how much to neuter a male cat

If your cat needs to be neutered, you may also be concerned about how much the surgery costs. In short, neutering procedures can be less than $100, but can exceed $400 depending on the clinic you choose. Read on to learn why neutering is important and the factors that impact surgery costs.

Typical Cost of Spay and Neuter Surgeries

Spaying, also referred to as ovariohysterectomy, is the surgical excision of a female cat’s uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The surgical excision of a male cat’s testicles is called neutering, also referred to as castration.

All cats should be spayed or neutered by the time they are six months old, though spaying and neutering can be done as early as eight weeks (for females, this is especially important to do so the cat does not experience any heat cycles) General anesthesia is used during spay and neuter procedures, so your cat will be unconscious during the procedure.

Whether you choose for specific procedures like pre-anesthetic blood screening, an IV catheter with intravenous fluids, or special monitoring during the surgery, will affect the cost of your cat spay or neuter procedure. You will pay extra if the vet finds out during your cat’s spaying that she is pregnant or in heat—something that some pet owners may not be aware of.

In general, unless you decide to have your cat fixed at a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, budget between $200 and $500 for a cat spay and between $100 and $300 for a cat neuter. If your cat needs certain medications or an e-collar, you may have to pay a little more.

Spaying and Neutering Cats: The Complete Guide

Cats that are in heat frequently yowl loudly, demand a lot of attention, urinate more frequently than usual (sometimes outside the litterbox), and may attempt to break out of your house in order to find a partner. Similar behavioral benefits of neutering male cats include decreased urine marking, fighting, and house escape attempts.

However, the precise cost of spaying or neutering a cat can range from free to several hundred dollars, depending on a few different factors. Let’s discuss a few of the variables that affect the cost of spaying your cat.

How much does it cost to spay or neuter your cat?

The price of spaying or neutering your cat varies depending on several factors, including age, size, location, and, of course, the particular veterinarian. According to Dr. Liff, the cost of routinely neutering or spaying a cat can range from $250 to $2,000.

Because neutering only necessitates a tiny incision, spaying is typically more expensive because it is regarded as more extensive surgery.

Regarding the cost of sterilizing dogs and cats, neutering a cat is probably going to be less expensive than spaying a cat, which is about the same as sterilizing a small dog. Sorry, ladies.

The following expenses may be incurred in addition to others when having your cat spayed or neutered:

Pre-op examination: Your veterinarian will do a standard examination to ensure that your kitten is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.
Extras: To ensure the smoothest possible surgery, your cat may need additional testing prior to surgery if they have a pre-existing condition.
Anesthesia: Your cat’s weight will dictate how much anesthesia is administered. Your cat’s size will determine how much anesthesia is required to fully sedate them and how much the procedure will ultimately cost. Sterilizing a 5-pound, 4-month-old kitten will be less expensive than sterilizing a 10-pound, mature cat.
Catheter: To ensure that your cat doesn’t urinate all over the operating table in the unlikely event that they do, a catheter is placed.
Surgery: Spaying a cat takes about fifteen minutes from start to finish, but neutering a cat can take as little as two minutes, with neutering a cat typically taking five to twenty minutes. A scalpel or laser is used to remove the testicles, ovaries, and uterus. When neutered, male cats don’t require sutures, but your female cat may need to visit 10–14 days after surgery to have her sutures taken out by hand. In a few weeks, if the veterinary surgeon used dissolving stitches, they will fall out naturally.
Claw trim: Although it may seem strange, it’s not uncommon for cat parents to ask to have their cat’s claws clipped while they’re sedated. We understand, especially for those who have attempted to clip their cat’s claws and have the scars to show for it.
Post-operative recovery: Following surgery, your cat may spend time with a veterinary nurse until they are completely awake. As your cat emerges from anesthesia, they will watch to make sure everything appears normal and provide some support. Cats frequently throw up after surgery; therefore, a nurse can come in, clean them up, and provide comfort until they are relatively normal again. Nurses rule.
Antibiotics, sedatives, and pain relievers: A goodie bag containing medications to keep your kitten comfortable, relaxed, and free of infections after surgery will be given to you when you pick up your cat from the veterinarian. If your feline shows distaste for pills, consider using pill pockets.
E-collar: Aka an Elizabethan collar, aka “the cone of shame”. They are not only stylishly adorable, but they also prevent your cat from licking and irritating the cuts on them. Take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible if they unintentionally rip out their stitches.

how much to neuter a male cat

FAQ

Is neutering a male cat expensive?

Neutering (which is known as castration), is the surgical removal of a male cat’s testicles, Expect to pay anywhere from cost between $100 to $300 and may vary based on your geographical location.

At what age should male cats be neutered?

Cats become sexually mature from the age of around five months. In order to prevent unwanted pregnancies, it’s recommended that cats are neutered at around four months old, after they have completed their primary vaccinations.

Can I get my cat neutered for free?

If you receive benefits, are on a pension or low income, you can get low-cost, and sometimes even free neutering. This can be in the form of neutering vouchers or at subsidised neutering clinics – details below. Don’t let the cost of neutering put you off – help is available!

How much do male cats change after neutering?

Physical changes Cat caregivers often claim that their intact males became cleaner, less odorous, and better at self-grooming after neutering. Some secondary sexual characteristics can be dramatically reduced after neutering, such as over-productive tail glands that cause “stud tail”.