Ear tripping a cat is typically only done to stray or feral cats to identify them as having been fixed and can be seen from a distance.
I have 4 house cats (2 male, 2 female) from shelters, all are fixed, and none of them have had their ears tipped.
Does ear-tipping hurt a cat?
Cat ear-tipping is extremely safe and is performed while the cat is already anesthetized for spay or neuter surgery. There is little or no bleeding involved, and it is not painful to the cat. The ear heals up quickly, and the tipped ear doesn’t detract one bit from the appearance or beauty of the cat.
Ear tripping a cat is typically only done to stray or feral cats to identify them as having been fixed and can be seen from a distance.
I have 4 house cats (2 male, 2 female) from shelters, all are fixed, and none of them have had their ears tipped.
https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/ear-tipping-cats-what-it-and-why-its-done
My vet said the cats have a tattoo that is supposed to indicate they are spayed.
Never tried to look for it, was optional but no charge.