How much does cat surgery cost?
How much does cat surgery cost?
$500 – $5,000 average total cost
Cat surgery cost
Cat surgery costs $500 to $5,000 on average, but prices range from $200 for a routine neutering procedure to $12,000+ for a specialist to address a complex intestinal blockage. The total cost depends on your location, the procedure type, provider, your cat's age and health, and pet insurance coverage.
Whether your cat needs a routine dental cleaning or emergency surgery, knowing what to expect can ease your worries and help you budget appropriately. This guide breaks down the costs of common cat surgeries and what factors influence the final price.
| Surgery type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Spay or neuter | $300 – $500 (spay) $200 – $400 (neuter) |
| Dental surgery | $560 – $2,000+ |
| Ear hematoma repair | $400 – $2,000+ |
| Eye surgery | $300 – $10,000 |
| Intestinal blockage | $1,500 – $12,000+ |
| Perineal urethrostomy (PU) | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Bladder stone removal | $900 – $4,000 |
| Tumor removal | $500 – $3,000+ |
| Wound repair | $1,500 – $5,000+ |
| Orthopedic surgery | $1,000 – $5,000+ |
Spay or neuter surgery
Spaying and neutering are the most common surgical procedures performed on cats. Spaying removes the ovaries and uterus in female cats, while neutering removes the testicles in male cats to prevent reproduction and reduce unwanted behaviors.
The average cost of spaying a cat ranges from $300 to $500 at a private veterinary hospital.
Male cat neutering typically costs slightly less at $200 to $400 since it's a less invasive procedure.
Low-cost spay and neuter clinics often charge between $35 and $150.
Factors that can increase the cost include your cat's age, whether your cat is pregnant or in heat, and any underlying health conditions that require additional care.
Dental surgery
The cost of cat dental surgery varies depending on the extent of work needed. Standard cat teeth cleaning with anesthesia costs $560 to $1,100, while the cat tooth extraction costs add $40 to $100 per tooth. Complex procedures like jaw reconstruction can exceed $3,000. Dental surgery addresses issues like periodontal disease, tooth resorption, broken teeth, and severe gum inflammation.
Dental disease affects over 85% of cats by age two, making dental procedures one of the most common surgeries your cat may need.
Ear surgery
Cat ear hematoma surgery costs $400 to $2,000+, depending on the provider. The surgery involves making a small incision to drain the blood, placing sutures, and bandaging the ear. Your vet will also address the underlying cause, such as treating an ear infection or allergy, to prevent the hematoma from returning.
An ear hematoma occurs when blood accumulates between the skin and cartilage of your cat's ear flap, usually caused by head shaking or scratching from ear infections, mites, or allergies. The swelling can be painful and, if left untreated, may result in permanent ear deformity.
Eye surgery
Cats may need various types of eye surgery depending on their condition. Cataracts, cherry eye, entropion (inward-rolling eyelids), and severe injuries all require surgical intervention to preserve vision and comfort. Eye surgery costs vary widely based on the specific procedure needed.
The table below shows the average costs for the most common types of eye surgery for cats.
| Procedure | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Cat cataract surgery cost | $2,500 – $5,500 (one eye) $4,500 – $10,000 (both eyes) |
| Cat eye removal surgery cost | $500 – $2,000 (simple) $2,000 – $4,000 (complex) |
| Cherry eye correction | $300 – $1,000 |
| Entropion correction | $500 – $2,000+ |
Intestinal blockage surgery
Intestinal blockage surgery for cats costs $1,500 to $12,000+. Intestinal blockages occur when cats swallow foreign objects like string, tinsel, ribbon, or small toys that become stuck in the digestive tract. This life-threatening emergency requires immediate surgical intervention to remove the obstruction and repair any intestinal damage.
Complete blockages requiring emergency exploratory laparotomy with enterotomy fall in the $2,000 to $10,000+ range.
Partial blockages that may respond to conservative treatment cost $1,500 to $7,000.
Linear blockages from string-like materials are particularly dangerous and can cost $3,000 to $12,000+ due to the complexity of removing the object and repairing the bunched-up intestines.
These prices include emergency examination, diagnostic imaging, surgery, hospitalization, and post-operative monitoring.
Perineal urethrostomy (PU surgery)
Perineal urethrostomy (PU) surgery for cats costs $1,500 to $3,000. PU is a surgical procedure performed on male cats with recurring urinary blockages. The surgery creates a wider urinary opening by removing the narrowest part of the urethra, allowing obstructions to pass more easily and reducing the risk of future life-threatening blockages.
The PU procedure requires general anesthesia, surgical expertise, and typically involves a hospital stay of 2 to 3 days for monitoring. While this surgery represents a significant investment, it can be life-saving for male cats prone to urinary obstructions.
Bladder stone removal
Bladder stone removal in cats costs $900 to $4,000 depending on the number and size of stones, surgical complexity, and whether complications are present. The price usually includes pre-surgical diagnostics, anesthesia, the surgical procedure, hospitalization, stone analysis to determine the type, and post-operative care.
The surgery involves making an incision in the bladder to remove the stones. Bladder stones develop when minerals crystallize in your cat's urinary tract, causing pain, difficulty urinating, and potential blockages. Small stones may pass naturally or dissolve with medication, but larger stones require surgical removal through a cystotomy.
Tumor removal
Cat tumor removal costs start at $500 for simple skin tumors or $3,000 or more for complex procedures involving internal organs. The location, size, and type of tumor significantly impact the cost. The procedure includes diagnostic testing, anesthesia, surgery, pathology to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant, and follow-up care.
Tumors in cats can develop anywhere on or inside the body, from small skin masses to internal growths near vital organs. Surgical removal may be recommended for both benign and malignant tumors to prevent complications, relieve discomfort, or treat cancer.
Wound repair
Wound repair for cats costs $800 to $2,500 for cleaning and suturing, but extensive injuries requiring surgery can cost $1,500 to $5,000 or more. The final price depends on the severity of the wound, whether internal organs are damaged, the amount of tissue requiring repair, and whether complications like infection develop.
Cats can sustain wounds from fights with other animals, accidents, falls, or sharp objects. While minor wounds may heal with basic wound care, deep wounds, punctures near vital areas, or injuries with significant tissue loss require more extensive surgical repair and longer recovery periods.
Orthopedic surgery
Orthopedic surgery costs range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the specific procedure and your cat's size. Orthopedic surgeries address broken bones, fractures, ligament tears, joint problems, and other injuries affecting mobility. These procedures can result from falls, accidents, fights with other animals, or conditions like hip dysplasia that develop over time.
Recovery time for orthopedic surgery is typically longer than soft tissue surgeries, often requiring several weeks to months of restricted activity, pain management, and potentially physical therapy to ensure your cat heals properly.
What factors affect cat surgery costs?
Several variables influence how much you'll pay for your cat's surgery:
Geographic location: Urban areas and regions with higher costs of living typically charge 30% to 50% more than rural communities for the same procedures. Veterinary care in the Northeast and West Coast generally tends to cost more than in the South or Midwest.
Procedure complexity: A simple tooth extraction costs far less than reconstructive jaw surgery or procedures involving multiple steps.
Cat's age and health: Older cats or those with underlying health conditions may require additional pre-surgical testing, monitoring, and post-operative care, which increases the total cost.
Type of veterinary facility: Emergency hospitals and specialty practices charge two to three times more than general veterinary clinics due to advanced equipment and specialized expertise.
Time of service: Emergency surgeries performed after hours or on weekends typically carry higher fees than scheduled procedures during regular business hours.
Additional diagnostics: Pre-surgical cat bloodwork costs, X-rays, ultrasounds, and other imaging tests add to the base surgery cost but help ensure your cat's safety.
Pet insurance: Most pet insurance policies cover surgeries resulting from accidents or illnesses, but pre-existing conditions and routine procedures like spaying and neutering are typically excluded. Always review the pet insurance costs and coverage for your specific plan.
Preparing for your cat's surgery
Proper preparation helps ensure your cat's surgery goes smoothly.
Follow your veterinarian's fasting instructions carefully, typically no food after midnight before the procedure.
Set up a quiet, comfortable recovery space at home away from other pets, children, and stairs where your cat can rest undisturbed.
Gather supplies before surgery day including any prescribed medications, soft food for easier eating, and a clean litter box.
If your cat needs to wear an Elizabethan collar (cone), introduce it gradually so they can adjust.
Prepare questions for your veterinarian about post-operative care, pain management, and warning signs that require immediate attention.
Cat surgery FAQs
How long does it take for a cat to recover from surgery?
A cat's recovery time varies by procedure type. Simple surgeries like neutering may only require a few days of rest, while major abdominal surgeries or orthopedic procedures can take 10 to 14 days or longer. Your veterinarian will provide specific recovery instructions based on your cat's surgery and individual healing progress.
Are there low-cost options for cat surgery?
Many communities offer low-cost spay and neuter clinics through animal shelters or nonprofit organizations. Some veterinary schools provide discounted services as part of their training programs. Additionally, organizations like RedRover Relief and the Pet Fund offer financial assistance grants for pet owners facing emergency veterinary expenses.
Questions to ask your vet
Before scheduling your cat's surgery, have a conversation with your veterinarian to ensure you understand the procedure and expectations:
What is the total estimated cost, including all pre- and post-operative care?
What are the specific risks associated with this surgery for my cat?
How much experience does your team have with this particular procedure?
What will my cat's recovery process look like, and how can I best support them at home?
What signs of complications should I watch for after surgery?
Are there alternative treatment options we should consider?
What happens if complications arise during surgery? What are the additional costs?
When should I schedule follow-up appointments?
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.