Vet Visits For Cats: How Much Will It Cost? (Updated: )

How Much Does It Cost to Take My Cat to the Vet?

The cost of your veterinarian visits will depend greatly on the type of visit and your location. The eastern and western United States are far more densely populated than the center, thus you may expect to spend more in these regions, with the western region costing somewhat more.

However, a larger population and greater prices also enhance the likelihood that your physician will have better equipment and more expertise. In the central regions, especially in less populated areas, you may frequently save a few bucks.

What Can I Expect When I Get to The Vet?

You must keep your cat in a carrier at all times while at the clinic, as other animals can raise your cat’s stress level and may even chase it. Like a typical doctor’s office, you will be required to check in and wait in a small waiting room for a few minutes upon arrival.

After a brief wait, the veterinarian will bring you into the back room and begin the inspection by weighing the cat in its carrier. The veterinarian will then take the cat from the carrier and re-weigh it to determine its accurate weight.

After obtaining the cat’s weight, the veterinarian will examine the ears for symptoms of illness and parasites. Ear mites resemble a black clump of dirt or coffee grounds.

In addition to examining the eyes, mouth, limbs, and joints, the physician will press on the patient’s abdomen to detect any lumps or discomfort.

If your cat is still a kitten, the veterinarian may administer vaccinations. You may need to arrange further appointments for needed vaccines or routine exams after your appointment.

Even if you have an indoor cat, it is a good idea to get flea and tick medicine, which also protects against heartworm.

The following chart explains how much certain operations may cost in various regions of the nation.

Standard Vet Procedures by US Regions

Additional Costs

The above table outlines the most usual expenditures, however you may incur an additional fee. Some may be optional, while others will occur just once. Here are a few instances of additional procedures that certain cats may need.

• Tooth Removal: $50 to $130
• Screening for the elderly: $200 to $250
• Additional Bloodwork for Allergies: $300 to $400
• Fecal Exam: $25 to $40
• Heartworm: $50 to $150 annually

What Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost?

Some cats are accident-prone, therefore it is not surprising if they experience a medical emergency requiring rapid treatment. During business hours, you should not have to pay much more for a doctor’s appointment unless the physician is particularly busy. Depending on the nature of the emergency, you will likely suffer additional costs.

• X-rays can range in price from $150 to $250. If your cat ingests a sewing needle or other foreign item, X-rays will often be necessary. In addition to vomiting, diarrhea, and convulsions, your veterinarian may also request an X-ray.
• Ultrasounds are slightly more costly, costing between $300 and $600. If your cat is pregnant, you may choose to obtain an ultrasound to determine the number of kittens she will have.
• If your cat has severe diarrhea or vomiting, your veterinarian may prescribe a one- to two-day hospital stay. If your cat has recently had seizures, your veterinarian may prescribe a brief hospitalization for observation. Expect to pay between $600 and $1,500 for a short stay.
• If your cat has a more serious condition, such as fecal impaction, renal failure, or another significant condition, your veterinarian may prescribe a 3- to 5-day hospitalization. Depending on the quality of care necessary, these prolonged observation periods might range from around $1,500 to as much as $3,000.
• Depending on the severity of the damage, you should expect to pay between $800 and $1,500 for the emergency visit, numbing, suturing, and medication if your cat sustains a wound during a fight that requires cleaning and stitching.
• If your cat requires emergency surgery due to an accident caused by a motor vehicle, you should anticipate spending between $1,500 and $3,000. The amount of the injury will have a significant impact on the cost, and you may incur additional expenses after the operation to restore your cat’s health.
• If your pet has trouble breathing due to asthma or heart failure and needs oxygen, expect to pay between $500 and $2500 for the service, depending on the number of sessions required.

Can Pet Insurance Help Me Pay for Vet Bills?

Many people disregard this choice, despite the fact that pet insurance may be a terrific way to protect yourself against the large medical costs that can arise suddenly over your cat’s lifetime.

Typically, it costs between $25 and $35 per month to protect your cat. If your cat requires hospitalization, you will be relieved that you do not have to pay out of pocket. In many instances, inability to pay for veterinary care might result in the death of your pet.

When you have insurance, you will often file a claim online and describe the vet visit, injuries, and associated charges. After contacting your veterinarian and processing your claim, the insurance provider will issue you a reimbursement cheque.

How Often Should My Cat Visit the Vet?

Your kitten must visit the veterinarian every month until at least four months of age to receive all necessary immunizations and vaccines. You should consider spaying or neutering your pet at six months, and he or she will need a yearly checkup.

After the age of one, your cat will be considered an adult and should visit the veterinarian every six months to one year until the age of seven.

After the age of seven, your cat is an adult and should be examined by a veterinarian twice a year to discover any issues as early as possible.

Final Thoughts

The veterinarian can be costly, but cats are typically healthy and can enjoy long lives with few issues. Brushing a cat’s teeth manually using toothpaste suited for cats helps halt the growth of dental disease.

Adhering carefully to the portion proportions specified on the packaging will prevent your pet from becoming overweight, which can lead to a variety of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, renal illness, and diabetes.

These two actions can significantly minimize your pet-related expenditures, while insurance will protect you from an unexpected loss that might cost you thousands of dollars.

We hope “Vet Visits for Cats: How Much Will It Cost?” on BestForPets (bestforpets.org) about your cat’s medical expenditures has been informative and entertaining.