The surgery in plain words
In a spay, the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are removed while your cat is under general anesthesia, as the AVMA describes it. She gets pain medication and needs a few calm days at home while the incision heals.
Five months is the usual target
The AVMA brochure says the AVMA and other groups support spaying or neutering cats by five months of age. Many shelters spay kittens before adoption, which can save you the cost entirely.
Cheaper places to look
- Shelters and humane societies, many of which run their own clinic
- The SpayUSA directory of low-cost clinics, which the ASPCA points owners to
- City or county voucher programs
- Community cat (TNR) programs, if you are caring for an outdoor cat
Things that change the price
- A cat in heat or pregnant, which makes the surgery longer
- Pre-surgery bloodwork, often suggested for older cats
- Whether a cone, take-home pain medication and a recheck are included
Before you book
Phone two clinics and ask each for an itemized quote. Ask what the price covers, what might be added once your cat is examined or asleep, and whether they will call you before adding anything. A quote with every line written out is the only fair way to compare.
Prices shared by cat owners
Where these numbers come from
We never estimate or copy prices from elsewhere. Every figure on this page was shared by a cat owner, and a typical price only shows once five owners have shared one. Health facts on this page come from:
- AVMA, Spaying and neutering (client brochure, 2022). Checked October 25, 2026.
- ASPCA, Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs. Checked October 25, 2026.
Prices differ a lot between towns and clinics, so treat these as a starting point and ask your vet for a quote.
