RE your story (December 24) about the woman who was refused a cat by an animal refuge because she was deaf and told she was therefore unable to look after it.

I am a deaf owner of not one but three cats (one of which needs special lifetime care after a serious illness).

I can say with confidence that cats are quite clever in adapting to life with a deaf owner. My cats rarely miaow when I am not looking in their direction.

Instead, they come and paw me if they want something (sometimes demanding their breakfast by gently nipping me on the nose!).

As for spotting a poorly cat, it is not only the noises they make that highlight any illness but their general behaviour and appetite which are very useful tools.

The fact that the lady who turned Emma down had worked with deaf children horrified me as it is plain that she knows nothing of deaf people and our relationships with pets!

VICKY (name and address supplied).