How Much Does a Cat Ultrasound Cost?

An ultrasound is a great tool for diagnosing different health conditions in cats, but just how much is a cat ultrasound? A cat ultrasound cost varies from $300 to $600.³ The exact pricing depends on the location, what part of the body needs an ultrasound, whether or not 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 even need one?

What Is an Ultrasound for Cats?

An ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, is a medical diagnostic test that provides images of your cat’s internal organs. Ultrasounds emit sound waves to scan the body and create a graphic of what’s happening. The best part is, it’s a noninvasive diagnostic test.

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:

• To diagnose or monitor a kidney, liver, or heart condition
• To observe a pregnancy
• To look for foreign objects
• To check for internal bleeding
• To examine or biopsy masses or lumps

Preparing Your Cat for an Ultrasound

Since cat ultrasounds are a noninvasive diagnostic test, there’s not too much preparation involved. Depending on what part of your pet’s body is being examined, the vet may ask you not to give them water or food for 8 – 12 hours beforehand.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.

Where You Can Get a Cat Ultrasound

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 between $300 and $350.³

Getting a cat ultrasound with a specialist or certified cardiologist is more expensive than with a general practitioner, usually between $400 and $600.³ However, their expertise and certifications are worth it. Specialists are highly trained in understanding and interpreting an ultrasound image.

Will Pet Insurance Cover Ultrasounds?

Ultrasounds are covered under diagnostic testing on most cat insurance policies. However, it’s important to note that preexisting conditions are not usually covered. So, if your cat needs an ultrasound to monitor a preexisting condition, it may not be covered by pet insurance.²

Get started today with a free quote from MetLife Pet Insurance, winner of the “Pet Insurance of the Year” Award in the 2023 Pet Independent Innovation Awards Program.¹