How much does it cost to spay a cat?

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

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.

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

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.