How Much Does Cat Spay / Neuter Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Cat Spay / Neuter Include?
Spaying or neutering your cat prevents unwanted litters, reduces spraying and roaming behavior, and provides health benefits including eliminated risk of reproductive cancers. It's recommended for all cats not intended for breeding.
The national average cost for cat spay / neuter is $200 per procedure. Most homeowners pay between $50 and $400, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Gender
Neuter (male): $50-$200. Spay (female): $100-$350. Males are simpler, shorter surgery
Clinic Type
TNR/community program: $0-$50. Low-cost clinic: $50-$150. Private vet: $200-$400. Emergency vet: $400-$800
Extras
Pre-surgical bloodwork: $50-$100. Pain medication: $20-$50. E-collar/recovery suit: $10-$25
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Gender (spay costs more)
- ✓Cat weight
- ✓Veterinary clinic type
- ✓Pre-surgical testing
- ✓Anesthesia and monitoring
- ✓Pain medication
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Low-cost clinics and TNR (trap-neuter-return) programs often charge $25-$100
- 2.Many shelters offer free or reduced-cost spay/neuter for adopted cats
- 3.ASPCA and local humane societies maintain lists of affordable options
- 4.Some areas have free community cat spay/neuter programs — search locally
📈 Cat Spay / Neuter Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.6% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $170 | — |
| 2021 | $177 | +4.1% |
| 2022 | $189 | +6.8% |
| 2023 | $194 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $200 | +3.1% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Cat Spay / Neuter Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $41 | $164 | $328 |
| Alaska | $64 | $256 | $512 |
| Arizona | $48 | $190 | $380 |
| Arkansas | $40 | $160 | $320 |
| California | $68 | $270 | $540 |
| Colorado | $54 | $216 | $432 |
| Connecticut | $61 | $244 | $488 |
| Delaware | $53 | $210 | $420 |
| Florida | $49 | $196 | $392 |
| Georgia | $45 | $180 | $360 |
| Hawaii | $71 | $284 | $568 |
| Idaho | $46 | $184 | $368 |
| Illinois | $53 | $210 | $420 |
| Indiana | $44 | $176 | $352 |
| Iowa | $43 | $172 | $344 |
| Kansas | $43 | $170 | $340 |
| Kentucky | $42 | $168 | $336 |
| Louisiana | $44 | $174 | $348 |
| Maine | $51 | $204 | $408 |
| Maryland | $57 | $230 | $460 |
| Massachusetts | $65 | $260 | $520 |
| Michigan | $46 | $184 | $368 |
| Minnesota | $51 | $204 | $408 |
| Mississippi | $39 | $156 | $312 |
| Missouri | $44 | $174 | $348 |
| Montana | $48 | $190 | $380 |
| Nebraska | $44 | $176 | $352 |
| Nevada | $51 | $204 | $408 |
| New Hampshire | $56 | $224 | $448 |
| New Jersey | $63 | $250 | $500 |
| New Mexico | $45 | $180 | $360 |
| New York | $66 | $264 | $528 |
| North Carolina | $45 | $180 | $360 |
| North Dakota | $45 | $180 | $360 |
| Ohio | $45 | $180 | $360 |
| Oklahoma | $42 | $166 | $332 |
| Oregon | $55 | $220 | $440 |
| Pennsylvania | $51 | $204 | $408 |
| Rhode Island | $57 | $230 | $460 |
| South Carolina | $44 | $174 | $348 |
| South Dakota | $43 | $170 | $340 |
| Tennessee | $43 | $172 | $344 |
| Texas | $47 | $186 | $372 |
| Utah | $48 | $190 | $380 |
| Vermont | $54 | $216 | $432 |
| Virginia | $53 | $210 | $420 |
| Washington | $57 | $230 | $460 |
| West Virginia | $40 | $160 | $320 |
| Wisconsin | $47 | $188 | $376 |
| Wyoming | $46 | $184 | $368 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I spay or neuter my cat?
Most veterinarians recommend spaying/neutering at 4-6 months of age, before the first heat cycle. Some shelters and clinics perform the procedure as early as 8-12 weeks (pediatric spay/neuter), which is safe and allows early adoption.
Will my cat's personality change after spay/neuter?
Behavioral improvements include reduced spraying (90% of males stop), less roaming and fighting, reduced yowling (females in heat), and decreased aggression. Their core personality stays the same — they'll still be playful and affectionate.
🏙️ Cat Spay / Neuter Cost by City
Compare cat spay / neuter costs in the most popular US cities:
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