How Do Veterinarians Ink Cats?

Spay/neuter tattoos are a common method used to identify and prevent unnecessary anesthesia and surgery in pets. They are typically applied on the ventral abdomen, where a midline incision would be made. In the US, the most common place for spay/neuter tattoos is on the ventral abdomen. Vets often use black, blue, or green ink, as long as it is visible and does not blend in with the flesh. Some veterinarians also tattoo a thin line, the letter “S”, or other mark next to the spay wound or inside of the ear to indicate that the cat is sterilized.

Veterinarian medicated topical sprays with dexamethasone or hydrocortisone can help with itchiness. However, not all vets will tattoo a cat or kitten after spaying. Other indicators or methods a vet may use signify a cat has been spayed include placing the tattoo near the incision site, placing the tattoo in the pre-scrotal area, or placing the tattoo on male cats.

Tattooing is made when the animal is under general anesthesia for their spay/neuter by making a shallow incision through the skin using a sterile scalpel blade, to which tattoo paste is applied. The incision is then closed using tissue glue. Tattoos are common in shelters to show an animal has been sterilized, and some, if not all vets tattoo a small mark on their bellies to indicate they are already fixed.

A survey found that 30% of veterinary schools included tattooing in required surgical lecture curriculum. The cost of tattooing is $15, and clients must give consent to tattoo their pet. Tattoos are only required for female cats and dogs, and every dog and cat that receives spay surgery is tattooed.