It's a "she" ? It's unusual for a female to be deaf. We had two deaf males over the last 20-something years and you'd be surprised at how in tune with vibrations and scents they are. It's hard to tell they're deaf after a while.

The most important thing is to never - ever let her outside without you being with her. It's a very dangerous place for a deaf cat.

The hand signs would work only if you could expect the animal to understand human language to begin with. If it's to teach her to come to you, jump up, or any of the typical things you'd hope for a cat to do, what might surprise you even more is that a fully hearing cat is probably reacting more to your hand signs and facial expressions than the actual words. So yes, overt hand signs (along with facial expression as you actually say the command) can work. As long as the cat can see you.

We would stomp on the floor at feeding time (not suggested if you live upstairs in an apartment Images available only to Customers.

We would notice him looking up 'for permission' to jump up on a lap or bed and we'd pat the bed or our lap as the signal that it was ok.

You'll see as you go that she adjusts exceptionally well. From shades of lighting changes when people pass by, to vibrations and the most discreet of facial expressions, odors in the air and all the other senses, she'll be fine as long as she's in a home like yours and protected.

I think it's a very lovely thing that you want to do and this is one very lucky cat!

If you need anything else, I'm here!