How Much Does It Cost To Spay or Neuter a Cat?

Spaying and neutering are common sterilization procedures that can have health and behavioral benefits for cats. If you’re looking to have this done for your pet, knowing the costs can help you prepare.

Learn more about the costs to spay or neuter a cat, how these procedures work, and how a cat insurance policy with a preventive add-on from MetLife Pet could help you cover related costs.

How Much Does It Cost To Spay a Cat?

The average cost to spay a cat can be around $300 – $400. However, costs may be higher or lower depending on factors like:¹

• Where the procedure is done
• Your cat’s health
• Your zip code

You may find low- or no-cost clinics where the procedure can be done for cheaper. While the safety measures of your regular vet’s office are followed, you may not get the same pre- or post-operative care at these clinics. It’s also worth noting that the cost of spaying or neutering may increase if your cat has additional health concerns.

When should you spay your cat?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA^Ⓡ) recommends spaying cats by the time they turn 5 months old. They also state there’s no known benefit to waiting until your female cat has gone through their first heat cycle to have the procedure done.²

How Much Does It Cost To Neuter a Cat?

The average cost to neuter a cat can be around $200 – $300. That said, costs may vary based on the same factors that affect spay procedures — including the type of clinic performing the procedure, your location, and any health concerns your cat may have.¹

Talk with your vet about the cost of blood work, anesthesia, and post-surgery care — like medications — for a more detailed neutering or spaying cost estimate.

When should you neuter your cat?

As with female cats, the AVMA recommends neutering male cats by the time they reach 5 months of age.²

Spay vs. Neuter: What’s the Difference?

In simple terms, spaying is a surgical procedure that prevents female felines from being able to have kittens by removing their ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Doing so can eliminate both her breeding instincts and heat cycle permanently.²

Neutering is a procedure in which both testicles are removed from a male cat. This prevents the cat from reproducing and reduces or eliminates his breeding behaviors.²

Although spaying and neutering can be major surgeries, they’re common procedures performed by veterinarians. General anesthesia is usually given, but your frisky feline typically goes home the same day with medication and instructions for rest.²

Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Cat

Your vet can help you make an informed decision about spaying or neutering your cat. To help you right now, take a look at the potential benefits your cat may experience.

Medical benefits

Spaying and neutering cats could help keep them healthier and live longer. For females, this is likely because it lowers their risk of developing uterine and mammary cancer and can help prevent potentially life-threatening uterine infections.^2,3

For males, it can help eliminate their risk of testicular cancer and lower their risk of developing prostate issues.^2,3

Behavioral benefits

Because spaying or neutering a cat reduces their hormones, the procedure can help reduce their drive to reproduce and have unplanned litters.² This is a major benefit because it can help lower the number of stray cats or overpopulation.

Male cats may be less prone to roaming, marking their territory, or fighting. Female cats may be less likely to display mating behaviors — like yowling and unpredictable behavior — and won’t have bloody discharge associated with a heat cycle.^2,3

Potential Risks of Sterilization

As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved in spaying or neutering your cat — like anesthesia complications, weight gain because of hormonal changes, or urinary incontinence in females.²

However, veterinarians take precautions to ensure the surgery is safe for your pet. They can also create a plan for optimal health through proper nutrition and exercise.

Where To Spay or Neuter Your Cat

Start a conversation with your veterinarian to find the best place for the procedure. Whether it’s directly with your vet or at a low-cost clinic, they’ll be able to help you decide based on your pet’s needs and your budget.

SpayUSA^Ⓡ is a nationwide referral network for affordable spay and neuter services. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) also offers a database to help you find a low-cost clinic near you. Remember, your local animal shelter and humane society are great resources as well.

MetLife Pet Insurance Could Cover Your Cat’s Spay or Neuter

MetLife Pet offers coverage for these procedures through our Preventive Care plan add-on, along with other routine pet care — like flea, tick, and heartworm prevention — up to your selected annual limit amount.⁴ Most pet insurance providers, including MetLife Pet, don’t cover the cost to spay or neuter a cat under a standard pet insurance policy because it’s considered an elective procedure.

With our optional Preventive Care add-on added to your policy, you can get reimbursed on spay and neuter procedures.⁵ Take a look at how much these families were reimbursed for their cats’ surgeries:⁶

• A New Jersey kitten named Liza was spayed, and the vet bill came to over $900. Her owner was reimbursed nearly $750.
• Gerald, a kitten from California, had his neuter procedure of more than $850 reimbursed for nearly $770.
• A kitten from Washington state named Mimi was spayed for around $475, but her pet parents were reimbursed over $425.

Save on vet bills you plan for — and those that are unexpected — with MetLife Pet Insurance. Get a free quote today for coverage that can begin tomorrow with our 0-day waiting period on accidents and preventive care.⁷