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Written byTheresa Stevens
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AFCPE Accredited Financial Counselor
6 years experience in the personal financial industry
Theresa is a writer and former financial advisor with experience helping clients solve money challenges. She uses her expertise to clarify complex personal finance concepts.
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Edited bySara Getman
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga and crocheting.
Updated July 30, 2024
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Table of contents
As a new cat owner, you’re probably curious about the expenses involved in neutering your beloved pet. Spaying and neutering are common surgical sterilization procedures for animals. The procedures have numerous health benefits and help prevent the overpopulation of animals in shelters.
Spaying or neutering a cat generally costs $160–$220, though the exact price depends on various factors, such as your location, the clinic you choose, and whether you have a pet wellness plan to help defray costs.
Here’s what you should know about neutering your cat and the associated costs.
The average cost to neuter or spay a cat
The cost to neuter a cat depends on several factors, such as your location, the clinic, and your cat’s age and size. In general, you can expect it to cost between $160 and $220, but you may be able to get the procedure done for free or get it covered by insurance.
Veterinarian fees
These are the fees your veterinarian charges to perform the procedure. These fees can vary by geographic location and clinic. Veterinarians in areas with a high cost of living may charge more due to higher overhead costs.
Pre-neutering blood work expense
Your veterinarian may recommend blood work before neutering your cat to test your pet’s organ function, rule out underlying problems, and ensure your pet is healthy enough for surgery. This typically costs between $80 and $200.
Anesthesia and medication costs
Anesthesia and medication costs vary depending on the specific drugs used for your pet and the prices at your particular vet’s office.
Post-neuter care costs
After the procedure, you may need to purchase a special collar to protect the area around your cat’s incision. Additional costs may also include pain medication to ensure your cat’s comfort during its recovery and follow-up visits, if necessary. Pain medication after the surgery costs around $40–$80.
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Factors affecting the cost of cat neutering
Now that you have a better understanding of what you can expect to pay to neuter your cat, it’s worth understanding the factors that can influence the costs.
Geographic location
Neutering costs can vary significantly based on your location. If you live in an urban area, you might pay more to neuter your cat than someone who lives in a rural area. This is because veterinarians located in urban areas tend to have higher expenses, which translates to higher prices for customers.
Age and health conditions
If your cat is older or has underlying health conditions, it may affect the cost of neutering since additional tests may be necessary to minimize risk during the procedure.
Size and breed
In some cases, your cat’s size and breed may affect neutering costs. For example, larger cats may require more anesthesia, potentially increasing your total cost. Additionally, specific breeds may require specialized care during the procedure, which may lead to additional expenses.
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Best Pet Insurance for Cats (2024)
Does pet insurance cover spay or neutering for cats?
Standard pet insurance, which covers accidents only, won’t typically cover spaying or neutering since it’s considered an elective procedure. A wellness plan may cover the procedure, so check with your pet insurer to see what your options are. Here are some options to get the procedure covered or to save money on it.
Pet wellness plan: In addition to spay and neuter procedures, pet wellness plans cover annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and other preventative care for your pet. Be sure to compare plans to determine exactly what’s covered.
Local animal shelter: Your local animal shelter or humane society may offer low-cost spay and neuter services and other types of financial assistance. Some shelters may offer these programs to anyone, while others may only provide this service to low-income pet owners.
Special neuter programs: Some communities and states offer low-cost neuter clinics and vouchers to help all cat owners access neuter and spay services for their pets. United Spay Alliance has a map for pet owners to find local low-cost or free services. Select your state and input your ZIP code and radius, and it’ll list all the local providers. It’s important to contact these programs as soon as possible, as it may take time to get an appointment.
Veterinary school clinics: Some veterinary schools and teaching hospitals provide spay and neuter services, often at a lower cost than a private veterinarian. Contact vet schools in your area for additional information and pricing.
Long-term benefits of cat neutering
Neutering your cat is beneficial for its health and plays a role in preventing cat overpopulation, helping alleviate the burden on animal shelters and reducing the number of homeless cats.
Other long-term benefits of neutering your cat include:
Health benefits
Neutering or spaying your cat is essential for the health and longevity of your pet. Neutering your cat offers various health benefits, including decreasing the risk of developing certain diseases, such as testicular cancer and prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate glands).
A study from Banfield Pet Hospital found that neutered male cats live 62% longer than un-neutered males, and spayed female cats live 39% longer than unspayed females.
Behavioral advantages
Neutering your cat can help decrease the risk of certain behavioral problems, such as spraying and marking. It can also reduce its breeding instinct, minimizing the risk of roaming.
The right age to neuter a cat
Veterinary professionals generally recommend neutering a cat by 5 months of age. But the right age to neuter your cat depends on several factors, such as your cat’s size, breed, and overall health. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the right age for neutering your cat.
Disadvantages of neutering or spaying a cat
While spaying or neutering your cat has many advantages, it does have some disadvantages. The most obvious one is that you won’t be able to use your cat for breeding purposes. If you’re interested in breeding your cat, you should hold off on getting the procedure done until after you’ve stopped breeding.
The procedure could also cause weight gain and increase the risk of urinary tract issues. It’ll affect your cat’s hormone levels, it can be costly, and there’s always a risk when going through a surgical procedure.
If you have any concerns, talk to your vet about the procedure.
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Cost to neuter a cat FAQs
Check out the additional information below about how much it costs to neuter a cat.
How much does neutering a cat cost?
Neuter surgeries typically cost somewhere between $160 and $220, but the exact price depends on various factors, such as your location, the specific clinic you choose, and your cat’s age. Veterinary schools, mobile clinics, and rescues generally have lower prices compared to private veterinarians.
What is the best age to neuter or spay a cat?
It’s generally recommended that the best time to neuter or spay a cat is between 4 and 6 months old. This may significantly reduce or eliminate territorial marking, fighting, and roaming.
Is it more expensive to neuter a male cat or spay a female cat?
Neutering male cats is generally less expensive than spaying female cats. This is because spaying is a more complex procedure that involves the removal of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
What happens if you don’t neuter your cat?
If you don’t neuter your cat, your cat will be vulnerable to various health and behavioral issues, such as territorial spraying, roaming, and a shortened lifespan.
Are there additional costs associated with the neutering procedure?
The main costs associated with neuter surgeries include veterinarian fees, general anesthesia costs, medication expenses, and pre-procedure blood work fees. If follow-up care is needed, it may lead to additional charges too.
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Theresa Stevens
Theresa Stevens is a personal finance writer based in Boston, Massachusetts. Her work has been featured in Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, and more. As a former financial advisor, she has first-hand experience helping people solve their money challenges. When she's not writing, you'll find her trying out new karaoke spots or planning her next trip abroad.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga and crocheting.