A DEAF cat that understands sign language was saved from going blind.

James Dickenson and Jo Brydon adopted Kafka in July last year when she was just three months old and diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia - an incurable neurological condition that causes her head and body to involuntarily twitch.

They soon realised that she was deaf so they learned to communicate with her through sign language.

But earlier this year they found out their beloved young moggy was in danger of losing her sight as well and needed an operation.

James said: “Kafka has always been a very happy, loving and personable cat, right from when she was born.

"Despite her physical differences, she has always enjoyed jumping and bouncing about everywhere and she really loves being outdoors with us.

“Her understanding of sign language has come leaps and bounds since she was born and she often treats us to some lovely tricks, knows the sign for food and comes running when you call her.

“At the start of this year, however, we noticed a few changes in her behaviour and also noticed there was a kind of white mistiness right in the middle of both her pupils, which seemed to be compromising her ability to follow our sign language.”

They took her to be checked at Eastcott Vets where they were told she needed double cataract surgery to avoid completely losing her vision.

Jo said: She said: “We went away and came back about a month after raising the money we needed for the surgery with help from Battersea, the animal charity we adopted her from.

Kafka was on her best behaviour as she was examined and her worried owners were alerted when she was put under the anaesthetic.

She recovered quickly after the operation and within a few days was happy to again.

James added: “There is such a big difference to Kafka’s wellbeing ever since she’s had the surgery. After a few days of getting used to having a cone around her neck we ventured outside and it was such a joy to see her chasing after the ants again and running up to people who were far away to say hello.

We cannot thank the team at Eastcott enough for helping us get our little Kafka her sight back.”