How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost for a Cat?

The average cost of a vet visit for a cat can be from $25 – $186 or more, depending on factors like your location and the type of treatment your furry friend needs.¹ But regular checkups are just one part of the picture — there’s also the cost of vaccinations, diagnostic tests, emergency visits, and other expenses to consider.

So how much does a vet visit cost for a cat? Let’s take a closer look at the most common costs involved in keeping your kitty healthy. 

Cat Vet Visit Costs: The Basics

Every cat has unique health needs, but there are some core veterinary expenses to keep in mind. Let’s dive into the most common types of vet visits, what they involve, and how much they cost, on average.

Routine wellness exams

Just like humans, cats benefit from annual checkups to make sure they’re happy and healthy. The average cost of a wellness exam for a cat usually falls between $25 and $186, though it can vary in price based on what your vet recommends and your cat’s specific needs.¹

In addition to the physical exam itself, your vet may suggest a few different tests to assess your cat’s overall health and find potential issues early on. These might include:¹

• Blood work ($80 – $200): A blood test for your cat helps monitor how their organs are functioning and can uncover several conditions, like kidney disease.
• Fecal exam ($25 – $45): This test screens for intestinal parasites, like tapeworms.
• Urinalysis ($40 – $70): A urine test can check for urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney issues, or diabetes.

Cat vaccinations

You can help protect your cat from different diseases and conditions with regular vaccinations. Pet vaccines include both core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines, like rabies and FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia), are essential for all cats.

Non-core shots, like those for feline leukemia (FeLV) or bordetella, may be recommended by your vet based on your cat’s lifestyle or certain risk factors. Your cat will also need booster shots every few years to maintain their immunity.

Here’s a breakdown of the core and non-core cat vaccination costs:

• Rabies: $20 – $30
• FVRCP: $20 – $40
• FeLV: $25 – $45
• Bordetella: $10 – $30

Dental cleanings

Cats are prone to dental issues — like gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth resorption — so it’s especially important to keep your kitty’s chompers clean.

Professional cat teeth cleanings, which cost between $300 and $500 on average, are recommended annually to remove plaque and tartar buildup and help prevent more serious dental problems.² These cleanings often include an examination, scaling, and polishing to get into those hard-to-reach places.

If your cat develops dental disease, treatment costs can range from $500 – $800. The total vet bill may include procedures like tooth extractions, blood tests, X-rays, and medications to help with pain or an infection.²

Spaying and neutering

Spaying and neutering are two important surgical procedures that prevent cats from reproducing and are recommended to be done by the time the cat turns 5 months old.³ The average cost to spay or neuter a cat is from $200 – $600, where spaying often costs more because it’s a more invasive procedure.²

Other preventive care costs

Beyond routine exams, vaccinations, and procedures, there are a few other treatments you can use to keep your cat healthy and protected. These extra costs can help keep your kitty safe from parasites, diseases (like Lyme disease), and other potential health concerns.

Here are some other preventive care treatments to budget for:⁴

• Deworming: $25 – $130
• Flea and tick medications: $40 – $200
• Heartworm test: $25 – $50
• Heartworm medication: $25 – $120

If you’re looking for extra peace of mind, MetLife Pet’s Preventive Care plan can help you cover some of these costs while keeping your cat and your wallet happy.

Emergency Vet Visit Costs for Cats

Emergencies can happen when we least expect them, and the costs can include various tests and treatments. Having an idea of what these might cost can help you feel more prepared if your cat needs urgent care.

Let’s go over some emergency treatment costs:^1,5

• X-rays ($150 – $250): X-ray imaging for cats is a noninvasive way to examine bones for internal injuries.
• Ultrasound ($300 – $600): An ultrasound uses sound waves to examine internal tissues, organs, and pregnancies.
• Intravenous (IV) fluids ($50 – $95): These help your cat stay hydrated during a treatment or surgery.
• Pain medication ($40 – $80): Certain medications can help keep your cat comfortable and pain-free, especially while they recover from a procedure.
• Short-term hospitalization ($600 – $1,700): Depending on the procedure, your vet may want your cat to spend a few days in the clinic for observation and extended treatment.
• Long-term hospitalization ($1,500 – $3,500): More serious issues, like kidney failure, may require a longer hospital stay.
• Wound treatment ($800 – $2,500): If your cat was injured, wound treatment can include the cost of anesthesia, cleaning, and stitches.
• Emergency surgery ($1,500 – $5,000): More severe injuries may require invasive surgeries, which can increase the total vet bill.

By understanding the potential cost of emergency vet visits, you can approach these situations with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Does Pet Insurance Cover the Vet Visit Cost for Cats?

Regular vet visits are essential to keeping your cat healthy, but the costs can add up. Fortunately, MetLife Pet Insurance offers customizable coverage options so you can keep your kitty healthy without stressing about the costs.

Our cat insurance plan covers a wide range of medical expenses, including accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, procedures, and even holistic therapies. And with MetLife Pet’s wellness add-on, you can be reimbursed for the cost of routine checkups and screenings, including vaccinations.

With flexible coverage options,⁶ MetLife Pet Insurance is here to help you focus on what matters most — keeping your cat safe and healthy.

Managing Cat Vet Costs With Confidence

Don’t let the thought of high vet bills keep you from doing what’s right for your cat. Pet insurance can offer you peace of mind by helping keep costly bills manageable.

Ready to see how much you and your kitty could save? Get started today with a free quote from MetLife Pet Insurance.