Whilst it does cost to neuter a cat, it can often cost a lot more if you choose not to neuter. Neutering brings so many benefits to cats, both male and female. From reduced fighting, and roaming in males, to preventing unwanted pregnancy, and improved health in females. The cost is far lower than the costs you could incur if you choose not to neuter your pet.
Neutering a Cat
Neutering refers to both spaying, for a female cat, and castrating, for a male cat. The operations are different, but both are routine operations that can be quickly and economically performed by a veterinary surgeon. Spaying is more expensive than castrating, as it is a more complex and intrusive operation.
How Much Does it Cost to Neuter a Cat?
The main variation in price is between a female cat spay and a male cat neuter. A cat spay will cost between £120-£140, whilst a cat castration will cost between £90-£110. Our cat spay cost includes a post-operative check, to ensure that your cat’s wound has healed after the surgery. A cat castration does not require a post-operative check, as it is a less intrusive operation.
If there are complications, during or post-surgery, this can lead to further costs, but this is very rare and will be discussed thoroughly with you before the procedure. Medication and a collar to prevent your cat from licking or chewing their neutering site will be charged on top, and this is around £25. We aim to keep the costs of our neutering low, as we want the benefits of neutering to be widely available.
Is There a Difference Between Neutering Male and Female Cats?
Neutering a male cat is a simple operation where the testicles are neatly removed from the cat. Due to the placement of the female cat’s reproductive organs, a female cat spay involves more intrusive surgery, where the cat is operated on to remove the ovaries and the womb.
Types of Cat Neutering
Aside from the obvious difference between spaying and castrating, the main difference is in the location of the incision used when spaying cats. This often comes down to the veterinary surgeon’s personal preference, some choose to do a flank incision, whilst others favour a midline incision. Both methods are highly successful and have a good recovery rate.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Whilst our costs are extremely transparent, so that you will know what to expect from your pets surgery, there can occasionally be additional costs. Medication is charged separately, as are anti-lick collars, if your cat needs one. In the unlikely event that complications arise after surgery, there may be extra costs if further surgery is needed. This can occur if the wound becomes infected, or if the cat is allowed to repeatedly lick or chew the area, causing the wound to break down.
Is Spaying More Expensive than Castration?
Spaying cats is more expensive than castrating cats. This is because the operation is more intrusive and complex due to the location of the female reproductive organs. However, here at Anrich Vets, we always aim to keep our cat neutering costs low and accessible.
Does Pet Insurance Cover the Neutering Cost?
Pet insurance does not cover regular or routine treatments, such as vaccinations, or cat neutering. Pet insurance will cover you for unexpected expenses, accidents, or illnesses, though make sure you check your cat’s pet insurance policy carefully so that you know exactly what you are covered for.
The Cost of Not Spaying or Neutering
The price of the surgery is far less than the potential cost of not neutering your cat. Entire male cats are renowned for roaming and fighting. Cats that fight often get infected wounds and abscesses that require veterinary treatment and antibiotics. Male cats are also susceptible to testicular and prostate cancer, and neutering prevents and reduces the risk.
Female cats can have unwanted pregnancies, leaving you with the responsibility of rehoming a litter of kittens. Female cats are also more prone to roam when looking for a mate, especially during their heat. Neutering your female cat also reduces her risk of mammary cancer, ovarian tumours, and womb infections (pyometra).
Making the Best Choice for the Health of Your Cat
Part of our duty of care as responsible pet owners is making sensible and considered choices regarding our pet’s welfare. Choosing to have your cat neutered is a wise decision. Cats can be neutered from 4 months of age, so don’t delay in booking your feline friend in today. Whether you want to discuss the neutering in more detail or are ready to book, our friendly and experienced team at Anrich Vets are always on hand to help, simply call us on 01942 242001