How Much Is a Vet Visit for a Cat? (2025)
The average cost of a wellness exam for a cat ranges from $50–$250, but the total cost varies based on the nature of your visit.
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A vet visit for your cat can come with an expensive price tag. The exact costs of a trip to see the veterinarian vary based on the services and procedures your cat needs.
If you want your cat to live a long and healthy life, it’s not a good idea to skip regular vet visits. One way to save on costs is to purchase pet insurance. If you forgo pet insurance, paying out of pocket can make a dent in your wallet.
How much does a routine vet visit cost for a cat?
Routine vet visits are an essential part of keeping your cat healthy for years to come. At a basic vet visit, you can expect the vet to administer routine shots and examine your pet for any abnormalities.
Without pet insurance, the cost of a routine checkup for your cat can range from $50–$250.1 The ASPCA estimates cat owners pay an average of $160 each year for routine medical costs, including an annual visit.2
Common veterinary costs for a cat
Even a perfectly healthy pet should see a vet on a regular basis. Each time you take your cat in, the vet can check for potential health issues your feline is dealing with.
The exact cost of your vet bills will vary, but one of the most basic veterinary costs is your cat’s vaccinations. In general, vaccinations range in price from $10–$60. Since your cat might need multiple vaccines each visit, this could add up quickly.
On the other end of the spectrum, teeth cleaning can be a necessary procedure for your cat. A teeth cleaning can range from $100–$400, on average.
A standard accident-only pet insurance policy would likely cover X-rays, exams, medications, lab work, and surgery. More comprehensive plans like a wellness plan would help cover routine care like a wellness exam, vaccinations, or teeth cleaning.
The table below highlights common veterinary costs for a cat without a pet insurance plan.
Unexpected emergency veterinary costs for a cat
If your cat is injured or develops an illness, you might decide on an emergency visit to the vet. An unexpected visit is often much more expensive than a routine wellness exam.
For example, simply heading to the emergency room for an exam costs an average of $100–$200. But if your cat needs emergency surgery, you could easily face thousands of dollars in vet bills.3
The table below outlines the costs of an unexpected emergency vet visit for owners without pet insurance.
How to save money on vet bills with pet insurance
If an unexpected vet bill could derail your financial situation, pet insurance offers a way to safeguard your budget. As with other types of insurance, pet insurance involves paying a premium. In exchange for this premium, you can file claims for covered vet care.
Most pet insurance policies require you to pay the vet bill up front. But if your claim is approved, the pet insurance company will send you a check for the covered amount. The policy will only cover a set percentage of care. In most cases, this means you’ll still pay for a portion of the vet bill.
The details of each policy vary. But in general, pet insurance policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions.
Three types of pet insurance coverage
Pet insurance is generally divided into three different types of policies:
What to do if you can’t afford vet bills
The costs of taking care of your cat can add up quickly, especially if your cat has an ongoing medical condition or needs an emergency visit. While the costs can feel overwhelming, the good news is that you can pursue several options to secure more affordable care costs, including:
Payment plans: Some vet offices offer payment plans to their clients to make the cost of care more affordable. Ask your vet if this is an option.
Pet insurance: Paying a premium for a pet insurance plan can help you protect your wallet from the financial fallout of a major medical emergency for your cat.
Low-cost clinics: Like every other service, some animal hospitals charge more than others. Consider shopping around to find the best price point.
Getting a second opinion: If your cat isn’t having a medical emergency, consider getting a second opinion about its health problem.
Setting up a savings plan: Consider setting up an automated savings plan to tuck away funds for future pet emergencies. For example, you could save $20 from your paycheck every week to keep in case of an emergency pet expense.
Vet visit cost FAQs
Taking care of your cat can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. It’s natural to have questions about veterinary bills — you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked ones below.
Why are veterinary costs increasing?
The cost of veterinary care has risen dramatically in the last five years. A big reason for the increase in costs is the inflationary pressure facing vets, who pass on the higher costs to pet owners. Also, the demand for pet care has risen, which increases costs further.4
What is the average cost of a cat vet visit without insurance?
The average cost of a vet visit for a cat ranges between $50 and $250 without insurance. Additional services and procedures could push your vet bill higher. But if you pay for insurance, this cost could be lower.
What can you do to save money on vet costs?
Taking preventative measures is a key way to protect the health of your cat and your wallet. For example, getting your cat’s core vaccines and providing regular preventative medicine can help your cat avoid picking up an avoidable illness. Also, keeping your cat inside can help prevent emergency room visits due to accidents.
How much does an emergency vet visit cost without insurance?
Without insurance, just an emergency room exam can cost between $100 and $200. But the diagnosis and subsequent care needs can push an emergency vet visit into the hundreds or thousands of dollars. Wound treatment, surgery, or hospitalization can cost between $800 and $5,000. Without pet insurance, you’ll be on the hook for the entire bill.
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