Spaying or neutering a cat costs $50 to $600 per cat in 2026
Spaying a female cat costs $300 to $500 at a private vet in 2026. Neutering a male cat costs $200 to $400. CareCredit's national averages are $322 for a spay and $212 for a neuter. At a nonprofit or low cost clinic the same surgery is $50 to $150 for a spay and $25 to $100 for a neuter. Some shelters do it free for people who qualify. Webvet lists a private vet spay at $300 to $500 and a neuter at $200 to $400, with low cost clinics at $50 to $150 for a spay and $25 to $100 for a neuter.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| Webvet | Webvet lists a private vet spay at $300 to $500 and a neuter at $200 to $400, with low cost clinics at $50 to $150 for a spay and $25 to $100 for a neuter. |
| Rex Vet | Rex Vet lists private clinic spays at $255 to $587 and neuters at $168 to $385, with CareCredit's national average at $322 for a spay and $212 for a neuter. |
| Catster | Catster lists private vet spay or neuter at $350 to $600, with West Coast neuters from $304.95 and East Coast spays up to $610.95. |
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Spay or neuter | A spay is abdominal surgery and costs more. A neuter is quick and cheaper. |
| Where you go | Private vets are $200 to $600. Mobile clinics are $85 to $150. Shelters and nonprofits are $25 to $150. |
| Your cat's age and weight | Kittens under 6 months are cheaper. Adult cats need blood work at many clinics ($50 to $200). |
| In heat or pregnant | Both make a spay longer and raise the price. |
| Add ons | Pain meds, a cone, vaccines and microchips can add $50 to $200. |
What the price includes
A full service vet price usually covers the exam, anesthesia, the surgery, pain medication and a recheck. Low cost clinics bundle the basics and charge extra for blood work, vaccines and a cone. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Does pet insurance cover it
Most regular pet insurance plans do not pay for spay or neuter. That is because it is a planned, routine step and not an accident or illness. Some plans sell a wellness add on that gives back part of the cost of routine care. Check the plan terms before you count on it. Insurance also will not cover a condition your cat already has. A payment plan or a low cost clinic is often the better way to save. If your cat has a problem from the surgery, ask the vet if the plan covers that care.
How to judge your quote
- Ask if the price includes the exam, anesthesia, pain medicine and a recheck.
- Ask if blood work, a cone and vaccines are extra, since low cost clinics often list them apart.
- Tell them your cat's age and weight, since kittens are often cheaper than adults.
- A fair quote is the all in price for the day, written down before surgery.
- Compare the total with the range above: $50 to $600 per cat for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Check the ASPCA list of low cost spay and neuter programs for your area.
- Book before 5 months old. Younger cats are cheaper and recover faster.
- Ask the shelter where you adopted. Many include spay or neuter in the adoption fee.
- Ask for the all in price. Vaccines and blood work are often listed separately.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from Webvet, Rex Vet and Catster. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to spay a cat?
Webvet lists $300 to $500 at a private vet and $50 to $150 at a low cost clinic. Rex Vet lists CareCredit's national average at $322.
How much does it cost to neuter a male cat?
Webvet lists $200 to $400 at a private vet and $25 to $100 at a low cost clinic. Rex Vet lists CareCredit's average at $212.
Is there a cheaper way to do it?
Yes. Try a nonprofit clinic, a shelter or a low cost program. The ASPCA site lists programs by area.
Is it worth doing?
Yes. It stops litters and removes the heat cycle. Many vets also say it lowers some health risks.