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How Much Does It Cost to Spay a Cat?

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Almost every female cat can benefit from being spayed. Ideally, cats should be spayed before 5 months of age to prevent heat cycles and pregnancy, but they can be spayed when they’re older as well. Early-age spaying provides many health benefits and helps to reduce pet overpopulation. However, the cost to spay a cat is a tough hurdle for some pet parents to overcome. 

Just how much does it cost to spay a cat? The answer (answers, to be accurate) might surprise you. 

Key Takeaways

  • The cost of spaying a cat varies based on the cat’s age and health status, the type of clinic performing the surgery, and your geographic location.
  • At a private veterinary hospital, the cost of a cat spay typically ranges from $300 to $500. Surgeries in low cost-of-living areas for cats who are healthy and under 6 months old will fall on the lower end of this range.
  • Ideally, cats should be spayed before 5 months of age to prevent heat cycles and pregnancy, but they can be spayed when they’re older as well.

What Is a Cat Spay?

First, let’s look at what a cat spay surgery entails.  

Cat spays are more complicated than many people think. Here’s an outline of the steps that go into making a cat spay as safe and pain-free as possible: 

  • The veterinarian puts on a cap and mask, scrubs their hands, and puts on a sterile gown and gloves. 

How Much Does It Cost to Spay a Cat?

The cost of spaying a cat varies based on the cat’s age and health status, the type of clinic performing the surgery, and your geographic location, but let’s look at some averages. 

At a private veterinary hospital, the cost of a cat spay typically ranges from $300 to $500. Surgeries in low cost-of-living areas for cats who are healthy and under 6 months old will fall on the lower end of this range, while a spay for an older cat who lives in a city with a higher cost of living will probably be on the higher end. Also, if your cat is pregnant or has a significant health problem (pyometra or heart disease, for example) the cost may increase by $100 to $200 or more. 

However, spay/neuter clinics, animal shelters, and other not-for-profit organizations often provide cat spays at a reduced cost. Keep in mind that while most of these organizations provide excellent care, they do have to keep expenses down. They may not be able to offer everything a full-service veterinary clinic can. For example, having an IV catheter in place during a spay allows fluids to be given to maintain your cat’s blood pressure and to provide rapid access to a vein should an emergency arise. With a low-cost spay, the catheter and fluids may be skipped to save money. 

The cost to spay a cat at a shelter, rescue, or low-cost clinic can range from as low as $25 to $150 or more. Many of these organizations set their fees on a sliding scale based on their client’s ability to pay. 

What to Do if You Can’t Afford to Have Your Cat Spayed

Don’t give up if you’re worried about being able to afford a cat spay—many resources are available. The same is true if you have a male cat and you’re wondering, “How much does it cost to neuter a cat?” 

First, talk to your veterinarian. They can provide you with a detailed estimate for what a spay costs at their clinic and may be able to offer a reduced rate or a payment plan. 

Next, contact your local animal shelter or check out SpayUSA, which lets you search for low-cost spay and neuter clinics in your area. 

Finally, consider pet insurance. While traditional accident and illness policies don’t usually cover spays and neuters, wellness plans often do.  

Comprehensive pet insurance does not just help you pay for unexpected veterinary expenses associated with illnesses or injuries. It also allows you to spread out large, one-time costs, such as surgery to have your cat spayed. 


WRITTEN BY

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary…


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