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Hernias are lumps of tissue or organs that pass abnormally through muscle walls and can either remain internal or stick out from a part of the body.1 Hernias can be harmless, but some may be life-threatening and require surgery.1 So when should pet parents call the vet, and how much can they expect to spend?
Let’s walk through how much a cat hernia operation costs, what cat hernias are, how they’re treated, and how cat insurance can help you cover costs related to hernia surgery for cats.
Cat hernia surgery costs can run anywhere between $200 to $2,000 or more.2 Every hernia is different, and what you’ll pay depends on your cat’s condition and the type of hernia.
Talk with your vet to get a better picture of what the surgery and vet visit may cost. You might ask them if your pet will need anesthesia, lab tests, prescriptions, or a follow-up visit. These services will add to the surgery's final bill.
To save money, consider calling several vets to ask about their pricing. If you make up to a certain income annually, you may be able to get discounted hernia procedures at animal humane societies.3
Another option is to have cat insurance, which can help you cover vet expenses for hernia surgery. For example, Maxwell, a domestic short hair kitten from Louisiana, needed hernia surgery. Maxwell’s pet parents had a MetLife Pet insurance policy, so while the bill for the surgery was about $1,100, MetLife Pet covered around $880.4
Many hernias in cats are birth defects, but this isn’t always the case. Injuries and metabolic disorders can also cause hernias. Other risk factors include pregnancy, obesity, and – for some hernia types – not being spayed or neutered.1
Some cats may experience no pain and show no symptoms when they have a hernia.1 It all depends on the severity of the hernia and any internal organs involved.
Cat hernia symptoms can include:1,5
If you suspect your cat has a hernia, it’s important to get them to a vet for a thorough exam.
Cat hernias are named based on where they’re found in the body. Here are three hernia types you may come across as a cat owner.
An umbilical hernia develops if a kitten’s abdomen fails to heal properly after the umbilical cord falls off. These hernias are most visible when the cats cry, stand, or strain to use the litter box and tend to appear as a subtle swelling beneath the skin.6
Umbilical hernias are generally painless and usually don’t pose a threat to a kitten’s health. However, it’s possible for hernias to become strangulated, which means blood flow is cut off and tissue can die as a result. A strangulated hernia is considered life-threatening and requires immediate surgery. To prevent this sort of emergency, vets typically recommend surgery to repair umbilical hernias at the time a kitten is spayed or neutered.6
Sometimes called hiatal hernias, diaphragmatic hernias can be present at birth but are more likely to form because of blunt force trauma. They’re typically caused by parts of the cat’s digestive tract pushing through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. You probably won’t see a lump because these hernias are internal, but you may notice breathing difficulties and periods of gastrointestinal issues.7
If your cat experiences a fall, car accident, or other bodily trauma, your vet will likely do a physical examination and X-rays before diagnosing a diaphragmatic hernia. Your cat will then need surgery as soon as possible to fix the hernia.7
Fairly uncommon in cats, an inguinal hernia may start as weakened muscles in the groin area before developing into a hernia.5,8 Many kittens are born with inguinal hernias, but grown cats can also develop them after a trauma.5 A pregnant cat is also at risk since pregnancy weakens a cat’s abdominal muscles, making the stomach press against the groin.5
If your cat has an inguinal hernia, you may notice swelling in the groin area and a decrease in your feline’s appetite.5 If your vet diagnoses your cat with an inguinal hernia, they will often recommend surgery. This is because inguinal hernias can become strangulated, which is an emergency.5
To diagnose a hernia, your vet will perform a physical exam before likely following up with an X-ray to see how severe the hernia is and look for any other damage.1
Treatment for hernias can depend on the type and severity of the hernia and any discomfort your cat is experiencing. If the hole in the muscle wall that the tissues are pushing through is small enough and there’s no discomfort, your vet may be able to reduce the hernia without surgery and let it heal on its own.1
In many cases, your vet will recommend surgery to reduce the hernia internally and close the hole in the muscle wall. In cases of hernial strangulation, surgery is required to correct the damage.1
During surgery, the vet will push the hernia back into its proper place and repair any damaged tissues and organs. Then, they’ll sew the hole closed.5
Postop, you may have to give your kitty pain medication, and they may have to wear a collar to prevent licking or biting the incision.5 You’ll also need to ensure your cat isn’t too active for the first several weeks after surgery.1
Some hernias may never cause problems for your cat, so your kitty can live a normal life. However, it’s not advisable to ignore a hernia because some can become strangulated, which can lead to organ and tissue damage and even death.1
Fortunately, most cats who receive proper hernia treatment can usually go back to their normal lives without issues.5 While uncommon, a cat who had a hernia once may experience a recurrence of it in the future.6
Keeping up with regular wellness checkups is a great way to avoid costly surgeries, but you never know when you’ll discover your cat has a hernia.
Purchasing a pet insurance policy with MetLife Pet could help you make both routine and unexpected vet expenses more financially accessible. Take a moment to invest in your pet’s health by getting a personalized quote, so you can get back to what matters: time with your feline friend.
