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Eartipping
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Marking altered cats
Eartipping is the universal sign of a spayed or neutered community cat. In a painless procedure while the cat is under sedation, approximately 1 cm is removed from the tip of the left ear in a straight line cut. For kittens, proportionately less is removed. Eartips allow trappers, caretakers, animal control officers and others to readily tell from a distance that a cat has been altered and, where required, vaccinated at least once for rabies. Some regions, like the West Coast of the United States, tip on the right ear. The procedure is shown in the video below, followed by a veterinary protocol and a sample photo.
Eartipping procedure
Protocol
This protocol has been reviewed and edited by Dr. Lisa M. Labrecque, DVM, an experienced HQHV (High Quality High Volume) spay/neuter surgeon and current board member of Neighborhood Cats.
1. First, prepare a hemostatic paste by mixing Kwik Stop with just enough lidocaine to make a thin paste. Have the mixture ready to apply as soon as the cat's ear has been tipped.
2. Before tipping the cat's left ear, examine both ears for ear mites, infection or debris. Treat as necessary.
3. Apply a sterile scrub to the left ear. Tipping will require removal of the top one centimeter (1 cm) of the ear so only the top portion should be prepped; this will help ensure that none of the solution gets into the ear canal.
4. Position a straight hemostat across the top one centimeter (1 cm) of the left ear. Maintain gentle pressure by holding the hemostat in place or clamping it to the first notch. Excessive pressure may cause tissue damage so to minimize risk, never clamp the hemostat beyond the first notch. When eartipping kittens, adjust the positioning of the hemostat so that proportionately less than 1 cm is removed. For kittens three months old or younger (3 lbs. or less), one-quarter inch (1/4 inch; 6.35 millimeters) of the ear is removed.
5. Using a sharp scissors or a scalpel blade (scissors will cause less bleeding), cut straight across the top of the ear, removing one centimeter (1 cm) from the tip for adults, proportionately less for kittens.
6. Immediately apply the prepared hemostatic paste with a cotton swab across the cut surface. The combination of Kwik Stop and lidocaine will stop any bleeding and lessen pain. The lidocaine will also help to keep the cat more comfortable once she's awake, reducing head shaking.
7. If bleeding is observed after the hemostat is removed, apply more Kwik Stop. If needed, reapply pressure for a short time.
Remember, for all eartips, the goal is a clean, straight line that will instantly identify a cat as having been fixed. That's why the shape of the tipped ear, not the amount removed, is important - and why eartips are better than ear notches, which can be mistaken for bite wounds or other traumas to the ear.
Sample photo
If your clinic is new to TNR, download our sample photo of an eartipped cat and show it to them when you drop off your cats or email it in advance. This is a good way to avoid an unpleasant surprise, like too much taken off the top of the ear. You can also send them to this page for more information.
