PET Health

How Much Does it Cost to Neuter a Cat?

3 min read
Sep 25, 2023

If you have a male cat, neutering — otherwise known as a castration or orchidectomy — is a procedure you’ll likely have to consider.3 If your cat needs to be neutered, you may also be concerned about how much the surgery costs. In short, neutering procedures can be less than $100, but can exceed $400 depending on the clinic you choose.4

Read on to learn why neutering is important and the factors that impact surgery costs.  If you have a female cat, learn more about spaying a cat.

What Determines the Cost To Neuter a Cat?

The cost to neuter a cat may vary based on several factors, including your cat’s age, where you live, and what type of clinic you choose.4 If you choose to go to a non-profit like a humane society or city animal care center, you may expect to pay less than $100, if anything at all. However, you’ll likely wait months to get an appointment at these clinics.4 If you choose to go to a private veterinary practice, costs can vary into hundreds of dollars.

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What Is Cat Neutering?

Cat neutering is a procedure in which both testicles are removed from a male cat in order to sterilize them. This procedure is the male equivalent of a spay, where a female cat’s uterus and ovaries are removed. Male cats experience a much less invasive sterilization experience than females, and sutures typically aren’t needed after the surgery.

How Is a Cat Neutered?

During this procedure, your veterinarian may administer a local anesthetic and remove both testicles by making small incisions in the scrotum. Your cat will need to rest while you administer any prescribed medications, and their recovery should be about a week. Be sure to keep an eye on the surgical site for complications such as swelling or redness.

Most experts recommend the procedure be performed at around 5 – 6 months. The earliest the procedure can be done is 8 weeks, but some vets may prefer to wait until 8 – 12 months. Complications can arise if a cat is neutered too early or too late in their life, so discuss your options with your vet to do what’s best for your cat.

Why Are Cats Neutered?

Neutering can help prevent health issues throughout a cat’s life, including lowering a cat’s risk of testicular cancer and prostate issues. Similar to spaying, neutering also helps control reproduction among feral cat colonies if you have an outdoor cat. Once a cat is neutered, they’re less motivated to roam and fight, which also improves behavioral concerns.

How To Find Spay and Neutering Clinics

You can often get your cat neutered at a spay and neuter clinic in your area. Chances are, there are several affordable options in your nearest city. Your primary vet may also perform this procedure at their office, though as mentioned, it may be more costly. If the rescue, shelter, or breeder doesn’t neuter your cat before you take them home, it’s important to find an option as early as possible to ensure your cat has the care they need at the right age. 

Will Cat Health Insurance Help Cover the Cost of Neutering?

Some insurance providers require pets to be neutered and spayed before being enrolled in an insurance policy — at MetLife Pet Insurance, our spay and neuter clause ensures your pet is covered regardless of whether or not they have had these procedures. Pet insurance may be able to help cover the cost of cat neutering, depending on your level of coverage.2 Get a quote today to learn more about how pet insurance can help your furry friend.

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Dr. Hunter Finn is an integrative veterinary expert first, and social media star second. America’s favorite veterinarian owns Pet Method in McKinney, Texas, where he cares for pets while prioritizing their emotional well-being. When he’s not at his clinic, he’s starring in viral videos on TikTok (2 million followers) and Instagram (500K followers) — where he’s been known to snuggle puppies and conquer the latest dance trends.

Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal, or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.

¹ Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.

² Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.

3 “Neutering in Cats,” VCA Animal Hospitals

4 “How Much Does It Cost to Spay or Neuter a Cat?,” DailyPaws

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