How much does a vet visit cost for a kitten?

Question

If there is a typical price..I'm sure there may be a little difference in certain places,but what would the cost be around?

Answer 1

Sticker shock is never pleasant.  I am a college student with 2 adopted cats so I am very aware of how much I pay for their care.

The Short Answer:

Regarding your question, it depends on several factors but as people have said, the average cost is about $130.  If you don't get any vaccinations at this visit and just have your vet look at your new kitten, your main fee, and possibly only fee, will be the vet fee (see below).  You can call ahead, perhaps to different vets in your area, to see where the better deal might be.  Calling in advance to get price quotes will also help you avoid sticker shock at the payment counter.  

The Long Answer:

(You may not need all of this information now, but it may give you a 'heads up' the next time you need to go to the vet.)

Things to ask about over the phone:

1.     How much is their vet fee?  This is the baseline price that the vet charges just to look at your pet and diagnose any problems.  It can vary widely, depending on what city and area you live in.  For instance, my parents go to a vet in a lower income area that charges only $15 for the vet fee.  The vet I use, in a higher income area and in a more affluent city, charges $44.  This amount really adds up on top of other charges and fees that may come up during the vet visit!  

          If saving money is really important to you, I suggest looking for a vet in a lower income area where you live.  I should mention that I do feel like I receive better service at my vet’s office and the people there really do seem to care about my pet.  Sometimes you do get what you pay for.  However, unless your pet has a serious, complicated illness, the care they receive will be comparable no matter how much the vet. charges.

2. If your cat has received no vaccinations and you are ready/able to get them at this time, ask how much the first set of kitten vaccines will be.  The price for each vaccine can vary from $10-$30.  I think it cost around $80 for my first kittens set of vaccines (not including the vet fee).  So, as mentioned before, the total cost for the visit may be about $100-$140 with vaccinations.

3. If your kitten is showing any signs of sickness, like diarrhea or vomiting, ask how much a fecal exam will cost.  My vet charges $30 for this.  (Kind of pricey just for looking at cat poo!)  The fecal exam allows the vet. to diagnose the problem and prescribe medication (likely an antibiotic) if necessary.  

         Even if your cat does not show signs of sickness your vet. may recommend to perform the fecal exam anyway, especially if the cat will be kept indoors with other pets.  (To prevent spreading any bacteria they may have in their digestive system to other pets.)  

4. If your cat does experience diarrhea/vomiting, they may recommend a shot of re-hydration fluids to prevent dehydration.  My vet charges $20 for this.

5. Since you are already thinking about vet fees, you may want to start thinking about the cost of neutering your new cat.  Throughout the year there may be free, or reduced cost, neutering programs around your city/town.  You can call your local animal control shelter or humane socieity and ask if and when any programs are available. Definitely call around to get price quotes for this.  My vet charges $200 to spay/neuter a cat but I went to visit my parents and got it done for $70.

          By ‘fixing’ your pet you will help reduce the number of unwanted kittens/cats that are in animal shelters.  Remember, if pets are in city animal control centers, they are likely killed if they area’t adopted after a certain time.  :(  

If you have a strict budget, tell the vet upfront how much you are willing to spend and don't let your vet add on services/fees if you feel that they are not necessary at the time.  (For example the fecal exam may not be necessary if the cat will be outdoors and if you have no other pets in the home).  

Best wishes and congratulations on your new pet! :)

Answer 2

The cheapest care comes from your SPCA or the humane society or another such clinic or maybe a no kill clinic, try any of them. Plus when you use them you are supporting cruelty prevention to other animals and helping to take care of rescued animals. anything i do i try to use either one of those places.

Answer 3

The vet I work for charges $47 for annual exam. If the kitty is from the pound, they will pay for the first visit.  

Answer 4

I just took my kitten to the vet for her second visit.  You have to take your kitten for 3 visits.  

The first on cost me $140.00.  Second one cost me the same price.

Answer 5

It depends what you want doing to the kitten, if you need an x-ray or something like that you may pay something like £50 (thats just for the x-ray.  My vet charges £24 just for them to see the animal - then you have the other charges on top.

Answer 6

Vet costs of course vary depending on the cost of living in your area, but your basic vet exam will run you between $35 and $50.  Your kitten will need vaccines, they need a series of three "distemper" (FVRCP) shots starting at 8 weeks, and then two more given three weeks apart.  These are between say $12 and $25 each.  Rabies vaccines are given at age 3 months, and these also are between $12 and $25.  Any other vaccines (FeLV, FIV, FIP, and so on) are not necessary for an indoor cat.  At 8 weeks your male kitten will be old enough to be neutered - you can save money on this one by calling your local shelters to see if they have any spay/neuter clinics.  A neuter at a regular vet generally costs between $70 and about $150.  

Answer 7

A multi-pet discount may be given (my two kittens cost $33 a piece).  This just gets you in the door.  Once you are there they will sell you necessary tests and shots.  You can choose to buy them, or choose an alternative route (my vet told me there is always an A and B option).  Some things are necessary and you have to do it.  Example is rabies vaccine.  If something sounds too exotic, use your judgment (always read or ask).  So, you can start adding things up yourself.  Keep in mind that routine veterinarian care shouldn't break $100 per cat, per visit.  Use animal welfare and other state controlled organizations to save money on routine care if you feel your vet is over-charging for the same service.

Answer 8

It varies dramatically.

We live outside of Minneapolis, our vet charges $125- for the annual visit for all three of our cats.  I have a friend who goes to a vet closer to the city, and she pays over $125- each for her two cats.  All of the cats are indoor only cats.

It pays to shop around, and the price of fuel may be worth a bit longer trip.