All About Ear Tipping For Cats
Posted on: 14 January 2016
If you're interested in having your cat spayed or neutered and your veterinarian has mentioned ear tipping, you might be perplexed. However, ear tipping is regularly performed on cats, especially those that are feral, immediately following their spaying or neutering surgery. This guide will explain what ear tipping is, why veterinarians perform it, and whether or not you should have your cat's ear tipped.
What Is Ear Tipping?
Ear tipping is the act of clipping a small section of the cat's upper left ear away. While this may sound unpleasant, it's generally painless for the cat, as cats are still under anesthesia from being fixed when the procedure is performed.
In some instances, the tip of the ear is not removed, but instead a small cut is placed in it. It's ultimately up to the veterinarian and pet owner to decide which procedure is performed.
Why Do Vets Perform Ear Tipping?
Ear tipping may initially sound unnecessary, but it actually serves a very important purpose. Ear tipping is an immediate visual indicator to other people that a cat has been spayed or neutered. Feral cats, in particular, benefit from this treatment to their ears. Other cat lovers who want to care for feral animals may attempt to trap them in order to have them spayed or neutered, to reduce the unwanted kitten population. If an ear isn't tipped, a person who means well may not know that a cat is fixed, and take them to a veterinarian for a procedure that may terrify the cat unnecessarily, and ultimately accomplishes nothing.
Is Ear Tipping Right For Your Cat?
Some veterinarians will insist upon performing an ear tipping on feral cats, but with pet cats, it's usually up to the pet owner. Your cat may need ear tipping if they go outdoors, don't wear a collar or harness, or are females, since it's nearly impossible to tell if a female cat has undergone spaying surgery.
Even if you don't normally allow your cat to roam, if there's any chance that they may manage to escape to the outdoor world, it may be wise to have their ear tipped. It's a simple step that pet owners can take to ensure that veterinarians will not attempt to spay or neuter your cat a second time.
As a pet owner, whether you have your cat's ear tipped is a decision that's entirely up to you. However, rest assured that it's a safe procedure, and it does offer benefits that could save your cat unnecessary trouble and fear. Contact a company like My Rancho Bernardo Pet Hospital for more information on spaying, neutering, and ear tipping.
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