Why Are Some Cats Ear Tipped?

The first time I saw an ear tipped cat I thought it had been through a terrible accident or fight. How else would a cat be missing the entire top part of his ear?

The first time I saw an ear tipped cat I thought the poor thing had been in a terrible accident or fight. Why else would a cat be missing the entire top part of his ear?

It wasn’t until we started working with our local TNR program (trap, neuter, return) that we realized this was an intentional removal of a cat’s ear tip. At first I thought is seemed mean. Now I get it – and it actually melts my heart.

Let’s break it down.

First, it’s important to understand that TNR is the only humane and effective way to manage feral cat populations. Volunteers trap colony cats, fix, vaccinate, and tend to any manageable health issues they may have. Then these cats are returned to their colony. They are protected for vicious disease – and unable to continue populating at an unsustainable rate.

So – how in the world can colony care-takers keep track of those cats that have already been sterilized? Feral cats are not easy to approach. How can you know that a trapped cat is already fixed without putting them through more hardship. Transport for a feral cat is very stressful. Unnecessary anesthesia is also not helpful.

Enter ear tipping.

This is a universally recognized, safe and humane procedure. It’s done while the cat is under anesthesia for their spay/neuter. This make is easy to recognized cats from a distance. Many organizations further identify cats by tipping the right ear of females, and the left ear of males.

We’ve also learned that tipped community cats should be left where they’re found – unless they seem ill or in danger. This clipped ear is a sign that they are a part of a stable and cared for community.

More Information On Cats

Are Automatic Litter Boxes Good?

Automatic litter boxes are growing in popularity – and as a cat parents we’re always [...]

How To Help A Scared Cat

If you have a scared cat, it can be challenging to help them feel more [...]

7 Deadly Things For Cats

Cats can be curious – and sometimes curiosity can be deadly. Here are 7 deadly [...]

What Vegetables Are Safe For Cats?

One of our cats goes crazy for vegetables – so we needed to know: What [...]

Is Cat Grass Good Or Bad?

Cat grass is often associated with cats throwing up. But it can also be great [...]

How Long Do Cats Live?

The life of our cat impacts our life in countless, priceless ways – so we [...]

Can Cats Get Dementia?

Dementia and Alzheimers are two of the most debilitating and heartbreaking conditions we humans can [...]

Trick To Tell Which Cat Has Diarrhea

:Here’s the issue: You have multiple cats. While scooping the litter, you realize someone is [...]

Follow Us Here: 

Comments

comments

×
 
Why Choose to Autoship? (available in US only)
  • Automatically re-order your favorite products on your schedule & save 5%.
  • Easily change the products or shipping date for your upcoming Scheduled Orders.
  • Pause or cancel any time.