We all know that a major part of responsible cat ownership is getting our pets spayed or neutered when the time comes. Spaying and neutering prevent unwanted pregnancies and have numerous health benefits for our feline pals. But how much does it cost to spay or neuter a cat these days? Well, it depends on several variables, such as your location and the type of clinic you choose. On average, you can expect to pay approximately $350–$600 for these surgeries. Today, we’ll take a deeper look at the average costs of getting your cat spayed or neutered and what additional costs you can expect, so you have a better idea of what you’re in for when the time comes.
The Importance of Spaying or Neutering
You might think the only reason to have your cat spayed or neutered is to prevent pregnancies, but there are quite a few reasons to have the procedure. Having your pet spayed or neutered can lengthen their lifespan! One study conducted by Banfield Pet Hospitals showed that spayed cats lived up to 39% longer, while neutered cats lived up to 62% longer, which is quite an increase.1
That’s not all, though! Spaying or neutering your cat can also keep them from engaging in unwanted behaviors such as trying to escape the home or getting into fights. Some other behaviors that can be reduced by spaying or neutering include spraying urine, heat-related behaviors (like yowling), and aggressive behaviors.
Spaying or neutering your pet can also help them stay healthier, reducing the risk of (or even preventing) some illnesses. In males, neutering can eliminate testicular cancer, while in females, spaying can eliminate breast and uterine tumors and uterine infections.
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How Much Does Spaying or Neutering Cost?
The cost of the procedure depends on factors such as how old your cat is, where you take them to be fixed, and where you’re located in the United States. For example, having a cat that’s approximately 6 months old fixed will be less expensive than if you’re having the procedure done on an older cat (older cats often require more pre-anesthetic checks and come with a few more risks). Likewise, having your cat spayed or neutered in the Midwest or the southern parts of the U.S. is less expensive than having it done on the East or West Coast.
The national average for spaying your cat at a private clinic is $350–$600, and neutering is roughly $200–$300. However, you may find more affordable options. Mobile clinics, for example, travel from place to place offering vet services. They provide quick and efficient service for an average cost of $100–$150 for spaying and $85–$100 for neutering (these appointments tend to fill up quicker).
You can also spay or neuter your pet through a shelter or rescue organization. They are among the cheapest options, as they provide services at lower costs for those needing financial assistance. Average prices for spaying can range from $50–$150 and $35–$100 for neutering.
If you’re looking for less expensive spaying and neutering options, we recommend referencing the ASPCA’s list of low-cost programs. Finally, whether you’re having your cat spayed or neutered will also affect the cost. Spaying is a more intensive surgery than neutering and, therefore, costs more. Spaying also takes longer than neutering, which increases the price.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Luckily, there shouldn’t be too many additional costs to having your cat spayed or neutered. In some cases, you may pay more for pre-operative bloodwork, radiographs, electrocardiogram (ECG) or extra anesthesia. You might also need to catch your pet up on vaccines, have them microchipped, or get flea and worming treatment, which will add to the total cost. However, you shouldn’t expect additional fees other than the price of post-operative pain medication after surgery and a protective collar.
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Are There Risks Associated with Spaying or Neutering?
There are always a few risks when surgery is involved, but this is one of those cases where the benefits outweigh the risks. The risks are also very low for young, healthy kittens (though kittens are more at risk of after-surgery complications that arise from being too active while the wounds are healing). Some of these complications include bleeding or inflammation along the incision, an infection at the incision, the incision being reopened, and swelling beneath the skin where the incision is.
Also, after spaying or neutering, a cat’s diet should be adapted to their new metabolic situation. Otherwise, they may gain too much weight. Your vet can help you determine the right food and daily portion for your cat to keep them in optimal weight and health.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying or Neutering?
Unfortunately, most pet insurance plans don’t cover the cost of spaying or neutering your cat because they consider it an elective surgery. However, you can check if your pet insurance company has add-ons to your plan to cover preventative care. If they do, check the add-ons to see what they cover, as occasionally, they’ll cover costs associated with spaying or neutering.
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How to Help Your Cat After a Spay or Neuter
Just like you would need a bit of TLC after surgery, your favorite feline friend will also need it. This primarily involves keeping an eye on them over the next few days to ensure the cat is healing as they should. You’ll also want to ensure there’s no excessive lethargy, food avoidance, or swollen bellies; these signs indicate you need to talk with your vet. And if your pet hasn’t urinated by the 24-hour mark after surgery, you need to get to the vet as soon as possible.
Along with watching for physical signs, you’ll also need to do some cat wrangling to ensure your kitty isn’t making death-defying leaps off tall objects or running up the walls. Also, keep an eye on whether your pet is licking at the incision site; doing this could lead to bleeding and irritation.
Besides that, it’s just a matter of giving your cat pain medication if needed and lots of attention and affection!
Conclusion
Having your feline spayed or neutered is a necessary part of cat ownership, but it can be a significant expense if you aren’t careful. While the cost depends on a handful of variables, such as your geographical location or the type of veterinary clinic. Luckily, there are low-cost options for spaying and neutering available in the form of mobile clinics, shelters, and rescues. If you need financial assistance in getting your pet fixed, check out these lower-cost options, as you should find something available to fit your budget!
Misty Layne lives out in the woods in small-town Alabama with her two Siamese —Serafina and Jasper. She also has an array of stray cats , raccoons, and possums who like to call her front porch home. When she’s not writing about animals, you’ll find her writing poetry, stories, and film reviews (the animals are, by far, her favorite writing topic, though!). In her free time, Misty enjoys chilling with her cats, playing piano, watching indie and foreign films, photographing abandoned places, and catching up on her never-ending TBR list.
