Cat Spay and Neuter: Cost, Procedure and What to Expect

If you ever watched “The Price is Right” when Bob Barker hosted, you might remember his famous sign-off reminding viewers to “have your pet spayed or neutered.” As an animal lover, Barker saw how the pet overpopulation crisis was causing mass euthanasia of stray animals in shelters. 

In the 1970s, tens of millions of animals each year were being euthanized [1]. With the help of many animal advocates like Barker and Betty White, we have been able to get the euthanasia rate in animal shelters down to less than 1 million euthanasias each year, per the ASPCA [2]. Better yet, 4.1 million animals are adopted out each year! These numbers have improved mostly from the advocacy and promotion of spay and neuter programs to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

So now that you know why so many people are passionate about this simple procedure, let’s talk about what actually goes on during a cat spay and neuter appointment. We’ll also cover benefits, costs, and how to care for your kitty after surgery. 

Understanding Cat Spay and Neuter Procedures

We’ll begin by explaining the difference between a cat spay and a cat neuter procedure:

Cat spay. A “spay” is the simple term for an ovariohysterectomy. In this procedure, the veterinary surgeon removes a female cat’s ovaries and uterus. By removing all the structures involved with reproduction, there is no chance of pregnancy.

Cat neuter. For male cats, veterinarians perform a “neuter,” or orchiectomy. This quick procedure simply involves removing the testicles to prevent male cats from impregnating female cats. 

It’s important to note that unlike a spay, where a female cat is unable to get pregnant immediately following the procedure, a male cat can remain fertile for up to six weeks following the surgery. Pet parents should be cautious if a recently neutered male cat is around any “intact” females (cats who haven’t been spayed) during that time period. 

Reasons to Schedule a Cat Spay or Neuter Appointment

Besides preventing unwanted pregnancies — and the costs associated with them — there are multiple benefits to having your cat spayed or neutered. This includes:

• Reduce the risk breast cancer and uterine infections
• Reduce the urge to roam and fight other cats 
• Eliminate the incessant wailing that female cats do when they are in heat
• If done early, can eliminate risk of spraying behaviors
• Reduce the risk of FIV and FeLV infections from fighting 
• Decrease the number of homeless pets 
• Prolong your cat’s life

At what age can you spay or neuter a cat?

You can schedule your cat to be “fixed” as early as 8 weeks of age. There is also no upper age limit for this surgery. If you have an older cat who you want to get spayed or neutered, then you can get them altered as well. 

Cats can reach sexual maturity at around 4 months of age. If you are having difficulty finding a place to book a cat spay or neuter appointment and your cat is mature in age, then make sure to separate male and female cats until you can get them in for surgery. 

Remember that it can take a couple of weeks to get an appointment, so make sure you schedule it as soon as possible to prevent any accidental pregnancies.

Risks to consider

Any procedure that requires anesthesia carries some risk. However, this common surgery for cats is generally considered safe. The benefits of the procedure will almost always outweigh the risk. However, if your cat has an underlying medical condition, such as heart disease or seizures, then you should discuss those risks with your veterinarian. 

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

There are currently no approved non-surgical contraceptive (a drug to prevent pregnancy) treatments available for cats. However, researchers are working on medications that can provide long-term sterilization for cats without the need for surgery.

How Much Does Spay and Neuter Cost for Cats?

The cost to spay or neuter a cat typically depends on your geographic location and where you have it done. In addition, spay surgeries tend to be more expensive than neuter surgeries since the procedure is more involved. 

If you have the surgery done at a private veterinary clinic, it can run you between $300-$500, and sometimes higher. However, there are low-cost alternatives to consider. Many animal shelters and humane societies offer low-cost spay and neuter surgeries that can run between $50-$150. It is important to know that just because the surgery is less expensive, it does not mean that they cut corners or do less quality work. In fact, these surgeons are extremely qualified to perform this procedure and the staff are just as caring. 

Cat Spay or Neuter Appointment: What to Expect

If your cat is an adult, you will be asked to fast your pet (not let them eat) prior to the surgery. However, your veterinarian may ask you not to fast your kitten because they could become hypoglycemic (low blood sugar). Cats who are easily stressed may be given medications, such as gabapentin, to take prior to their appointment. 

When you bring your cat in for a spay or neuter appointment, you can expect a safe, straightforward procedure. The surgery is done under general anesthesia, so your cat will be fully asleep and pain-free during the surgery. The entire procedure can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour. Afterward, your cat will be monitored closely to make sure that they recover comfortably. 

Here is a more detailed explanation of what goes on during a cat spay vs. cat neuter surgery:

Cat Spay Appointment

During a cat spay procedure, the veterinary surgeon will make an incision in the midline of the female cat’s abdomen where there is no muscle and only ligament. By entering the abdomen at this location, the veterinarian is decreasing the bleeding and pain that could occur. Next, they remove the cat’s ovaries with an instrument called a spay hook. Then, they remove the fallopian tubes and uterus. Last, the surgeon ties off (ligates) all the vessels and tissue and closes the abdomen with sutures.

Cat Neuter Appointment

During a cat neuter procedure, the veterinary surgeon makes an incision on the scrotum and literally pops out the testicles. Then, they tie off the spermatic cord that contains structures, such as the artery, vein, muscle and vas deferens, to prevent bleeding. 

Occasionally, in certain cats, one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotal sac properly. When this happens, the surgeon needs to make an abdominal incision, similar to a spay incision, and remove the cat’s testicle(s) from the abdominal cavity.

Cat After Spay or Neuter Surgery: Care Tips

Most cats will be able to go home the same day after their spay or neuter surgery, although they may be groggy and need extra care for a few days. This includes a quiet, comfortable space for them to relax and limit their activity. 

Make sure that you follow your veterinarian’s post-operative instructions closely and give any pain medication as directed. Your cat’s appetite should return within 24 hours of coming home. If it does not, then contact your veterinarian’s office. You should also monitor the incision site for any signs of infection, such as swelling and redness. 

While many cats bounce back quickly, it’s essential to restrict their activity for 7-10 days, including preventing them from jumping, running, or playing rough. 

By spaying or neutering your cat, you are not only giving them a lifetime of health benefits, including a reduced risk of certain cancers and behavioral issues, but you are also helping prevent unwanted pregnancies and decreasing the number of pets in shelters. 

References

1. Rowan, Andrew, and Tamara Kartal. “Dog Population & Dog Sheltering Trends in the United States of America.” Animals: an open access journal from MDPI vol. 8,5 68. 28 Apr. 2018, doi:10.3390/ani8050068
2. Pet Statistics. ASPCA. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics