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Neutering, or castration, involves the removal of a male cat’s testicles, while spaying is the removal of a female cat’s ovaries and womb. Nine out of ten British cats have had one of these procedures, according to Cats Protection. The UK has 12 million cats in total, which means that there are still 1.2 million UK cats who have not been neutered or spayed. Unmanaged cat fertility is a big problem for your household and the environment. So, if you’ve recently adopted a kitten or cat, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost to have them “fixed.”
The good news is that the average cost to spay or neuter a cat in the UK is relatively affordable. However, a few factors can affect the cost, such as the region of the UK you live in, the vet’s fees, and whether your cat is male or female. In this article, we’ll provide a price guide for spaying and neutering cats this year.
How Much Does Spaying or Neutering a Cat Cost?
It may not be as expensive as you think to spay or neuter your cat. This article will give you some insight into what you can expect to pay, depending on where you live. In a UK survey, pet insurer Many Pets calculated that neutering a cat costs approximately £90 in Great Britain. But remember, in the UK, as in any other country, the price of spaying and neutering can be affected by several factors. These include the health issues of the animal being spayed or neutered, the animal’s age, the procedure’s location, and the veterinarian performing the procedure.
Female Cats Cost More
The gender of your cat makes the most significant difference in neutering and spaying costs. Spaying a female cat costs 42% more than neutering a male. In the UK, the average cost of neutering (castrating) a male cat is around £75. On the other hand, spaying a female cat costs about £110 on average. This is a difference of £35 between the two sexes, and the reason is that females require more aftercare than males, as the surgery is more intrusive for them.
Male vs. Female Costs
| Price Range
|
Neuter costs
(male) |
Spay costs
(female) |
| Lowest | ~£40 | ~£50
|
| Average | ~£75 | ~£110
|
| Highest | ~£160 | £180
|
Regional Differences
How much you’ll pay to neuter your cat depends on where you live in the UK. As veterinary care is more expensive in areas with the highest cost of living, they also tend to have the highest neutering costs. So, London and the South East have the highest neutering costs, while the South West has the lowest.
The cheapest cat castration cost was just £40.50 in the South West. One of the most expensive prices was in East Sussex, where neutering cost £157.80. For females, the best deal is in Cornwall, where it costs £49.50 to spay a cat. The most expensive spaying was in London, with a charge of £180.
| Region
(Alphabetical) |
Neuter costs
(male) |
Spay costs
(female) |
| London | £90.25 | £120.58 |
| Midlands | £74.13 | £104.25 |
| North | £71.78 | £110.15 |
| Scotland | £78.83 | £118.75 |
| South East | £90.67 | £105.97 |
| South West | £58.27 | £93.06 |
| Wales | £69.57 | £98.96 |
Additional Costs to Anticipate
The cost of spaying or neutering a pet in the UK typically includes the cost of the procedure and any necessary pre-operative testing, pain medication, anesthesia, and post-operative care. In some cases, additional fees may be incurred if the pet is pregnant or in heat during the procedure. Many vets also recommend microchipping at the time of surgery, which can add an additional cost. Your vet will be able to give you a more detailed breakdown of the costs. It is important to compare prices and services before choosing a vet.
When Should I Spay or Neuter My Cat?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it depends on several factors, including the age and health of your cat, your personal preferences, and your veterinarian’s recommendation. However, in general, it is recommended to spay or neuter cats before they reach sexual maturity, which is typically around 4 months of age. This prevents unwanted litters of kittens and also reduces the risk of specific health problems later in life.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying or Neutering?
Veterinarians support spaying and neutering pets to prevent health problems and overpopulation, but most pet insurance policies don’t cover the cost of spaying or neutering. It is essential to check with your insurer to see if this procedure is included in your policy. Some insurers may offer optional riders or add-ons to cover these types of surgeries.
The Importance of Aftercare
Aftercare is critical for animals who have undergone spaying or neutering surgery. The surgery is a major procedure that can cause significant stress to the animal’s body. Aftercare helps ensure that the animal recovers from the surgery quickly and without complications. This includes closely monitoring the incision site, providing plenty of rest and relaxation, and gradually increasing activity levels as tolerated. It is also important to keep the surgical area clean and dry, which may require special care and attention.
The Cost of Not Spaying or Neutering
If you are reluctant to spay or neuter your cat because you are worried about the costs, you should be aware of the consequences. Not spaying or neutering your cat can lead to behavioral problems and health problems. The cost of spaying or neutering your cat is generally much less than that of dealing with these issues.
Cost Assistance & Free Neutering or Spaying
Many kittens end up in animal welfare organizations because they are unwanted, feral, or accidentally born. Many live short, miserable lives. As a result, these organizations often run programs to promote neutering and to help with the costs. Cats Protection offers a means-tested neutering program. If you are eligible, you’ll receive a voucher for free or reduced-cost neutering. If you cannot afford to neuter your cat, check your local animal shelters and rescue centers to see if they offer reduced-cost or free neutering.
Conclusion
Spaying or neutering your cat is an important decision that you should make after careful consideration. The procedure can have many benefits for you and your cat. Ultimately, the best thing you can do for your cat is to ensure they are healthy and happy, and spaying or neutering can help achieve this. Costs vary across the UK but remember that if you genuinely cannot afford the procedure for your cat, there may be free or low-cost options nearby.
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Featured Image Credit: Pressmaster, Shutterstock
