ACA is promoting widespread publicity for eartipping as the preferred universal method for identifying neutered feral cats belonging to controlled colonies. Eartipping is vital for identification and can save the animals life. If an eartipped cat is caught by animal control they will know that the cat comes from a managed colony and the cat can then be returned to the caretaker. Ear tags may fall out or get caught in bushes. Tattoos are hard to see by caretakers and animal control.
Collars can choke or injure cats, or become lost.
Microchips can be a good idea only if used in conjunction with eartipping. Kittens Early sterilization is possible for kittens at eight weeks old. Pregnant and lactating females Do not trap females if you think they are still nursing. The kittens will die from starvation and exposure. Because there are limited funds available, and cats are being euthanized at shelters we recommend that pregnant females be spayed.