How much does it cost to neuter or spay a cat in the UK?

Spaying or neutering a cat is a common procedure that stops unwanted litters, and can prevent certain health problems too.

In the UK, it typically costs around £100-£250 to neuter a male cat. And around £150-£350 to spay a female cat. But the price can vary.

We'll take a look at what happens during a cat's spaying or neutering surgery, as well as the type of costs you'll expect to see.

How much does it cost to neuter or spay a cat in the UK?

In the UK, it costs around £100-£250 to neuter a male cat. Spaying a female cat is usually more expensive, costing around £150-£350.

The price can also depend on the age of your cat, and whether you have any extra vet consultations or services afterward.

Vets4Pets provide cat spaying from £150.50, and neutering male cats from £115.50.

What affects the cost of cat neutering and spaying?

There are a number of factors that affect the cost of neutering a cat. These include:

• Your cat's age and health: Cats of any age can be spayed and neutered, but the complexity of surgery can increase with older cats, or cats with pre-existing health issues. It's often recommended to get kittens neuetered or spayed when they're around 4-6 months old.
• Male vs female surgery complexity: Spaying a female cat is more expensive than neutering a male. The operation is more invasive, so takes longer. It also requires a longer recovery time. Female cats are spayed via a midline (central abdomen) or flank (side) incision, with the flank approach being common in the UK. A midline spay is usually more expensive than a flank spay because it's a more complex procedure. But the cost difference is typically small, around £30-50 more. Though this can vary between veterinary practices.
• Location: Costs are usually higher in cities like London where there are higher operating costs for vet practices.
• Type of vet practice: The price can also vary between vet clinics.
• Extras: If you've opted for any extras, you'll likely see the price rise too. This might be any pre-operative tests like bloodwork, pain medication, or even microchipping.

Are there low-cost or free cat neutering options in the UK?

Some charities can help when it comes to finding low cost cat neutering. Contacting your local Cats Protection, RSPCA, or PDSA branch is the best way to find out about assistance. You can also find out about specific regional campaigns, and check if you qualify for any discounts.

You typically need to be receiving certain means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit. Or have a low household income to be eligible for assistance.

If you live in London, you can also check out the C4 cat neutering scheme. The scheme offers a neutering and microchipping service for those receiving qualifying benefits or low incomes.

What happens during cat neutering and spaying?

Getting your cat ready for surgery can be a little bit daunting. Especially if you're not sure what to expect. We'll run through what you can expect from the procedure:

Before the surgery

Your moggy will need to fast for a certain period before their surgery. This usually means no food after midnight the night before the procedure. (Think Gremlins).

Your vet will check your cat's health and ask whether they have any pre-existing conditions or medications.

Next, your cat will receive a sedative to help them relax before the general anaesthetic is given.

During the surgery

During the procedure, your cat will be put under general anaesthesia, as well as given pain relief. This makes sure they feel no pain during the surgery.

The surgical area will then be clipped and cleaned before the surgery begins.

• Female spay: The cat's ovaries and uterus are removed through an incision. The surgery usually takes around 20-30 minutes.
• Male neuter: The testicles are removed via small incisions in the scrotum, and the cords are tied off. For males, the overall surgery time is extremely quick, usually only lasting around 10 minutes.

These incisions will then be stitched up, with vets often using internal sutures that don't require removal.

How to care for your cat after neutering or spaying

After your cat has had surgery, they'll need some extra care during their recovery.

You should try to limit your cat's activity while they're recovering. That means no clambering up the curtains or mouse-hunting. For now, they'll need to stick to bird-watching. Keep them in a quiet, comfortable room and make sure they're wearing an Elizabethan collar to stop them from licking the surgical site.

Make sure they have fresh bedding, fresh water, and their normal food in smaller portions. You should also check the incision site twice daily for any signs of infection. Keep your eyes peeled for any worrying symptoms like excessive bleeding, swelling, discharge, or the incision site opening.

If you notice any of these symptoms, or if your cat is lethargic, vomiting, or has no appetite after 24 hours, it's a good idea to contact your vet.

A spayed or neutered cat usually recovers within 10-14 days. But male cats usually recover faster, sometimes within 5-7 days, as a result of their less invasive surgery. The first few days after the operation are the most crucial. And this is the time where you'll need to be extra vigilant when it comes to stopping any feline acrobatics.

What are the benefits of neutering my cat?

Neutering your cat provides a number of health benefits:

• Reduces risk of certain cancers and infections: The operation reduces the risk of mammary, uterine, and testicular cancers in cats.
• Can improve behaviour: Spaying or neutering a cat can decrease territorial behaviours like urine spraying, as well as fighting other cats.
• Prevents unwanted litters: While kittens are cute, overpopulation in cats can be a big problem. So if you don't want to hear the pitter-patter of tiny paws, spaying or neutering is a good choice.

Are there any risks associated with spaying or neutering?

As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk associated with general anaesthesia. And while rare, there's a small possibility of minor surgical complications or infection.

Cat's energy requirements can also decrease after spaying or neutering, which can lead to an increased appetite. You might see some weight gain as a result, so make sure you carefully manage their diet to prevent obesity.

Is cat neutering covered by pet insurance?

No, cat neutering is not usually covered by cat insurance. This is because it's considered a routine or preventative treatment, which isn't usually covered in a standard policy.

If you have pet insurance for your cat, it might cover the cost of vet treatments for complications your cat may face as a result of the surgery though. This might be infections, or other side-effects that happen as a result.

It's always worth checking the wording in your policy documents before your cat undergoes the procedure.

If you're searching for the right pet insurance policy for your favourite feline, it's always best to compare insurers. When you compare with us, we'll help you find the most cost-effective policy.