How much does it cost to spay a cat?
If you're wondering "How much does it cost to spay a cat", the cost to spay a cat will depend on your location, where you choose to get the procedure done, and any existing health conditions. Private veterinarian offices may charge between $300-$500, while clinics and shelters, as little as $50-$150.
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Justin Wright
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Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
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We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
- If you have your cat spayed at a private veterinarian’s office, you may pay between $300 and $500 for the surgery plus any additional costs
- More affordable spay surgeries are available from local shelters and mobile clinics, which may charge between $50 and $150
- Pet insurance is unlikely to cover spay surgeries since they are usually elective procedures, but you may be able to purchase a wellness plan that will cover a spay surgery and other vet care
An intact female cat can experience health issues, an uncomfortable heat cycle, and unwanted pregnancies. With millions of cats being surrendered to shelters each year, getting your female cat spayed is beneficial for everyone.
How much does it cost to spay a cat? This will depend on your location, where you choose to have the surgery done, and any additional health issues that may affect the procedure. Read more below about the cost of spaying a cat, how you may receive assistance paying for the surgery, and where to find wellness plans to cover the spay procedure.
If you want to buy pet insurance, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above to compare pet insurance rates from multiple companies at once.
How much does it cost to spay a cat?
A few different factors affect how much it costs to spay a cat. However, the most significant determinant is where you get the procedure done. A private veterinarian’s office will charge more than a spay/neuter clinic. Let’s take a look at some of the average costs from a private veterinarian:
Average Cost of Vet Visits and Common Vet Care
| Type of Vet Care | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Vet Check Up | $50 - $250 |
| Spay or Neuter | $160 - $220 |
| Vaccination | $15 - $28 |
| Physical Exam | $45- $55 |
| Fecal Exam | $25 - $45 |
| Heartworm Test | $45 - $50 |
| Dental Cleaning | $70 - $400 |
| Allergy Testing | $195 - $300 |
| Geriatric Screening | $85 - $110 |
According to the table above, a spay or neuter typically costs between $160 and $220. However, this does not account for other costs associated with the procedure. For example, you may need to have an initial vet visit before the surgery, have testing done before or after the surgery, or have prescription costs.
In addition, your cat may need to meet vaccination requirements to have the surgery, which could cost between $15 and $60 for a single vaccination, depending on the type of vaccination.
After all of the surgery costs, The Humane Society of the United States cites an average price of between $300 and $500 to spay a cat. Fortunately, there are ways to save on the procedure.
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Can I get financial assistance to spay a cat?
If you are looking to save money on getting your cat spayed, you may be able to find local clinics or events that provide cheaper options.
Shelters and rescues in your area may provide more affordable spay procedures that range between $50 and $150. However, while they are reliable, the services offered at these locations may not be as highly-regarded as those from a veterinarian’s office. For example, they may not provide overnight stays for your cat to recover.
There may also be a mobile spay and neuter clinic coming through your area temporarily. How much is it to spay a cat at a spay clinic? A spay surgery could cost between $60 and $80 at a spay clinic. In some cases, the surgeries are done by a donation from other people, which can significantly reduce the cost of the surgery.
Some ASPCA locations may also provide free or reduced-price surgeries for residents who qualify. However, you may need to provide proof of income or other financial assistance to show that you can’t afford to pay for the surgery at a veterinarian’s office.
What are the benefits of getting my cat spayed?
Spaying a female cat may have a few benefits for you and your pet. Getting your cat spayed typically reduces or eliminates the behaviors associated with going into heat, which could make you and your cat more comfortable.
In addition, getting your cat spayed may reduce their risk of some health problems. For example, if the surgery is done between the ages of three and six months, the chances of your cat developing mammary cancer or pyometra (an infection of the uterus). Therefore, your pet is likely to live longer if they are spayed.
Getting your cat spayed also eliminates unwanted pregnancies, which can reduce the level of homelessness among domesticated cats. In addition, millions of cats are surrendered to shelters or found as strays each year, so getting your cat spayed before it reaches puberty (around five or six months of age) is a responsible way to prevent a litter of kittens that may not be able to find homes.
Does pet insurance cover a cat spay surgery?
Unfortunately, most pet insurance policies do not cover spay surgery. Most policies won’t cover spay or neuter surgeries because they are typically elective procedures. However, some companies offer additional coverage, known as wellness plans, that may cover spay surgeries and other common veterinarian services.
Here are some pet insurance companies that provide wellness plans that cover spay surgeries:
Companies that Provide Add-On Coverage for Spay/Neuter Surgery with Prices
| Company | Add-On Wellness Plan Rates |
|---|---|
| ASPCA | $9.95 - $24.95 |
| Embrace | $18.75, $35.42, $52.09 |
| Pets Best | $26.00 |
| Prudent Pet | $11.95, $19.95, $29.95 |
| Spot | $9.95 - $24.95 |
It is wise to keep in mind that you cannot purchase some of these wellness plans individually. Instead, you must buy them in addition to an existing pet insurance policy. In addition, wellness plans may also cover other services, such as vaccinations, exams, and other veterinary services.
With that in mind, pet insurance still provides excellent coverage for unexpected accidents and illnesses resulting in expensive treatments and procedures. Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to find an affordable pet insurance company near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to spay a cat?
The cost to spay a cat varies based on factors such as location, the facility chosen for the procedure, and any existing health conditions. Private veterinarian offices may charge between $300-$500, while clinics and shelters may offer the procedure for as little as $50-$150.
Can I get financial assistance to spay a cat?
Yes, there are options for financial assistance. Local clinics, shelters, and mobile spay and neuter clinics may provide more affordable options, ranging from $50 to $150. Some ASPCA locations may offer free or reduced-price surgeries for qualifying residents. It’s advisable to explore these options to reduce costs.
What are the benefits of getting my cat spayed?
Spaying a female cat can prevent health issues, uncomfortable heat cycles, and unwanted pregnancies. It also reduces the risk of mammary cancer and pyometra, contributing to a longer and healthier life for your pet. Spaying also helps control the population of domesticated cats, reducing homelessness and overcrowding in shelters.
Does pet insurance cover a cat spay surgery?
Most standard pet insurance policies do not cover spay surgeries as they are considered elective procedures. However, some companies offer wellness plans that may cover spay surgeries along with other routine veterinary services. It’s important to check with individual insurance providers to determine if they offer such coverage.
How much does it typically cost to spay a cat at a private veterinarian’s office?
According to The Humane Society of the United States, the average cost of spaying a cat at a private veterinarian’s office ranges between $300 and $500. This includes the surgery itself and potential additional costs such as initial vet visits, testing, and vaccinations.
Where can I find wellness plans that cover spay surgeries?
ome pet insurance companies offer wellness plans that cover spay surgeries and other routine veterinary services. Examples of such companies include [List of Pet Insurance Companies]. Wellness plans are usually purchased in addition to a standard pet insurance policy and may cover vaccinations, exams, and other preventive care.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.