Have you decided to spay or neuter your cat? Of course, it's not free. So, how much does it cost to spay or neuter a cat? Knowing the costs involved can help you prepare, so you don’t get an unexpected bill.

Spaying or neutering your cat can cost between $35 to $630. However, the exact price will depend on several factors. This post explores the different factors and costs to help you make an informed decision. 

What Is Spaying and Neutering?

Spaying is the surgical process of sterilizing female cats. It involves removing the ovaries and uterus of the cat and is commonly known as ovariohysterectomy in the United States. In Europe, it's more common to remove only the ovaries and is known as ovariectomy.

On the other hand, neutering is the surgical sterilization of male cats. This is where the vet removes a male cat's testicles.

Benefits of Neutering Your Cat

Neutering your cat has many benefits for you and your community. These benefits include the following.

Controlling Pet Population

Neutering your cat is a crucial step in managing the pet population. Male cats can father multiple litters in a year. By neutering them, you contribute to preventing overpopulation.

You also help prevent the heartbreaking euthanization of cats due to a lack of homes.

Reducing Testicular Cancer Risk

Neutering removes the testes, eliminating the risk of testicular cancer in male cats. This surgical procedure ensures they won't suffer from this health issue later in life.

Curbing Territorial Behavior

Adult male cats are territorial and often mark their territory by spraying urine. Neutering significantly reduces this behavior. This procedure minimizes or stops urine marking in up to 85% of male cats.

Additionally, neutered cats produce less pungent urine, making indoor environments more pleasant.

Preventing Aggressive Behavior

Intact male cats are naturally more aggressive, especially in defending their territory. Neutering not only reduces their inclination to roam but also curbs their aggression toward other cats.

This is essential in preventing diseases like FIV, which can spread through bites.

Benefits of Spaying Your Cat

There are several benefits of spaying your cat, and they include:

Controlling the Cat Population

One of the primary benefits of spaying your cat lies in controlling the cat population. An unspayed female cat can have multiple litters annually, leading to a quick increase in the number of cats.

You play a vital role in curbing this rapid population growth by spaying them.

Preventing Life-Threatening Conditions

Spaying not only helps in population control but also has significant medical advantages.

In the United States, spaying involves removing the uterus. This prevents a potentially fatal condition called pyometra. This fatal condition infects the uterus and fills it with pus.

Although there’s still a small risk with uterine stump pyometra, overall, spayed cats get protection from this life-threatening infection.

Reducing the Risk of Mammary Cancer

Another crucial benefit is reducing the risk of mammary cancer. Intact cats are significantly more prone to developing this cancer.

Spaying, especially when done early in life, drastically lowers the risk. Cats spayed before six months of age enjoy a remarkable 91% reduction in the chance of developing mammary cancer. And this offers them a healthier, cancer-free future.

Eliminating Annoying Behavior

In addition to health benefits, spaying can improve your cat’s behavior. Intact female cats often become excessively vocal and affectionate during heat. During these times, they tend to yowl loudly and become clingy.

This can be worrying for you as a pet owner. Since spaying prevents cats from going into heat, you won’t have to worry about these disruptive behaviors, creating a more peaceful environment for you and your pet.

Cost of Spay and Neuter Surgeries

When deciding to spay or neuter your cat, the total cost depends on the method you choose. While the traditional route is visiting your trusted vet, budget-friendly alternatives are available if you’re worried about high fees.

Private vet clinics vary widely in pricing, so you’ll need to explore your options. Spaying and neutering is a crucial aspect of pet healthcare, but it's just one part of the expenses.

Consider a customized pet insurance plan to manage costs while ensuring your pet receives proper care. It's a practical way to handle expenses and prioritize your pet's well-being.

1. Mobile Clinics for Pets

Mobile clinics are quite popular and affordable. These healthcare teams are always on the move, providing the best care for a low price.

In a mobile clinic, you'll find licensed vets and assistants on the move, providing spay and neuter surgeries efficiently and affordably.

For these services, prepare to pay around $60 to $80 for a female cat or $40 to $60 for a male cat. 

2. Your Local Vet

Local vets offer a range of prices for spaying and neutering. However, the cost for these procedures may increase based on factors like:

• your location

• the vet facility

• local competition

On average, spaying a female cat costs between $300 to $500. For males, it is somewhat cheaper. The price for neutering is usually around $200.

3. Affordable Shelters or Rescues Services 

Shelters and rescue centers offer low-cost spay and neuter services. So you won't have to break a sweat to spay or neuter your cat. Prices typically range from $50 to $150 for spaying females and $35 to $100 for neutering males.

Other Necessary Costs You Need to Consider

The costs of spaying or neutering your cat don't end with the surgery alone. If your cat isn't already up to date on shots, prepare yourself for additional expenses.

Most places will require your cat to get booster shots. These shots are essential to your cat's health, and the prices of cat vaccines can range widely.

Summing Up the Expenses

You'll be doing a little bit of math to get the real cost for these procedures. You already know that traditional vets charge anywhere from $200 to $500, shelters and rescues come in at $35 to $150, and mobile clinics offer their services between $40 to $80 for spay and neuter procedures.

If you factor in the additional costs for vaccinations, your expenses can vary widely. It usually ranges between $35 to $630. So, always keep an eye out for budget-friendly options if your budget is tight.

Regardless of your choice, professionals at any facility can discuss costs beforehand. So, you can ensure you're well-informed about the bills, leaving no room for surprises.

Spay or Neuter Your Cat With the Perfect Pet Care Plan

Considering the costs associated with spaying and neutering, it's natural to wonder if you can afford the best healthcare for your cat. Unfortunately, many pet insurance plans will not cover the cost of spaying or neutering under their accident and illness plan. If this is important to you, you’ll want to compare policies to make sure this is covered.

The good news is, with your Carefree Pet Plus membership you can add pet insurance with a wellness/routine care add-on. You’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that quality care is within reach.

Don't sweat it with pet care expenses;  get a quote today.