Vet fees for cats
Owning a cat can be rewarding but also expensive if they fall ill. Whilst we hope nothing will happen to our pets, do you know how much it could cost if it does?
How much do vet fees cost?
Vets fees vary from practice to practice but to give you an idea of what to expect, here is a list of average costs for some of the most common treatments for cats.
This table shows the average cost of vet fees claimed per condition that were submitted to Animal Friends in 2025. It's important to consider that vet fees can vary based on your location, the age of your cat, and the severity of the condition.
Source: Based on average cat vet fee costs for conditions claimed for and assessed during 2025. Average costs provided for illustration purposes only.
| Condition | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | £1,273 |
| Tumour | £1,189 |
| Inappetence | £1,046 |
| Urinary Condition | £1,018 |
| Kidney Disease | £1,000 |
| Lameness | £985 |
| Lethargy | £970 |
| Hyperthyroidism | £949 |
| Vomiting and Diarrhoea | £948 |
| Weight Loss | £914 |
| Osteoarthritis | £830 |
| Teeth/Dental | £780 |
| Urinary Tract Infection | £763 |
| Wound | £729 |
| Abscess | £495 |
How much does a cat check-up cost?
The cost of a basic cat check-up varies depending on whether the practice charges a consultation fee on top, and which region of the UK you live in. For example, a vet visit in London will cost more than one in the north of England. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to get a quote from your local vet to have a clearer idea of what to expect.
Kitten’s first vet appointment cost
The cost of your kitten’s first vet appointment is usually the same rate as a standard check up, with any vaccinations or procedures added on top. This appointment should be scheduled when your kitten is 8-10 weeks old, and will typically include a health check, vaccinations, blood tests, and fecal exams.They will also advise new cat owners about deworming, fleas and ticks, and other common problems.
Learn more in our cat owner’s checklist.
What are the costs of common tests and procedures?
Owning a cat involves more than just routine check-ups. It also means being prepared for the tests, scans, vaccinations, and surgeries that may need to happen over the course of your cat's life. Here’s a quick breakdown of common tests and procedures:
Tests and Scans
Diagnostic tests play a vital role in identifying underlying conditions that may not be immediately obvious. X-rays, ultrasounds, and other imaging tests help vets accurately diagnose issues, from broken bones to chronic diseases. Along with biopsies and blood tests, they’re crucial for diagnosing health problems early, which can prevent more expensive treatments later on.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are essential to protect your cat from serious diseases. Kittens need an initial series, and annual boosters are necessary for ongoing protection.
Vaccinations protect against common diseases like Feline Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, and FeLV, with annual boosters helping maintain immunity.
Surgeries
Surgeries range from routine spays to more complex procedures. The cost depends on the type of surgery and your cat’s condition, but here are the averages:
-
Castration: £299
-
Dental conditions: £780
-
Tumor Removal: £1189
-
Bladder Stones Surgery: £1912
Emergency surgeries, like those for serious injuries or poisoning, can have a much higher cost.
Costs for treating accidents and injuries
Accidents can happen, and emergency vet visits are often more expensive than standard consultations.
For example, treatment costs for a fractured leg are around £2,846. Treating toxic ingestion cost on average £903, and foreign body ingestion can result in claims averaging £1,834
What are the vet fees for long-term health conditions in cats?
If your cat is diagnosed with a condition that requires ongoing treatment, the costs can add up quickly. Here’s what you might expect for common health conditions:
Diabetes
Diabetes in cats requires ongoing care. Average claims for diabetes are around £1,273. Early diagnosis and effective management can help control costs including medication.
Cancer
Cat cancer treatment costs vary widely, averaging at £1,028. This cost can be higher depending on treatment type and duration.
Heart Disease
Treatment costs of heart disease in cats are £1,071 on average, depending on the complexity of the condition, medications, and possible surgical procedures.
Learn more about cat health conditions
Related resources
More advice on your cats health
Basic first aid for cats
Learn the basics of first aid for cats - contents needed for a first aid kit, plus how to treat common injuries while you get them to the vets
Diabetes in cats
Everything you need to know about diabetes in cats and how to recognise the signs of the condition.
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
Discover what feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is, potential causes, treatments, and ways you might prevent FLUTD.
Diarrhoea in cats
We help you understand the potential causes, symptoms, and treatments for your cat's diarrhoea.
Vomiting in cats
Helping you understand the causes and recognise the symptoms for vomiting in cats and ways to prevent your feline friends from throwing up.
How pet insurance can help cover vet fees
Pet insurance can help protect your cat against unexpected vet fees, should they get ill or be injured. Though you may be unsure if you need pet insurance, it’s worth keeping in mind that vet fees can add up very quickly and your pet may need ongoing treatment and medication.
Get a quote
To help you decide, get a quote to find out what type of policy might be right for you and how much it would cost.