Published Dec 2, 2025
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Bringing your cat to the vet shouldn’t be confusing—especially when it comes to costs. And yet many pet parents are shocked by the bill after an unexpected illness or injury lands their cat in the clinic. The best way to avoid any surprises is to know what factors influence these costs.
Your final bill will depend on the services your veterinarian provided: this includes the physical exam, diagnostics like lab work and imaging, medications, sedation, and/or hospitalization. Veterinary costs also vary by your location, the type of clinic, and your cat’s specific health needs.
This guide aims to demystify your cat’s veterinary expenses. We’ve outlined several common injuries and medical conditions, explaining the reasoning behind the tests and treatment your vet may recommend—and how these medical services impact costs.
While we can’t cover every scenario, this guide is a valuable starting point. Remember, you can always ask for an estimate before your vet proceeds with any tests or treatment.
Visible Symptoms, Illnesses, & Injuries
On average, a basic exam fee for a cat ranges from $60 to $125. However, if your cat is unwell, additional tests and treatments can increase this cost. Ultimately, the final price will depend on the diagnostic steps and treatment plan recommended by the veterinarian.
An exam fee covers only that–an exam with a veterinarian. This typically includes the physical exam of your cat and a discussion with the vet about concerns they find and questions you have. Exam fees do not cover other visit-related expenses.
Below, we outline some visible or external conditions that could require a veterinary visit. For each condition, we explain beyond just the initial exam how a vet is likely to approach additional diagnostics and the potential treatments your cat may need. This should help you understand why your vet bill looks the way it does.
Paw Injury or Limping
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Paw and limb injuries are often the result of trauma (i.e., being stepped on, bitten, or falling). It could also be the result of a broken nail or a splinter embedded in their paw.
Signs that your cat has injured their paw include limping, holding up the paw, licking it excessively, or a reluctance to let you get near it. If the condition doesn’t improve after a couple of days, it’s time to visit the vet.
What a vet checks for during an exam
To find the cause of your cat’s discomfort, the vet will perform a thorough assessment. They will gently examine and palpate the limb to detect pain or swelling, flex each joint, and compare findings with the opposite limb. They’ll also inspect the nails, paw pads, and spaces between the toes for any visible injuries. In some cases, the vet may observe how your cat navigates the room to assess mobility and stability.
If your cat is in significant pain or is particularly agitated, sedation could be required for the exam, which increases the cost.
Potential diagnostic testing
Radiographs (X-rays) may be recommended and could include images of both the affected leg and the opposite limb for comparison. The cost for a series of X-rays typically ranges from $100 to $300. For the most accurate results, your vet may also send the images to a radiologist for review, incurring an additional cost. If the cat is in serious pain or under stress, sedation might also be necessary is often necessary to keep them still and comfortable during the X-ray, adding an extra $100 to $200 to your bill.
Potential scope of treatment
Treatment will depend on the injury’s severity. Pain medication is usually prescribed, costing around $40 to $80. In cases of infections like an abscess in the foot, antibiotics may be prescribed, typically for around $10 – $30.
For sprains or fractures, splinting or casting might be required, which can range from a few hundred dollars to $1000. Lastly, if anesthesia is needed for any procedures, it can add between $200 and $1000 to your bill depending on the duration and type of anesthesia that is required.
Watery Eyes or Eye Discharge
A small amount of eye discharge can be normal, but persistent tearing or sticky yellow goo shouldn’t be ignored, as it may indicate an underlying condition. Several issues can cause watery eyes, including allergies, infections, or a foreign object in the eye.
What a vet checks for during an exam
The vet will use an ophthalmoscope to look for signs of swelling, discharge, lesions on the cornea, or trauma to the eye. They may also check your cat’s vision and light response by tossing a cotton ball into the air to see if your cat tracks it.
Potential diagnostic tests
The most common test performed is a fluorescein stain, which detects corneal scratches or ulcers. A Schirmer Tear Test (STT) is not very common, but it may be performed if your vet suspects a lack of tear production. If there are concerns about abnormally high or low eye pressure, the vet may use a device called a tonopen or tonovet to measure intraocular pressure (IOP). Each of these tests usually costs between $20 and $70.
If there is concern about uveitis (inflammation inside the eye), bloodwork may be recommended, tacking on about $80 to $200. Some veterinarians may also take a swab of the tissue beneath the eyelid to check for bacteria, typically costing between $50 and $100.
Potential scope of treatment
Depending on the diagnosis, your cat may need eye drops or ointments. These range from $20 to $100, depending on the medication type (antibiotic, antiviral, or steroid). In some cases, oral medications like pain relievers or steroids may also be prescribed, costing between $20 and $80.
Visible Wounds or Bleeding
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Wounds can be the result of fights with other animals, burns, or falls. Some minor wounds can be treated at home; others might be deep and require stitches, bandaging, and follow-up care. Naturally, more serious wounds cost more.
What a vet check for during an exam
Often, sedation is needed to assess a cat that is bleeding. First, the veterinarian will examine the wound and the surrounding area. For an accurate evaluation, they may need to shave and clean the area. The vet may also probe the wound with a sterile device to assess its depth.
Potential diagnostic testing
Diagnostic procedures can include bacterial cultures ($30 to $150) and blood work ($80 to $200) to check for infection. If there are concerns about the wound’s depth, X-rays might be required. Sometimes sedation is necessary, especially if there is concern for foreign material, bone trauma, or if samples need to be taken.
Potential scope of treatment
Treatment costs fluctuate widely based on the nature and severity of the wound. For minor injuries, treatment might involve cleaning and bandaging, which could cost around $50 to $200. However, more severe wounds requiring sutures, sedation, or surgery can reach $800 or more.
If the wound requires repair, your cat will need sedation or anesthesia. They may also require an Elizabethan collar or surgical recovery suit (like a “onesie”). These may be free from your clinic or go up to about $50 each.
If infection is found, antibiotics like injectable Convenia or oral Clavamox can add about $40 to $100 to your bill. Pain medication, like buprenorphine, is also likely to be prescribed, which can also range from $40 to $100 on average.
Excessive Scratching or Skin Irritation
Common causes of itchy skin include flea bites, food allergies, environmental allergies (like dust and pollen), insect bites, ear mites, and infections from bacteria or fungi.
What a vet checks for during an exam
First, the veterinarian will visually assess your cat’s fur and skin for signs of irritation, such as hair loss or lesions (i.e., crusting, flaking, papules, pustules). They will also check for external parasites, often using a flea comb to look for fleas. Additionally, they’ll examine the ears for any signs of infection or mites.
Potential diagnostic testing
The vet may start with a skin cytology, checking areas of crusting or hair loss for bacteria or yeast. Usually, this costs between $30 and $90. Skin scrapes, which check for mange mites, can range from $50 to $150.
While it’s less common, a skin bacterial culture may be necessary ($30 – $150). If a fungal infection like ringworm is suspected, hair samples are taken for testing, with costs running between $30 and $100.
Skin allergy testing ($195 – $250) might be discussed if atopic dermatitis is suspected or if the issue is chronic. In cases of suspected food allergies, a vet may recommend an elimination diet trial. This might require special hydrolyzed protein food, adding a monthly expense of $50 to $100.
Potential scope of treatment
If a bacterial infection is found or there’s an open wound, the veterinarian will start with antibiotics ($10 – $30). If ringworm is suspected or diagnosed, an antifungal medication will be prescribed, which can cost a similar amount.
In addition, steroid medications, such as oral prednisolone, are often used for managing inflammation. These can be very affordable, often under 25 cents per pill.
Some vets may use off-label Apoquel to manage itching and inflammation. A short course can be affordable ($20-$30) but if your vet prescribes Apoquel long-term, this could be closer to $50-$75 a month). You may also need to apply a topical product like Douxo mousse or a shampoo, which could run you about $20 – $30.
In the case of live fleas, your cat will need an oral medication like Capstar or a topical product like Revolution or Frontline.
If skin allergies are the culprit, options like Atopica (cyclosporine) might be recommended, with an average cost of $50 to $150. Immunotherapy, which helps desensitize your cat to specific allergens, can also be considered. This could involve a series of injections or sublingual drops, which might be a bit cheaper but must be given more often.
Swelling or Lumps
Skin lumps or unusual swelling can be caused by tumors (both benign and malignant), abscesses, inflammation from allergies, parasites, and hematomas (blood blisters). Here’s what you can expect at the vet.
What a vet checks during an exam
First, the vet will palpate the lump or swelling to check if it’s associated with a joint or bone. This also determines if the area is painful, which can provide important diagnostic clues: for instance, abscesses tend to be painful, while many tumors are not. If swelling is present in the abdomen, they’ll also examine that area to check for fluid or masses.
Potential diagnostic testing
A common way to identify the cause of swelling is by collecting a sample of cells from the lump with a fine needle aspirate (FNA). The cost of an FNA can range from approximately $50 to several hundred dollars, with some clinics charging more if the samples need to be sent to a lab for cytology (analysis of cells from the sample). Sedation isn’t always a requirement, but it could be needed for anxious cats or cats in pain.
A biopsy sent out for histopathology is different from an FNA sample sent out for cytology. Histopathology is more invasive but more accurate, assessing the lump’s full tissue. Cytology can be done with less stress and is less invasive but only checks for cells and may be less accurate. A vet can collect a piece of tissue (a biopsy)( from a lump (especially a larger one) to send out for histopathology but this always requires sedation or a brief period of anesthesia.
Tissue biopsies and histopathology may cost $200 up to several hundred dollars. Sedation can cost $100-$200 with anesthesia costing $200 up to several hundred dollars on its own.
If the swelling is associated with a joint or bony structure, your vet may decide to order X-rays, which, again, range from $100 to $300, though emergency clinics may charge more.
Swelling in the abdominal area may require an ultrasound to see if fluid is present. Brief ultrasound scans just to check for fluid can cost $80-$100. This is different from a full diagnostic ultrasound of the abdomen or chest, which takes more time and costs more, ranging from $300 up to as much as $1000 for a single cavity (chest or abdomen). Brief ultrasound scans for a fluid check can often be done with little stress to a cat. But full scans often require sedation, if only to reduce stress and improve the quality of the results. The vet may also want to gather a culture of any fluid in the abdomen.
Potential scope of treatment
Initially, a veterinarian may recommend pain medications to ensure your cat is comfortable. If the lump needs to be surgically removed, costs can reach into the $1000’s, based on factors like size, type, and location.
If fluid is present within the lump, a drainage procedure might be necessary. This can require sedation, depending on where the lump is located.
Your cat might need medications, too. Steroids may be prescribed for allergic reactions or insect bites, while antibiotics may be needed if the lump is infected.
Non-Visible Signs & Conditions
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There are also non-visible conditions to consider. These can show up as subtle behavioral changes or systemic signs, like vomiting or excessive urination. To help you prepare, let’s go over the possible tests and treatments your veterinarian might recommend, along with their associated costs.
Loss of Appetite
It’s worrisome when your cat won’t eat. Inappetence can stem from many issues, including digestive upset, dental pain, or more serious conditions like kidney disease or cancer. Stressful events like a move or changes in routine can also trigger this behavior.
What a vet checks for during an exam
Since fever can suppress appetite, your vet will check your cat’s rectal temperature. They’ll also look for signs of pain, especially in the mouth and abdominal areas. They will check for any abnormalities, such as difficulty breathing, pale or yellow gums, or swelling in the belly area.
Potential diagnostic testing
To pinpoint the cause, your vet may recommend bloodwork and urinalysis. Routine blood panels usually range from $80 to $200, while urinalysis costs around $75 to $150. X-rays and ultrasounds of the chest and abdomen may also be necessary. Expect to pay around $100 to $300 for X-rays and between $300 and $600 for an ultrasound.
Potential scope of treatment
To jumpstart your cat’s interest in food, your vet may recommend appetite stimulants, with costs ranging from about $40 to $70.
Additional treatments will depend on what your vet finds to be the cause. If nausea or vomiting is present, your vet may prescribe anti-nausea medications and fluids. If your cat has a fever, treatment may involve pain medication, an anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, and/or fluids.
In cases of fluid in the chest or abdomen, your cat may need an ultrasound-guided draining procedure. This type of procedure, usually requiring at least some sedation for stress and comfort, may cost $200-$500.
Lethargy or Low Energy
Lethargy, or a lack of energy, can stem from a long list of potential issues. Common causes include infections, chronic diseases, pain, or even emotional distress. As a result, the cost of treating lethargy can vary significantly.
What a vet checks for during an exam
The vet will take the cat’s temperature to check for fever, look for any signs of pain, and evaluate vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. The vet will also inspect the gums for color changes and palpate the abdomen for any unusual masses or fluid.
Potential diagnostic testing
Typically, bloodwork ($80 – $200) and urinalysis ($75 – $150) are the first tests performed. If the vet needs more information, X-rays and ultrasounds might be recommended. Blood pressure measurements are also a common part of the assessment, with costs running between $25 and $75.
Potential scope of treatment
Depending on the results of diagnostic testing, treatment options for a lethargic cat can include anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, antibiotics for infections, or even fluids if dehydration is present. An appetite stimulant may also be prescribed to encourage eating. Each of these treatments vary in cost.
Vomiting
Various factors can contribute to vomiting in cats, from minor issues like hairballs to more serious conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or even cancer. Another possible cause is eating spoiled or toxic foods.
While occasional vomiting or hairballs may not be a cause for concern (less than 2-3 times per month), pet owners should consult a veterinarian if their cat vomits repeatedly, shows signs of lethargy, has a change in appetite, or exhibits other worrisome symptoms.
What a vet checks for during an exam
Your vet will check for abdominal pain and look for signs of intestinal thickening or masses. They may also check under your cat’s tongue for any foreign bodies and take a rectal temperature to test for potential blood in the colon.
Potential diagnostic testing
For acute vomiting, the vet may suggest taking X-rays to check for any blockages or abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. Depending on the clinic, this can cost between $100 to $300, while emergency clinics will charge more. Then, the vet will order bloodwork, typically costing $80 – $200. If further investigation is needed, the vet might suggest an abdominal ultrasound, costing $300 – $600.
In cases where vomiting persists or appears chronic, the vet will conduct similar steps, but in a different order, starting with bloodwork, then an ultrasound, and finally, X-rays if needed.
Potential scope of treatment
When a cat presents with vomiting, the veterinarian’s first step is to stabilize the pet. This often involves administering an injectable antiemetic to help control nausea and prevent further vomiting. Fluids are also given, typically through an IV catheter, to rehydrate the cat and restore electrolyte balance.
Once the cat is stable, the vet may recommend a gastrointestinal (GI) diet to support recovery. Prescription GI food is designed for sensitive stomachs. In cases of chronic vomiting, the veterinarian may suggest a hypoallergenic diet, with daily servings between $3 and $8.
In addition to dietary changes, the vet may prescribe oral steroids to help manage underlying inflammatory conditions. These medications usually cost between $20 and $50, depending on the specific drug.
Oral antiemetics may also be considered for ongoing management, as they are more cost-effective than injectable options and can be easily administered at home.
Diarrhea
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While occasional soft stools can be due to dietary changes or stress, persistent diarrhea can signal more serious conditions like infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or metabolic disorders. If diarrhea lasts more than a day, or is accompanied by a fever, lethargy, or blood in the stool, it’s time to consult your veterinarian.
What a vet checks for during an exam
The veterinarian will first examine your cat for signs of abdominal pain and look for any indications of intestinal thickening or masses. They may also check under your cat’s tongue for foreign objects and take a rectal temperature to check for possible blood in the colon.
Potential diagnostic testing
For both acute and chronic diarrhea, the first step is to obtain a fecal sample test, which identifies parasites or bacterial infections. Generally, this will cost between $45 and $90
For chronic diarrhea, the veterinarian will often recommend further testing, like a Texas A&M GI panel, which provides a detailed look at gastrointestinal health.
Alongside this, a blood panel may be recommended to look for other systemic illnesses that may be contributing to diarrhea. If more in-depth diagnostics like X-rays or an ultrasound are necessary due to severity, your final cost will be higher.
Potential scope of treatment
The first line of treatment often involves probiotics, which can help restore healthy gut bacteria at a cost of about $0.20 to $1 per day. The veterinarian may also recommend incorporating soluble fiber into your cat’s diet for a similar price.
Next, a gastrointestinal diet is commonly prescribed. Wet foods will be slightly higher than dry foods. You could be looking at $1 to $5 per day.
If parasites are suspected, a dewormer will be considered, with an average cost of $15 – $30 per treatment.
In some instances, a veterinarian might prescribe metronidazole to combat bacteria, which generally costs between $10 and $40. Oral steroids are another potential treatment, with prices ranging from $20 to $50, depending on the specific medication and dosage.
Lastly, in cases of chronic diarrhea, a hypoallergenic diet might be introduced, with average costs between $3 and $8 per day.
Frequent Urination or Straining
Your cat’s potty habits are a major indicator of health: whether they’re peeing too much or too little. These symptoms are linked to various health issues, including urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or diabetes. Straining to urinate, particularly in male cats, can be especially serious, as it could point to a potentially life-threatening blockage.
What a vet checks for during an exam
The veterinarian will assess the bladder for enlargement, firmness, and any signs of pain. They will also inspect the genital area for any swelling or bruising.
Potential diagnostic testing
Common procedures include a urinalysis, which may reveal infections or crystals and usually costs between $75 and $150. An ultrasound of the bladder is another option, costing anywhere from $300 to $600. Bloodwork is also common to check for underlying health conditions. X-rays of the bladder may be considered by a vet if they are concerned about bladder or kidney stones. The kidneys can also be evaluated with ultrasound ($80-$100 for a focused look) if there are associated concerns about kidney function.
Scope of treatment
Pain medication ($40-80) and antibiotics ($10 – $30) may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort and address infections. Specific medications, like prazosin for urinary straining, might cost between $15 and $30 for a typical two-week supply, while fluoxetine (Prozac) for behavioral issues costs $20 – $25 for 30 capsules.
Coughing or Wheezing
Coughing or wheezing in cats can suggest respiratory infection, asthma, environmental allergens, heart disease, heartworm, or foreign objects lodged in the airway.
What a vet checks for during an exam
The vet will observe the cat’s breathing pattern at rest and listen to the chest and upper airway using a stethoscope. They will also check for other symptoms, such as nasal or eye discharge.
Potential diagnostic testing
The vet may recommend chest X-rays, which could require sedation. If sedation isn’t safe or feasible, an ultrasound may be used instead.
If heart disease is a concern, an NT-proBNP blood test may be ordered, with costs typically ranging from $50 to $100. Additional tests, like a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or a transtracheal wash (TTW), may be considered if the condition is chronic, infectious, or inflammatory. These are more advanced procedures, sometimes requiring referral to a specialist. They require anesthesia, and so may cost over $1000 to perform.
Potential scope of treatment
If an infection is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed, while steroid medications might be necessary for asthma. Sometimes, bronchodilators like terbutaline and albuterol are recommended to help widen the small airways and improve breathing. These generally cost between $5 and $30 and last for several months when used correctly. Your vet may also recommend a steroid inhaler such as fluticasone, often used with an AeroKat adapter designed for cats.
Though less common, if lungworms are a concern in your region, a veterinarian may consider a dewormer ($15 – $20 per treatment).
Lastly, while heart disease might not frequently present with coughing or wheezing, if there is any indication of heart issues, medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or clopidogrel could be explored to support heart function.
Some vets may be able to evaluate heart function with an ultrasound (echocardiogram). Or they may elect to refer a cat with suspected heart disease to a veterinary cardiologist for the most accurate results and treatment plan.
