How much does it cost to spay or neuter a cat?
Guide summary
- Typical cost
- about $353
- Reading time
- 3 min
- Sources
- 2
- Updated
Spaying a female cat at a US private veterinary practice costs about $353 on average, and neutering a male about $262, for cats over 6 months, according to the Synchrony/CareCredit 2025-2026 cost study. The difference is because a spay is abdominal surgery and takes longer. Low-cost clinics, shelters and humane societies often charge much less, and many offer free or discounted surgery for community cats.
Average prices
| Procedure | Average US cost | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Neutering a male cat | about $262 | Removing the testicles. A short surgery that doesn't open the abdomen |
| Spaying a female cat | about $353 | Removing the ovaries (and often the uterus). Abdominal surgery |
Averages for cats over 6 months at private practices (Synchrony/CareCredit 2025-2026 cost study). Prices vary a lot by city and clinic: always ask for a written estimate and compare what's included.
Costs that may be extra
- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork, often recommended and sometimes billed separately.
- A cone (E-collar) or recovery suit.
- A microchip, if your cat doesn't have one yet (about $48 on average): see is microchipping required?
- Pain medication to take home: usually included, but ask.
- Extra fees if your cat is in heat or pregnant, or a male has an undescended testicle.
Why spay or neuter your cat
- No unplanned litters: cats can get pregnant from about 4-6 months old, and an unspayed female can come into heat repeatedly.
- Fewer behavior problems: less yowling, roaming, fighting and urine spraying.
- Health benefits: spaying prevents uterine infections and greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors, especially when done young.
- In many cities, lower license fees where cats must be licensed.
Many vets recommend spaying or neutering cats before their first heat, often around 5 months of age. Ask your vet about the best timing.
Is it required by law?
Not in most of the US, although a few cities and counties require cats to be spayed or neutered, and many shelters must spay or neuter animals before adoption. Check your local rules.
How to save
- Low-cost spay and neuter clinics run by shelters, humane societies and nonprofits.
- Community cat (TNR) programs often spay or neuter feral and stray cats for free.
- City or county vouchers that cover part of the cost.
- Adopting a cat that's already spayed or neutered (usually included in the adoption fee).
Care after surgery
- Keep your cat indoors and quiet for 10-14 days, limiting jumping.
- Check the incision daily: a little redness is normal; swelling, discharge or an opened wound isn't.
- Use the cone if your cat licks the incision.
- Call your vet if your cat won't eat for more than 24 hours, vomits or seems very lethargic (read what to do if your cat isn't eating and is hiding).
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take a cat to recover from a spay?
Most cats are back to normal within a few days, but the incision needs 10-14 days to heal. Males usually recover faster than females.
Will my cat gain weight after being spayed or neutered?
Their energy needs drop, so they can gain weight if you don't adjust portions. Use our pet food calculator and keep an eye on their weight.
Does pet insurance cover spaying or neutering?
Accident-and-illness policies usually don't, since it's elective, but some wellness add-ons reimburse part of the cost.
Sources
This article is for general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet's health, call your vet clinic.
