What is what does it mean when a cats ear is clipped?

A clipped ear on a cat, specifically the tip of the ear, is a universal sign that the cat has been through a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. It is a visual indicator that the cat has been sterilized (spayed or neutered) and vaccinated, and therefore should be left alone.

The ear tip is typically a straight cut, removing about a quarter inch of the ear tip. The left ear is the standard for feral cats in most locations in the United States and many other places. However, there can be exceptions, so seeing any ear tip should be taken as a sign the cat has likely been through TNR.

The procedure is performed while the cat is under anesthesia for the spay/neuter surgery, so it is painless for the cat. This visible marking helps avoid unnecessary trapping and surgery in the future. This is important because re-trapping a cat who has already been through TNR is stressful for the cat and wastes valuable resources.