How much does it cost to spay a cat?

Bringing home a new cat or kitten is an exciting time – feline friends can add an infinite amount of happiness and comfort to a family. While they have a reputation for being colder than their canine counterparts, cats are actually warm companions who can provide you company and love.

As a cat caretaker, you’ll want to take care of them, too. When you get a new furry friend, one of the first things you should do is take them to a spay and neuter clinic. Spay and neuter refer to the process of removing a cat’s ability to reproduce – if you have a female, you should have her spayed. (For more information, read our “How much does it cost to neuter a cat?“).

However, getting a cat spayed can be costly, depending on where you have the procedure done. This is one issue that pet insurance can help cover.

So, how much does it cost to spay a cat? If you’re thinking of getting a new kitten, you should shop around for pet insurance prices. If you want to see what rates might look like for you, enter your ZIP code into our free tool today.

How much does it cost to spay a cat?

Healthcare for humans and animals works the same way: the price of a procedure depends on where you get it done and if you have insurance.

A private spay/neuter clinic typically charges around $400 for female cats and $200 for males. The procedure costs more for females because it’s a little more complicated. For females, the entire ovarian system and the uterus.

You don’t need to go to a private spay clinic, however. Non-profit clinics offer this procedure for much cheaper, usually around $50. However, some states have free spay or neuter programs, especially for community cats.

While you might be worried about taking your cat to a non-profit clinic, you should know that a licensed veterinarian performs all spay surgeries. However, if you want the services of a private clinic, pet insurance can help you save money.

Should you get your cat spayed?

There are multiple benefits to getting your cat spayed or neutered. For male cats, neutering can prevent behaviors you won’t want in your house, like urine spraying.

For females, spaying can stop unwanted behaviors that usually happen when a cat is in heat.

More importantly, if you get your cat spayed earlier in her life, you’ll be protecting her from serious health issues later in life. Spaying can eliminate the chance of mammary cancer developing and a condition called pyometra.

Pyometra is an infection of the uterus that happens in older cats, which can be fatal. If you have the operation done between the ages of three and six months, you can avoid this risk altogether. Your cat has an overall better chance of living longer after she’s been spayed.

The most obvious benefit of spaying is that your cat won’t become pregnant. There are over a hundred million outdoor cats in America, and they can have a devastating impact on the local environment. Spaying helps lessen that problem.

When should you get your cat spayed?

Spaying should occur right after you bring your new pet home. No matter what age your cat is, spaying is a good idea.

If you have a choice (i.e., you’re picking up a brand new kitten), the best time to get her spayed is before her first heat. Cats reach puberty at around five or six months, depending on the breed of your cat.

Of course, a veterinarian can answer any questions you have and help you pick the best time for spaying.

What happens during spay surgery?

Getting your cat spayed is a relatively simple procedure, even though it sounds complicated.

You don’t have to worry about your cat being in pain. Before the surgery begins, she’ll be anesthetized. Then, a surgeon makes an incision big enough to get to the uterus and ovaries. The reproductive organs are removed, and your cat is stitched back up.

The surgery is usually completed within an hour. Because the surgery is more invasive than neutering, your cat will need to stay overnight. Your cat will probably be ready to return home the next day, though every cat is different.

Your vet will probably want to make a follow-up appointment, and you should keep the kitty relaxed and comfortable for a few days after. Make sure she has plenty of water and food, and keep your lap open for extra snuggles.

Does insurance help pay for spaying a cat?

Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not include spaying or neutering in their standard policies. Insurance companies consider spaying your cat as an elective procedure, which is not covered.

However, you can usually buy a wellness add-on for your policy that includes coverage for spaying and neutering. So, how much does pet insurance cost? For a policy plus a wellness add-on, consider the following companies.

ASPCA Spaying Insurance

ASPCA offers a Basic Wellness plan for $9.95 a month, which provides a few extra healthcare services. If you want to have a spay surgery covered, you’ll need the Prime Wellness plan.

Prime Wellness costs $24.95 a month and includes up to $150 in dental cleaning or spaying coverage. You’ll need to decide which of the two you want to take advantage of because they are clumped together.

Hartville Spaying Insurance

Like ASPCA, Hartville pet insurance has a basic and prime plan. If you choose the prime plan, you’ll also get coverage for wellness exams, prescription medication, and other services.

These add-ons also cost $9.95 and $24.95 a month, and the prime add-on is the only one that offers spay coverage.

Spot Spaying Insurance

Spot pet insurance has two options for preventative care: Gold and Platinum. Like other company’s basic plans, Gold costs $9.95, and Platinum runs $24.95. Likewise, Gold doesn’t cover spaying (though it does offer several benefits).

The Platinum plan covers spaying, as well as neutering and other preventative care and diagnostic testing.

Embrace Spaying Insurance

Embrace takes a slightly different approach to its wellness add-on. Their program is called Wellness Rewards, and it offers reimbursement for a host of healthcare services. Services include spaying and neutering, exam fees, prescription medication, dental cleaning, and grooming.

You get to choose how much you want to be reimbursed for, in amounts of either $250, $450, or $650 annually.

Unlike other companies, there is no set price for this add-on. Instead, you can speak with an agent, and they can determine your cost based on your animal and how much reimbursement per year you want.

Pets Best Spaying Insurance

Pets Best is another insurance company that has two levels of wellness add-ons. The BestWellness plan is what you’ll want to purchase if you’re interested in coverage for spay surgery. While the plan costs $26 a month, Pets Best boasts you’ll get $535 worth of benefits per year.

Find the Right Pet Insurance for You

When you bring a cat home for the first time, you know that you’ll do whatever you can to take care of her. If she hasn’t already had the surgery, you’re probably wondering how much to spay a cat. You can lower your costs and take care of your new pet by getting insurance.

Read more: Shelter General Insurance Company Review

If you’ve been wondering, “How much does it cost to spay a cat?” you should shop around for insurance rates to see which company can help you the most. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool today when you’re ready to see what quotes might look like for you.

Case Studies: Cost of Spaying a Cat

Case Study 1: Affordable Clinic

In a suburban area, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic offers discounted services to promote responsible pet ownership. Here, the cost of spaying a cat ranges from $50 to $100, which includes the procedure, anesthesia, and post-operative care. This affordable option attracts pet owners looking for cost-effective solutions.

Case Study 2: Urban Veterinary Hospital

In a bustling city, a high-end veterinary hospital provides comprehensive spaying services with additional perks. Alongside the procedure, they offer pre-surgical bloodwork, pain medication, and an overnight stay if needed. In this case, spaying a cat can cost between $200 and $400, reflecting the higher quality of care and additional amenities.

Read more: How much does a veterinary visit cost?

Case Study 3: Nonprofit Organization

A nonprofit animal welfare organization operates in a rural community, aiming to tackle the issue of stray and feral cats. They collaborate with local veterinarians to offer subsidized spaying services. The cost for spaying a cat through this program ranges from $25 to $75, significantly reducing the financial burden for pet owners and helping control the local cat population.

Case Study 4: Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic

A mobile spay/neuter clinic travels to different neighborhoods, providing convenient and affordable services. Their approach reduces overhead costs, allowing them to offer spaying services at a lower price point. In this case, the cost to spay a cat can range from $75 to $150, making it an accessible option for pet owners who may have limited transportation or financial resources.

Case Study 5: Veterinary School Clinic

Veterinary school clinics provide cat spaying services performed by veterinary students under the guidance of experienced faculty. These clinics often offer discounted rates to promote community engagement and practical training. The cost of cat spaying at a veterinary school clinic ranges from $100 to $200, providing an affordable option while supporting the education of future veterinarians.