How much does it cost to neuter a male kitten

Planning to neuter your dog or cat? Learn more about the risks and benefits of the procedure and how much it typically costs.

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How much does it cost to neuter a dog or cat?
Have a question about neutering your pet?
Get the facts about neutering & spaying
Do male kittens change after being neutered?
Do indoor male kittens need to be neutered?
What is the best age to neuter a male cat?
How long does it take to neuter a boy kitten?

Courtney Elliott

Updated December 14, 2022 • Published April 26, 2022

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Neutering has become the norm for most dogs and cats in the U.S.

Removing the animal's reproductive organs has its benefits, and many veterinarians will recommend the procedure for your furry friend.

On the other hand, there are also some risks involved, so the decision of whether or not to neuter or spay your pet should be discussed with and informed by a veterinarian. They can help you weigh the pros and cons and make a responsible decision about neutering, depending on factors such as breed, age, lifestyle, and health history.

With that said, here are some general benefits and risks to neutering your four-legged family member.

Benefits of neutering:

Population control—minimizing the number of dogs and cats without homes
Prevents unwanted pregnancy
In some cases, can minimize aggressive behavior in males
Minimizes problematic secondary sex characteristics like roaming, spraying, marking a territory, and some forms of property destruction
Can reduce the risk of hormone-related diseases

Risks of neutering:

Certain breeds may be more likely to develop joint problems, hip dysplasia, and certain cancers.
- It’s important to note here that reducing the likelihood of these problems is something that pet parents have more control over than one may think, regardless of if their pet is neutered or not. If you avoid overfeeding your pet and your pet does not become overweight, that will have a more significant impact on your pet's likelihood to develop a joint issue than any other factor within your control. The role of being overweight in these conditions is far more significant than anything else. The second largest factor affecting joint health is the genetic predisposition: hip dysplasia, CCL disease, elbow dysplasia, and conditions that the dog is born with have a huge impact on joint health. The correlation between neutering and joint problems is just that—a correlation, not causation.
Anesthesia and surgery can result in complications, however, although the risks of anesthesia weigh heavily on the minds of pet parents, the actual risks are very small.

At the end of the day, the scientific research indicates that the benefits of neutering far outweigh the risks.

So how much does it cost to neuter a dog or cat? There are a few factors at play.

How much does it cost to neuter a dog or cat?

Pet parents can typically expect to pay between $160 to $220 to neuter a dog or cat, however, the cost of the procedure largely depends on where you live and what clinic you choose.

Find A Vet Near You

Based on nationwide veterinary data we've collected, here are the typical ranges by region:

South

West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama

Average cost of spay/neuter: $160-$190

West

Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii

Average cost of spay/neuter: $175-$220

Midwest

Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa

Average cost of spay/neuter: $160-$200

Northeast

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia

Average cost of spay/neuter: $160-$200

Have a question about neutering your pet?

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Get the facts about neutering & spaying

The vet team at Pawp is here to help answer any questions, whether you have a new puppy you need to neuter or a question about post-operation care.

Do male kittens change after being neutered?

As mentioned above neutering your male cat helps stop or limit undesirable behaviors associated with testosterone (sexual behaviors). These changes can occur immediately or several weeks after their procedure. The age, breed, or environment of your kitty doesn't typically make any big effects on these changes.

Do indoor male kittens need to be neutered?

We recommend spaying or neutering your indoor cat around five to eight months, but all ages should receive this care. We are here to help you with a custom wellness plan through all stages of your cat's life.

What is the best age to neuter a male cat?

Conclusions. The optimal age to spay/neuter a cat is before it reaches 5 months of age. For owned cats, the optimal age would be 4 to 5 months; for cats in shelters, the optimal age could be as early as 8 weeks.

How long does it take to neuter a boy kitten?

How long does the surgery take? A male cat neuter can be done in under 2 minutes! A male dog neuter is generally five to twenty minutes, depending on his age and size at the time of neuter. A female cat spay is generally fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on her age and where she is in her heat cycle.