

It's not uncommon for white cats to be deaf, and there is a scientific reason why. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the majority of feline ear disorders are acquired.

They may be caused by tumors, polyps, and cancerous growths in the ear canal; hypothyroidism; some antibiotic and diuretic medications; or a variety of household chemicals your cat might have come into contact with.

But while deafness can be attributed to external factors, it can also be congenital—especially for white cats. In fact, it is estimated that about 80 percent of all white cats with two blue eyes will go deaf during their lifetime.

A Catster article medically reviewed by Dr. Lauren Demos previously explained that this is due to one unique characteristic that all white cats share, known as the "W" or "White" gene, which gives them their white fur—but is also responsible for causing hereditary deafness.

White cats with non-blue eyes are also affected by this gene, although significantly less. Only about 20 percent of white cats with non-blue eyes are born deaf.

When taking care of a deaf cat, a consistent routine is key, so is spending time with them, answering them as soon as they call for help, and communicating with them the right way, for example via the use of lights and lasers.

The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 1.8 million views and 206,700 likes on the platform.

One user, Moto.cookie, commented: "He just cleaned that spot and now he has to wash himself again."

Nikoro said: "The way I gasped when you touched the spot he was just cleaning."

Lainy SMBSLT added: "Awwwww what a sweetie but you know he gonna need to wash where you dirtied him."

Newsweek reached out to @deafboys for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case.

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