You get your new kitten home and know time will fly quickly. Your kitten will grow up before your eyes. You must ensure your feline friend is healthy throughout the life cycle. Veterinarians advise new pet owners to spay their cats as soon as they reach the appropriate stage.
But how much is it to spay a cat? We’ll get to know about it in a minute.
Spaying or neutering is the surgical process to sterilize your pets permanently. Pets are incapable of reproducing, so you won’t find any expected surprises.
The male cat’s testicles and the female cat’s uterus are removed in this procedure.
We know it’s intense, and you may be judging people for spaying their beloved pets. But before judging any further, read the paragraph below to see when you can sterilize your cat and why it’s essential.
How Much Does it Cost to Spay a Cat?
The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the cat’s age, size, location, and the clinic or your vet. Keeping that in mind, spaying a cat can cost about $300 to $2000.
We know it’s expensive, but the female cats’ procedure is more like significant surgery.
- Private clinics and veterinarians charge $600 to $2000 for the surgery. It usually includes e-collar, catheter, pre-operation blood work, pre-operation check-up, anesthetic medications, surgery, nail trim, post-operation check-up, pain medication, antibiotics, and sedatives.
- Animal shelters or rescues charge $100 to $500 to spay a cat. It usually includes anesthetic medication, surgery, nail trims, and an e-collar.
- Mobile clinics charge $60 to $80, which is inexpensive, but they do not provide any extra services with the surgery.
How Much Does it Cost to Neuter a Cat?
The cost of neutering a cat is lesser than spaying, but it can range from $200 to $700.
- Private vets or clinics charge $500 to $650 for the procedure. It is on the expensive side, but like spaying, they provide other services with the surgery.
- Animal shelters charge $150 to $300 with some additional services. The price and offered services can vary from place to place.
- Mobile clinics only charge $50 to $70 for the surgery. But keep in mind that they don’t provide any services with the surgery.
When Can You Spay/Neuter Your Cat?
Now that you know the prices, it’s normal to have this question of when to spay a cat. Cats reach the level of maturity quite early and start to behave aggressively. They go into heat at 7 or 8 months and start reproducing. According to veterinarians, it’s better to spay or neuter your cats at six months old if they are healthy and at an appropriate size. Early spaying can prevent unwanted diseases, such as cancer in your pets.
Bonus Read!
Why is Spaying/Neutering Important?
Neutering and spaying help your cat live a long, healthy life. Spaying your female cat will save her from uterine infections, breast cancer, and complicated birth experiences. Neutering a male cat can help prevent testicular cancer and problems.
Moreover, as cats grow up, they spray foul-smelling urine to mark their territory. For this matter, your house might start smelling foul when the cats are in heat. But when you fix your pet early, they won’t be territorial and will behave more friendly.
Another reason to neuter or spay your cat is to avoid homelessness. According to ASPCA, 6.3 million dogs and cats enter the animal shelters annually, and only 4.1 million are adopted. It causes 920,000 animals to be euthanized. So to prevent this situation, the best thing you can do is spay/neuter your pet.
You are convinced it’s the sensible thing to do, but another question pops up in your mind: “How much does spaying a cat cost?” Let’s answer that!
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Cat Spayed in Different Locations?
We have already informed you about the variations. Prices of spaying/neutering depend highly on your location.
For example, if you reside in New York City, the fee will be high. Still, it’s the opposite for a remote area where spaying or neutering will only cost you about $20 to $50.
Don’t worry; there are plenty of places to get low-cost spay/neuter services, even in New York. ASPCA provides low-cost spay/neuter services in many states. You don’t have to break your bank to get your cat fixed.
Another excellent service is SNAP. Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) is where pet owners can spay/neuter their pets at an affordable rate and even sometimes free. SNAP is set up all around the USA to provide services efficiently.
Hey! Don’t get too excited reading “free.” It still does come with a condition. You have to be eligible to apply for SNAP. Different SNAP organizations have criteria that you have to meet to even apply for a service. They strictly maintain the policy “to help the people in need.” State of New Jersey, Department of Health has special reduced spaying and neutering fees for people barely making it through.
Let’s review some SNAP pricing for neuter/spay in different states.
- Ontario SPCA and Humane Society fees are $85 for male cats and $95 for female cats.
- Animal Services Doral, Miami offers spay and neuter services at only $20 for cats. Depending on the cat’s gender, health, and size, it may vary a bit. Although, you do have to make an appointment 14 days early.
- MN SNAP of Minnesota offers spay services at only $85 and neuter services at $75. Their vaccinations and other services are also as low as $5.
Accept the Decision of Neutering/Spaying
The decision to spay your beloved cat will allow them to live by your side longer. They will be able to play and have their regular zoomies, which make you laugh. Consider all these reasons for making the decision.
The procedure may be costly and seem intense, but professional veterinarians won’t let anything happen to your precious feline friend. Now you don’t have to worry about the costs, as we have mentioned some reliable and affordable organizations. You can trust your pet with them.
Find and contact your nearest facility to give your cat a better and healthier life.