Feral Cat Q&A: Eartipping

Q: A stray cat in my neighbourhood has one of her ear tips cut shorter. What does this mean?

A: This is a standard procedure for feral cats called eartipping. It’s used around the world to mark feral cats that have been neutered. When working with feral cats, it’s essential to distinguish between neutered and non-neutered cats. Eartipping provides an immediate identification of feral cats that have been neutered. It is both visible from a distance and permanent. Eartipping prevents unnecessary trapping and surgical procedures for cats that have already been fixed.

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Eartipping is performed before the cat undergoes neuter surgery. While it is under anesthesia, the surgeon cleans and sterilizes the ears. Using sharp scissors or a scalpel blade, he removes the top quarter inch of one ear. He then applies a blood-clotting and lidocaine paste to the ear. This procedure is fast and painless and quickly heals.

Other methods of identification include metal ear tags, photo records, and tattoos on the inner ear. However, ear tags may easily be caught on twigs, fences, and other objects. They may be ripped off and even harm the cat’s ear. Tags are also difficult to see at night. Photo records are limited in their usefulness. When a feral cat moves, officials or workers in its new neighbourhood don’t have copies. Also, some cats look very similar, which makes photo identification difficult. Identification by tattoo is also less than ideal. Cats must be caught and, if feral, sedated before their ears can be examined. From our perspective, we recommend eartipping as an ideal procedure.

The next time you see a cat with a shorter eartip, you’ll know the reason behind it. Eartipping is an easy way to identify feral cats that have been neutered. Armed with that information, you’ll be better equipped to help your neighbourhood cats.

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Photo credit: Professor Batty - Feral Cat "Buster", CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2...