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If your cat is injured or sick, diagnostic imaging can help your veterinarian get a clearer picture of what’s happening inside their body. For problems involving the brain, spinal cord, or other soft tissues, that may mean recommending an MRI.1
So, how much does a cat MRI cost? The average cost of an MRI for a cat can be between $2,500 and $6,000 depending on the facility, location, area being scanned, and services included in the quote.1
Let’s walk through what you could expect if your cat needs an MRI and how pet insurance may help cover the costs.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body’s internal soft tissue structures — like the brain, spinal cord and canal, muscles, and soft tissues.1
MRIs differ from other imaging tools in what they’re able to show best. CT scans (computed tomography scans) show internal organ injuries, clots, and bone fractures, while X-rays (radiographs) are commonly used to identify fractures, misalignments, and dislocations.2 Combined with other diagnostic tools, MRIs can help veterinarians make informed diagnoses of the soft tissue in your cat’s body.
An MRI for cats may be recommended when a veterinarian needs a detailed view of soft tissue or more information about their central nervous system, nose, or ears.1 A cat MRI may help veterinarians investigate:1,3
The decision to perform an MRI will depend on your cat’s specific symptoms and medical history. Discuss your options with your vet, and rely on their expertise before pursuing any testing or procedures.
Yes, an MRI can be worth it for a cat when your veterinarian needs a detailed look at soft tissues to determine what is causing specific symptoms. MRIs can give veterinarians more detailed information about soft-tissue injuries and diseases than X-rays or, in some situations, CT scans.3
This can help the veterinarian identify the underlying problem and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
A feline MRI costs an average of $2,500 to $6,000, but there isn’t one standard price.1 The cost of an MRI can depend on numerous factors like:4
Specialized training is required to operate the machine and accurately interpret the results. Veterinary radiologists are specialists who must undergo extensive education and training, which contributes to the higher cost of the service.4 Other cost factors include:4
The MRI scan itself may not be the only expense. Depending on how the veterinary facility structures its pricing, additional costs may include:1,5
Once you find a specialist, they’ll prepare a quote based on your referral.
For the vet to perform an MRI, your cat will need to be placed under general anesthesia. Since there are some risks associated with anesthesia, your cat will undergo preliminary blood work to ensure the anesthesia won’t pose a risk to them. Once your cat is sedated and their vitals look good, their care team will place them on a padded table that slides into the MRI machine.1,5
The scan itself can take 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how much of the body needs to be examined. Once the scan is over, your cat will likely be placed in recovery for monitoring and remain on IV fluids while the anesthesia wears off.5 Your cat’s care team will give you instructions on how to care for them when you get home.
After the entire procedure is finished and your cat is ready to go home, you’ll likely schedule a follow-up appointment to review the results. Then, you can discuss the next steps for your cat’s care.
If you’re lucky, your cat will live all nine lives without needing an MRI. If your cat does need an MRI, the good news is MetLife Pet’s cat insurance policies could help cover the cost of care for your kitty. Consider investing in your pet’s health, so you can get them the best care and worry less about the cost.
