Ear Tipping
What it is and why it's done
An “ear-tip” is the universal sign for an outdoor cat that has been humanely trapped, spayed/neutered and vaccinated. Ear-tipping is a standard practice of the Trap_Neuter_Return (TNR) program for identification purposes. Feral cats (unsocialized with humans) are difficult to get close to; the ear-tip is seen from a distance to help prevent re-trapping, transport, stress, and unnecessary anesthesia.
While trapped, they are assessed for “friendliness” before and after surgery. Not all cats trapped are feral; the friendly ones are likely dumped or abandoned by previous owners. “Tame cats” (house cats) can not survive outside so they are taken into rescue for adoption into indoor homes while feral cats are returned to their cat colonies (outdoor homes) and feeders.
TNR is a program to assist in stabilizing the population of outdoor roaming FERAL cats. They are fearful of humans due to a lack of physical contact and are not likely to enjoy living indoors. They are T-rapped, N-eutered, and R-eturned which:
-relieves them of constant stress of mating and pregnancy.
-reduces fighting (less likely to suffer injuries).
-vaccinated, so they are less susceptible to infectious diseases.
-reduces conflict in the community due to less mating behavior such as roaming, yowling, fighting and spraying
-NO KITTENS BORN OUTSIDE!!!
Please consider adopting an ear-tipped cat.
They were once pets that were failed by their previous human. They are not unattractive, mutilated, or put in a lower class than other cats. They are simply discarded cats with a heartbreaking past, marked by an ear-tip with a story of resilience, and are lucky enough to be rescued for a chance for love.