Cat Neutering - Spaying Your Cat and The Costs UK

Cat neutering, a common procedure, refers to spaying female kittens and castrating male cats. It plays a crucial role in addressing the issue of cat overpopulation as well as many other benefits of neutering for both individual cats and the species as a wider group.
 

Spaying female cats involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus, to help prevent unwanted pregnancies, while castrating male cats involves the removal of the testes.

These procedures are commonly performed by veterinarians in a vet practice and are considered routine. 
 One of the most significant reasons for neutering is to control cat overpopulation.

Cats have a remarkable reproductive capacity, with female kittens capable of producing a litter of kittens in a single year, as early as 4 months of age or when they reach sexual maturity.
 
Unfortunately, there are often more cats in need of homes than there are people willing to adopt them, leading to the need to prevent unplanned pregnancies. 

This is one of the main causes of overcrowded shelters and the euthanasia of healthy cats, causing a perpetuation of the cycle of stray and feral cat populations.
 

Cat neutering helps also to reduce the risk of health conditions for both male and female adult cats whilst also helping to reduce aggressive behaviours and fight injuries, while also reducing the risk of accidents associated with the urge to mate.

By promoting responsible pet ownership and encouraging cat owners to neuter their cats, we aim to make a significant impact on reducing cat overpopulation and improving the welfare of cats in our communities.

As mentioned above, neutering is a surgical procedure that prevents cats from reproducing. In male cats this is known as castration, in females it’s called spaying.

Spaying female kittens, also known as ovariohysterectomy, involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. The procedure is typically performed under a light sedative. The veterinarian makes skin incisions in the abdomen, removes the reproductive organs, and then closes the incision wounds with skin sutures and internal stitches. The cat is carefully monitored during and after the surgery to ensure a safe recovery.

Castrating male cats, also called orchiectomy, involves the surgical removal of the testes. Like spaying, the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The veterinarian makes a small incision near the scrotum, removes the testes, and closes the incision with sutures. Again, close monitoring is done during and after the surgery to ensure proper healing and to avoid any potential complications.

The main reasons for cat neutering are to control the population, improve health, and modify behaviour. Neutering prevents unwanted litters as well as reduces the number of homeless cats and the strain on animal shelters. It also helps prevent certain reproductive-related health issues, such as uterine infections, mammary tumours, testicular cancer, and certain types of cancers in the reproductive organs.

Neutering can also lead to behavioural improvements. Spaying eliminates the heat cycle in female cats, which eliminates behaviours like yowling and spraying urine to attract mates. Castrating male cats reduces roaming, urine marking, and aggressive behaviours like fighting with other males. Neutered cats often become more calm, affectionate, and less prone to wandering.

When it comes to cat neutering, there are often misconceptions about the procedure. Some people worry that neutering will change the cat's personality or cause weight gain. While there may be subtle changes in behaviour and metabolism, the overall personality of the cat remains intact, and weight gain can be managed with proper diet and exercise.

Additionally, there is a misconception that neutering is a complex or risky procedure. However, spaying and castrating are routine surgeries performed by trained veterinarians, and the risks are minimal when proper veterinary care and post-operative monitoring are provided.

The cost of neutering varies depending on several factors. However, as a rough average neutering cost, spaying female cats can cost between £50 to £100 and castrating male cats can cost anywhere between £40 to £80. Some clinics might offer a discount on neutering. 


Certain factors that can affect the cost of your cat's neutering include the location in which you live and your choice of veterinarian. Before settling on an appointment, contact local vets for accurate pricing information to avoid any unexpected vet bills.

If money is tight, there are also other options:

• Cats Protection

• In London, Blue Cross offers reduced-cost vet care at its Victoria Animal Hospital.

• The RSPCA also offers financial assistance. For more information contact your nearest branch or hospital.

• The London Cat Care and Control Consortium

The cost of cat neutering in the UK can vary depending on the location, with urban and rural areas often having different pricing structures. Several factors contribute to these variations.

In urban areas, such as large cities like London, the cost of veterinary services tends to be higher due to higher overhead expenses such as rent, salaries, and other operational costs. Urban veterinary clinics may have higher demand and a larger client base, which can also influence pricing. These factors can result in slightly higher costs for cat neutering procedures compared to rural areas.

On the other hand, veterinary clinics in rural areas often have lower overhead costs and may operate with a smaller staff. As a result, they may offer more competitive pricing for cat neutering procedures. 

Apart from location, several other factors can influence the cost of cat neutering. Additional services, such as pre-surgery examinations, bloodwork, or pain medication, may be included in the package or charged separately. These extra services can add to the overall cost of the procedure. It's important to enquire about these additional services and their associated costs when scheduling the surgery.

When selecting a reliable and reputable veterinarian, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure your pet receives the best care possible. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

• Seek recommendations: Ask friends, family members, or local pet owners for recommendations. Personal experiences and word-of-mouth referrals can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by different veterinarians especially if you are new to an area.

• Check credentials, experience, and reviews: Look for veterinarians who are licensed and have the necessary qualifications. Consider their experience and expertise in the specific area of veterinary medicine you require. Read online reviews from other clients and look for honest feedback.

• Discuss costs upfront including additional fees: Before scheduling any procedures or treatments, it's important to discuss the costs associated with veterinary care. A reliable veterinarian should be transparent about their fees and provide you with an estimate for services. It's also helpful to inquire about payment options, such as whether they offer payment plans or additional fees for aftercare and medication.

• Emergency and after-hours care: Enquire about the availability of emergency services or after-hours care. A reliable veterinarian should have provisions in place to handle emergencies or refer you to a trusted emergency clinic.

• Trust your instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose a veterinarian with whom you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities to care for your pet.

To recap, cat neutering is a very beneficial procedure that not only provides health benefits to cats themselves but also to the wider community, reducing cat pregnancies and subsequent unwanted litters. This in turn eases pressure from shelters and results in happier cats.

Considering the costs and benefits of cat neutering is crucial. While there may be upfront costs involved, the long-term benefits outweigh them. The initial investment in neutering can save significant costs associated with caring for and rehoming unwanted kittens, as well as potential expenses related to health issues resulting from not being neutered.

If you’ve just brought home your first kitten, speak to your veterinarian about neutering when your cat is of a suitable age. Your vet will be able to discuss the procedure with you and address any concerns you may have. Neutering your cat means that you will be taking care of the wider cat community and helping to manage overpopulation.

We know that surgery can often sound scary but neutering is a very common and routine procedure performed thousands of times a day in the UK and your vet will be on hand to ease any worries you may have.

If you’re looking for more information or advice, why not take advantage of all our blog has to offer? We’ve got answers to all your questions such as ‘why do cats wag their tails?’, ‘can cats eat pork?', and ‘do cat whiskers grow back?’. Come on, we know you’ve secretly thought about it already. 

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Waggel article without us mentioning what we do best; insurance. Taking out an insurance policy is just another way to ensure your pet is protected for life. Once you’re a Waggel member, you’ll gain access to a membership platform where you can browse exclusive deals and speak to a vet for free anytime with Joii. Interested in finding out more? Get your quote here. 

What is the right age to neuter a cat?

The ideal age to neuter a cat often depends on various factors including the cat's overall health, weight, and breed. However, in general, it is recommended to neuter cats between the ages of 4 to 6 months.

Are there any health risks associated with cat neutering?

Though cat neutering is generally considered a safe procedure with minimal risks, with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved. It's important to be aware of these risks and discuss them with your veterinarian before proceeding with the surgery.

Certain risks include anaesthesia risks and surgical complications such as infection and adverse reactions. However, your vet will be able to minimise these risks as much as possible and provide you with an aftercare plan including checkups.

Can my cat still reproduce after being neutered?

No, once cats are neutered they cannot reproduce. Neutering is a permanent procedure that removes the ovaries and uterus in female cats and the testes in male cats which prevents mating behaviour.

Is cat neutering covered by pet insurance?

Neutering is considered a preventative or elective procedure, by most pet insurance companies, including ourselves. Therefore we do not currently provide cover for cat neutering.

What is the recovery time for cat neutering?

The recovery time for cat neutering, both spaying and castrating, can vary depending on several factors such as the cat's age, overall health, and individual response to surgery. However, in general, the recovery period for cat neutering is relatively short.

For female cats, you could be looking at around 10 to 14 days and for male cats 7 to 10 days. This is, of course, an estimate so it’s important to consult with your vet if you are worried about your cat’s recovery.

How can I prepare my cat for the surgery?

To best prepare your cat you should always follow instructions given by your vet. This means attending any pre-surgery appointments and fasting your cat the night before the procedure.

Preparing transportation and providing comfort is also important, as is buying post-surgery supplies such as pain medication and a protective collar to ensure your cat doesn’t lick or irritate the area.

Are there any alternatives to cat neutering?

Neutering is the most effective way to control the cat population whilst simultaneously ensuring the welfare of cats. Some countries have started to introduce ‘chemical castration’ for cats which involves using pharmaceutical drugs to deactivate the testes. Whilst some vets may be introducing this in the UK, it is not yet considered an alternative to neutering as it only offers temporary effects.

Whilst vasectomies may seem like another option, they are very rarely performed and will only be offered under specific circumstances. Vasectomies are not considered an alternative to neutering because they do not stop the production of male hormones.