How much does cataract surgery for cats cost?
How much does cataract surgery for cats cost?
$2,500 – $5,500 average total cost (one eye)
$4,500 – $10,000 average total cost (both eyes)
Cat cataract surgery cost
Cataract surgery for cats costs $2,500 to $5,500 for one eye or up to $10,000 to treat both eyes. This cost includes pre-surgery testing, anesthesia, the surgery itself, and post-op medications. The total cat cataract treatment cost depends on your location, the veterinary specialist, your cat's specific condition and overall health, and the complexity of the procedure.
| Procedure | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Surgery procedure cost | $1,900 – $4,000 (one eye) $3,900 – $8,500 (both eyes) |
| Initial exam and pre-surgery diagnostic testing | $500 – $1,300+ |
| Pre-and post-surgery medications | $100 – $200+ |
| Average total treatment cost* | $2,500 – $5,500+ (one eye) $4,500 – $10,000+ (both eyes) |
*Not including follow-up recheck examinations.
Cat cataracts surgery cost factors
Beyond the surgical procedure itself, several factors contribute to the total cost of feline cataract surgery:
Geographic location: Veterinary costs vary significantly between urban and rural areas, with vets in major cities often charging higher fees for specialized procedures.
Surgeon experience and facility type: Board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists at referral centers charge more than general practitioners, but they also offer specialized expertise.
Severity of cataracts: Advanced cataracts requiring more complex surgical techniques or longer operating times increase the overall cost.
Number of eyes affected: Bilateral surgery costs more up front but may be more economical and safer for your pet than two separate procedures.
Cat's overall health: Cats with underlying health conditions may require additional testing, monitoring, or specialized anesthesia protocols.
Complications: Unexpected surgical complications or post-operative issues can significantly increase the total treatment cost.
Pre-surgery testing
Before your cat can undergo cataract surgery, several diagnostic tests and consultations are necessary to ensure they're a good candidate for the procedure. An electroretinogram (ERG) is especially important as it tests whether your cat's retinas are functioning properly. Without healthy retinas, cataract surgery won't restore meaningful vision.
Blood work confirms that your cat doesn't have underlying health issues that could complicate surgery or recovery. Some cats may need additional cardiac or respiratory evaluations based on their age or health history. Diabetic cats may need additional tests and medications to ensure the condition is well controlled prior to surgery.
| Procedure | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation with veterinary ophthalmologist | $200 – $400 |
| Electroretinogram (ERG) to test retinal function | $300 – $500 |
| Ocular ultrasound | $200 – $400 |
| Cat bloodwork cost | $150 – $300 |
| Cat X-ray cost | $150 – $250 |
Post-surgery care
Post-operative care is essential for achieving the best possible outcome and preventing complications that could threaten your cat's vision or comfort. Your cat will need to wear a protective collar to prevent scratching or rubbing their eyes. You'll also give them eye drops and oral medications for at least the first two weeks to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
Most vets recommend follow-up visits to recheck your cat's eyes at 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 4 months, 8 months, and then annually.
Remember to budget for these post-surgery care expenses:
Recheck examinations cost $150 to $300 per visit.
Post-op eye drops and medications cost $50 to $150+.
A protective E-collar costs $15 to $30.
Most cats show significant vision improvement within days to weeks after surgery, though full healing may take several months.
Does pet insurance cover cataract surgery?
Most pet insurance companies consider cataract surgery a covered procedure when it's not related to pre-existing conditions. However, pet insurance costs and coverage vary widely among providers. Some policies may cover the full procedure, while others may have caps or require higher deductibles for specialized surgeries like cataract removal.
Review your policy documents carefully or contact your insurance provider directly to confirm your specific coverage.
Understanding cataracts in cats
Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens inside your cat's eye becomes cloudy or opaque, blocking light from reaching the retina. When cataracts form, your cat's vision becomes increasingly blurry or dim. In severe cases, cataracts can cause complete blindness in the affected eye, significantly impacting your cat's ability to navigate their environment safely.
Unlike humans who often develop cataracts gradually with age, cats can develop them at any life stage.
What causes cataracts in cats?
Cataracts in cats can develop for several reasons, some preventable and others not. Certain breeds are more susceptible to developing cataracts at a younger age, including Birman, Himalayan, Persian, Russian Blue, and Siamese. Common causes beyond genetic predisposition include:
Uveitis, or inflammation within the eye
Trauma or injury to the eye
Metabolic diseases like diabetes
Nutritional imbalances
Cancer affecting the eye
Infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, or protozoal)
Exposure to radiation
Signs and symptoms
Early detection of cataracts allows for prompt treatment and better outcomes for your cat's vision and comfort. Watch out for these potential signs:
Cloudy or white appearance in the eye's lens
Difficulty navigating familiar spaces, especially in low light
Bumping into furniture or walls
Reluctance to jump or climb
Changes in behavior, such as increased caution or anxiety
Pupils that don't respond normally to light changes
Other eye conditions, such as nuclear sclerosis and endothelial degeneration, can mimic the appearance of cataracts, so professional diagnosis is essential to ensure your kitty receives the proper treatment.
Cataract surgery procedure
Cat cataract surgery, also called phacoemulsification, involves removing the clouded lens and often replacing it with an artificial one to restore the cat's ability to focus. The procedure requires general anesthesia and takes approximately 1 to 2 hours. Your cat will remain hospitalized for monitoring immediately after surgery and may stay overnight depending on the situation.
Most cats handle the procedure well, and the surgical success rate is high when performed by an experienced veterinary ophthalmologist.
Alternative treatment options
Not every cat with cataracts benefits from surgical intervention. When surgery isn't appropriate or desired, several alternative approaches can help manage your cat's cataracts and maintain their quality of life:
Anti-inflammatory eye drops can slow cataract progression in some cases, though they won't reverse existing damage.
Managing underlying conditions like diabetes can prevent further cataract development.
Environmental modifications help cats with impaired vision navigate safely. Consistent furniture placement, nightlights, and verbal cues can significantly improve their confidence and mobility.
Some cats adapt remarkably well to vision loss and continue to live happy, fulfilling lives without surgical intervention. The decision depends on your cat's individual circumstances. Your veterinary ophthalmologist will help you determine the best approach for your feline friend.
Complications from untreated cataracts
Leaving cataracts untreated can lead to serious secondary eye problems that cause pain and further vision loss. Lens-induced uveitis and secondary glaucoma are the most concerning complications, causing severe pain and irreversible blindness. Other potential problems include lens rupture, retinal detachment, and chronic eye pain that significantly impacts your cat's quality of life.
These complications often require emergency treatment and can be more costly than the original cataract surgery.
Questions to ask your vet about cataract surgery
Ask your veterinary ophthalmologist the following questions to ensure you have all the information needed to make the best decision for your cat's health:
What tests will my cat need before surgery?
Is my cat a good candidate for surgery based on their age, health, and eye condition?
How experienced is the surgical team with feline cataract procedures?
Will both eyes need surgery or just one?
What happens if we choose not to pursue surgery?
What type of artificial lens will be used, if any?
How long will the surgery take and what is the recovery time?
What care will my cat need after surgery?
What signs should prompt immediate veterinary attention during recovery?
How will we know if the surgery was successful?
What are the most common complications after surgery?
Will my cat regain full vision, or just partial improvement?
How often will follow-up visits be required?
Who should I contact in case of an after-hours emergency?
What is the long-term outlook for my cat's vision?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.