How Much Does a Cat Ultrasound Cost?

Cat ultrasounds cost $323 on average, with most falling between $200 and $500.^1,2 The exact pricing depends on your location, what part of the body needs an ultrasound, whether you have a specialist do it, and how extensive the actual test needs to be.

But what exactly is an ultrasound and why would your cat need one? Read on to find out.

What Is an Ultrasound for Cats?

A cat ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic test. Also known as a cat sonogram, it provides images of a cat’s internal organs and soft tissue by directing sound waves into the body. The images are useful in identifying cysts and tumors, confirming pregnancy, and evaluating the heart, abdominal organs, and eyes.³

Ultrasounds give veterinarians a more holistic view of what’s going on inside your cat’s body, so they can better diagnose and treat them.

Reasons Your Cat May Need an Ultrasound

An emergency clinic or your veterinarian will determine if your cat needs an ultrasound. There are many reasons for a vet to order an ultrasound. Here are a few common reasons they may recommend an ultrasound for cat diagnostics:³

• To observe a pregnancy
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Urinating blood
• Unexpected weight loss
• To diagnose or monitor a kidney, liver, or heart condition
• To examine cysts, masses, tumors, or lumps

Preparing Your Cat for an Ultrasound

Since feline ultrasounds are a noninvasive diagnostic test, there’s not too much preparation involved. For abdominal ultrasounds, it’s recommended not to feed your cat 8 - 12 hours before the procedure. The bladder is easier to visualize if it contains urine, so if possible, don’t let your cat urinate for 3 to 6 hours before the procedure.³

Additionally, if your cat won’t stay still, the vet may need to administer anesthesia or another sedative to keep them calm. But that will be done on-site prior to the ultrasound on a case-by-case basis.

Where You Get a Feline Ultrasound Influences the Cost

Most ultrasounds fall between $200 and $500, but where you get the ultrasound and who reviews it will influence the price.² Your veterinarian will either do an ultrasound at the clinic or refer your cat to an ultrasound specialist. If your vet does it, they’re considered to be a general practitioner, and an ultrasound done by a general practitioner usually costs less than if they make a referral.

Getting a cat ultrasound with a specialist or certified cardiologist is typically more expensive than with a general practitioner. This may happen if they want to do an ultrasound of the heart, for example, as reviewing these images is more complicated.² However, their expertise and certifications may be worth it. Specialists are highly trained in understanding and interpreting an ultrasound image.

MetLife Pet Insurance Can Help Cover Ultrasounds

MetLife Pet Insurance can help you cover the cost of ultrasounds and other diagnostic testing. It can also help reimburse treatments for illnesses or injuries discovered during an ultrasound. Here are just a few examples of ultrasound claims MetLife Pet has helped cover:⁴

• Missi, an 8-year-old cat from New Jersey, suffered a cruciate rupture in an accident. An ultrasound was ordered for diagnostics. Her parents were charged $450. MetLife Pet reimbursed them for $400.
• Brownie, a senior cat from California, was brought to the vet by his parents due to unexplained weight loss. The ultrasound cost $300, and MetLife Pet reimbursed the family for over $225.
• Hazel, a kitten from California, had an accident and suffered a soft tissue injury. An ultrasound was ordered, and his pet parents were billed $475. MetLife Pet reimbursed them for over $425.

Stress less about expensive vet bills with the help of a MetLife Pet cat insurance plan. Discover how pet insurance may be worth it for your family, then get a free quote today.