Cats are the second most popular pets in the UK, with 29% of all households having a cat. Female cats can become sexually mature from the age of four months. And they will generally have heat cycles every 2-3 weeks between the months of February and October. Unlike dogs, cats are induced ovulators, meaning they only release an egg when they mate with a male. This means their likelihood of becoming pregnant when mated is very high. This, combined with a relatively short gestation period of between 63 and 65 days, means female cats can have up to five litters of kittens per year!

Luckily, Cats Protection estimates that 85% of cats in the UK are neutered. Although kittens are wonderful, the UK would quickly become overrun with cats if they were allowed to reproduce freely! Neutering (spaying females and castrating males) is the easiest way to prevent this. But what does it involve, and how much does it cost?

Table of contents

What is a cat spay and what does it involve?

Spaying is the common term used to describe an ovariohysterectomy or an ovariectomy; the removal of all, or part of the female cats’ reproductive tract. 

The procedure involves a general anaesthetic, and the vet will make an incision into the cats abdomen, usually on the cats flank (side) or ventrum (belly), and remove the reproductive tract to sterilise the cat and prevent unwanted pregnancies. Cats generally recover quickly and can usually resume their normal activity levels after 10 to 14 days.

Why should I spay my cat?

As well as preventing unwanted pregnancies, spaying your cat eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers and dramatically reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancers. It also prevents your cat developing potentially fatal uterine infections, known as pyometra. Spaying your cat may also make her less attractive to males, avoiding unwanted attention. 

What is the average cost of a cat spay in the UK?

Analysis of 2024 data from 725 UK practices suggests the average cost to spay a cat is £131.41, with the median cost being £130. The data shows a significant variation in cost between practices depending on their geographical location and what is included in the cost of the spay. 

What is the breakdown of this cost?

The breakdown varies from practice to practice, but often includes pre and post operative checks,  the procedure itself, post operative pain relief and a collar or bodysuit to prevent your cat licking or scratching at the surgical wound. It is worth checking what is included in the price for the spay at each individual practice before booking your cat in.  

To some owners, the cost may seem high for a routine procedure. The following breakdown can help to shed some light on just how much work goes into a cat spay:

  • A 10-15 minute pre-op check with a vet or nurse to ensure your cat is healthy and suitable to have the procedure 
  • Hospitalisation for the day in purpose built facilities with specially trained staff looking after your cat
  • One or two post-op checks with a vet or nurse to ensure your cat is recovering as she should be 
  • The cost of the medications and equipment to induce and maintain anaesthesia during the procedure 
  • The equipment and materials needed for the procedure itself 
  • The expertise and knowledge of the vet needed to carry out the procedure 
  • The salaries of the veterinary staff involved in your cats procedure, including the receptionists, the nurses, vets, practice manager, cleaners and auxiliary staff
  • The running costs of the veterinary practice itself, including electricity, water, rent, business rates, insurance, professional fees, repairs and maintenance etc. 
  • Profit. As a service business, vets need to make a profit in order to continue to run and improve their business, just like any other business e.g. investing in new equipment, staff training and taking on more staff 

Why do costs vary between practices?

Prices vary between individual practices for a variety of reasons. 

Larger practices generally have larger premises and more staff, making running costs higher, but may also have more appointment slots available, bringing costs down. Available equipment also creates a variation in cost e.g. a practice that has invested in a CT scanner and can offer this service may charge more to cover their costs.

Geographical location can also impact the cost of veterinary care, just like house prices. Data from 725 UK practices suggests that pet owners living in Cambridge and the channel islands can expect to pay the highest rates to have their cat spayed. Whereas those in areas such as Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Sheffield and Nottingham will generally pay less.

The cost also varies considerably depending on what is covered in the base price; i.e. post-op checks, buster collars and pain relief. Before booking your cat in for a spay, it is worth checking exactly what is included in the cost you are quoted, and what extras you may or may not be expected to pay for. 

Many practices offer membership clubs where you pay a monthly cost and receive benefits; such as a percentage discount on routine procedures such as neutering, bringing the up front cost of the procedure down. 

Is it more expensive to neuter a female cat than a male?

Neutering a male cat (castration) generally takes less time than a female cat. And it is often considered a more straightforward procedure (mainly for anatomical reasons – the male cat’s testes are easily accessible through the scrotum, without needing to open the abdomen and go “hunting” for ovaries”). Generally, minimal equipment is needed, and the recovery is less lengthy than a spay.

This variation in operating time, equipment and post op care accounts for the differences in cost between the two procedures. 

Why has the cost increased in recent years?

As with every industry, the veterinary sector has faced inflation in various costs such as drugs, commodities, rent and insurance. 

Alongside this, advances in medical diagnostics and the changes in pet owners’ expectations have helped drive the increase in veterinary costs over recent years. 

Does pet insurance cover neutering?

Most pet insurance companies consider neutering to be a preventative measure, and so generally do not cover the costs of the procedure. Some companies however will cover the cost of any complications of the procedure. It is always worth checking with your insurance provider what they do and do not cover. 

Can I get help with the cost of neutering my cat? 

If you meet certain financial or situational criteria, there are several charities including the Blue Cross, the RSPCA and Cats Protection that offer low-cost neutering options. Some practices may offer payment plans or ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ services to help owners cover the cost of procedures. 

Summary 

The cost of spaying a cat varies between practices, with the average being £131.41. The cost varies depending on geographical location, the size of the veterinary practice and what is included in the cost of the spay. 

Spaying your cat is the easiest way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and protect her against various diseases. 

Your vet can offer advice on the best time to spay, what to expect and how much the procedure is likely to cost. There may be ways to spread to cost of neutering, and some owners may be eligible for financial support to have their cat spayed. Your veterinary practice can help with this, and can point you in the direction of this support. 

References: