PET HEALTH
How Much Does a Cat X-Ray Cost?
The cost of a cat X-ray ranges from $150 – $250, but the total can vary depending on factors like the type of X-ray, whether sedation is needed, and the seriousness of your cat’s condition.1 X-rays are common diagnostic tools vets use to make sure our pets are healthy, but the price of these scans can surprise cat owners.
Let’s go over the cost of veterinary X-rays for cats and what you should expect to pay during your cat’s lifetime.
How Much Do X-Rays Cost for a Cat?
On average, you can expect to pay between $150 and $250 for a cat X-ray.1 However, if you live in a high-cost area, your cat needs to be sedated for the X-ray, or they have a more serious medical situation, the final cost may be higher.
Factors like the type of X-ray — whether it’s for the chest, abdomen, or limbs — can also impact the price. More specialized imaging, like dental X-rays or multiple views, might also add to the overall cost.
It’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian for an estimate based on your cat’s specific needs. A pet insurance plan may help offset some of these costs, depending on the type of coverage.
What to expect during a cat X-ray
When your kitten or cat needs a radiograph (another term for an X-ray), you might feel concerned about the process, but rest assured that it’s a simple and painless procedure. X-rays use a small amount of radiation to create images of your cat’s bones, organs, and tissues.2
Depending on the issue, your vet may need to take an X-ray of different parts of your cat’s body, like the chest, abdomen, limbs, or teeth. For example, chest X-rays help check for heart and lung problems, while dental X-rays can spot hidden tooth decay, tumors, abscesses, and other infections.2
During the radiology procedure, your cat will need to stay still so the images come out clear. In some cases, mild sedation may be used if your cat is anxious or restless.3 Once the X-rays are taken, your vet will review them to determine what’s troubling your cat and discuss the next steps.
When Does Your Cat Need an X-Ray?
Vets use X-rays and other forms of medical imaging to diagnose a wide range of health problems in cats, including:3
- Broken bones: X-ray imaging can detect fractures, dislocations, and broken bones in your cat that may have been caused by accidents or injuries. The X-rays can help your vet decide on the best treatment plan for your cat.
- Cardiac and respiratory conditions: X-rays can also provide a clear view of your cat’s heart and lungs. While this may not directly diagnose conditions, it could help spot asthma or heart disease by revealing any abnormalities in the body, such as fluid buildup or tumors.
- Tumors: X-rays locate and assess tumors in various parts of a cat’s body, which can be crucial for planning other diagnostic tests or treatments in the future.
- Bladder stones: Bladder stones are hard, rock-like formations that develop in the bladder and can cause pain or block urine flow. X-rays can detect these stones and help vets decide whether additional treatments or surgery is necessary.4
- Wellness checks: Many vets take X-rays during annual checkups to assess the overall health of your cat’s body and uncover any hidden medical problems, like internal injuries or broken ribs.
- Dental health: Common dental conditions in cats include tooth infections and decay. Dental X-rays are needed to identify these issues, determine which teeth may need to be extracted, and check if infections have spread to other parts of the body.
- Digestive issues: X-rays can detect blockages or an ingested foreign object in your cat’s intestines. These X-rays can help your vet decide whether the object can pass naturally or has to be removed surgically.
- Senior care: X-rays help veterinarians manage age-related conditions, like arthritis and hip dysplasia, in older cats. This helps ensure your cat receives the best possible care as they get older.5
X-rays are essential for uncovering what might be bothering your cat and help your veterinarian create a specialized treatment plan. These diagnostic tests can also spot issues earlier, which can save you from higher costs for more extensive treatments later on.
What Affects the Cost of Cat X-Rays?
Several factors can influence the cost of X-rays for your cat. Here are some of the most common things that can affect cat X-ray costs.
Size of your cat
Your cat’s size can affect how much you’ll end up paying for an X-ray. Larger cats may require specialized equipment or additional sedation to make sure they stay calm and still during the procedure. This can result in higher X-ray costs compared to those for smaller cats.6
Severity of the injury
How serious your cat’s injury or condition is plays a significant role in determining the total cost of the X-ray. If your cat has a more serious health issue or injury, your vet may need to take more detailed X-rays or take multiple views of the affected area(s) to fully assess the situation.3,6
This can increase the overall cost because your vet may require additional imaging and potential follow-up vet visits.
Number of X-rays needed
Your cat may need more than one X-ray depending on their specific situation, which can increase the final cost. Your vet may need to take multiple images in order to get a clear and complete picture of the problem. Each additional X-ray involves extra time, resources, and equipment use, which can all contribute to the final bill.
Sedation or anesthesia
Sedation or anesthesia may be necessary for some X-rays, especially if your cat is nervous or needs to be completely still. The need for sedation or anesthesia can add to the cost of the X-ray because it often involves extra medications and monitoring.3,6
Type of veterinary clinic
The type of veterinary practice where your cat gets the X-rays can affect the overall price.6 Routine X-rays at a general vet’s office are often less expensive than those performed at an emergency vet or specialty animal hospital. Emergency clinics may also charge higher fees because of their advanced facilities and urgent care capabilities.
Location
The location of your vet clinic can influence X-ray costs, as well.6 Vet practices in larger cities or more affluent regions may charge more compared to those in rural or less populated areas. Regional differences in pricing, like cost of living differences, can impact the overall cost of your cat’s X-ray.
Additional treatments or services
Extra treatments or services related to your cat’s X-ray can also impact the overall cost. These services may include diagnostic tests, blood work, follow-up appointments, or necessary treatments based on the results from the X-ray(s). These additional services help ensure your cat is fully taken care of but can contribute to the final X-ray costs.
How To Save on Your Cat’s X-Ray Costs
There are several ways to manage or even lower the cost of cat X-rays for pet parents. A cat insurance policy from MetLife Pet Insurance, for starters, can help you cover a portion of diagnostic imaging costs, including X-rays, by reimbursing covered vet bills related to injuries, surgeries, and diagnostic procedures.
This standard policy can provide a financial safety net and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Another way to save on the potential cost of cat X-rays is by scheduling regular checkups with your veterinarian. This could help your vet catch potential health issues earlier and reduce the need for extensive (and costly) imaging later.
It’s also a good idea to only proceed with X-rays when absolutely necessary and explore different veterinary clinics or imaging centers for lower rates.
Managing Cat X-Ray Costs? See How MetLife Pet Can Help
X-rays are an essential tool for diagnosing and treating various health issues in pets, including cats. Your cat may need an X-ray at some point in their life, so understanding the cost of X-rays can help prepare you for this type of procedure. Talk to your vet about the potential cost of cat X-rays, as they can often provide referrals to affordable imaging centers.
MetLife Pet Insurance can also help ease the burden of vet bills, like those for X-rays. Consider getting a cat insurance policy to cover the costs of X-rays and provide some financial peace of mind. Get started with a free quote today.