Ear-tipping practices for identification of cats sterilized in trap-neuter-return programs in the USA

Ear-tipping practices and the meaning of the ear tip in trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs have not been well documented. The purpose of this study was to report the frequency of common ear-tipping practices in the USA, to identify the most effective methods and to establish a foundation for ear-tipping practice standards.

An anonymous 24-question survey was advertised from 4 to 20 October 2021 to individuals who participate in TNR programs that routinely perform ear tipping.

There were 526 survey responses from individuals who participate in TNR programs, of whom 410 completed the survey. For ear-tip meaning, nearly 100% of respondents indicated that an ear tip meant that a cat had been sterilized. Several respondents answered that it also indicated rabies vaccination or socialization status, with 92 (22%) selecting both, 79 (19%) selecting rabies only and 50 (12%) selecting unsocial only. The majority of respondents tipped the left ear (81%), used a visual estimate to determine the cut (92%) and described the ideal silhouette as straight across (92%). The median percentage of cats where ear tips bled after initial hemostasis was 5% (interquartile range [IQR] 2-10), and the median percentage of negative feedback regarding the ear tip was 1% (IQR 0-5). In terms of weighted rank order, the most common feedback was that too much ear tip was removed (5.5), followed by a cat being ear tipped in error (4.7), persistent bleeding (4.2) and not enough ear tip being removed (4.2). Responses revealed heterogeneity regarding technique for both excision and hemostasis, as well as personnel performing the procedure. There were no significant associations between techniques and bleeding or negative feedback.

There is variation in the methods for performing an ear tip, as well as what an ear tip signifies. Standards for this procedure would be helpful.