A kitten’s first vet visit typically costs $75-$150, including a physical exam ($50-$100) and initial vaccinations ($75-$125). According to the 2024 Synchrony Veterinary Cost Study, routine cat exams average $53-$124 nationally, with first-year kitten care totaling $1,000-$2,000 for all recommended vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, and preventive treatments.
Key Takeaways
First kitten vet visit: $75-$150 (exam + initial vaccines)
Complete kitten vaccine series: $200-$400 over multiple visits
Spaying a kitten: $155 average; neutering: $95 average
First-year total care: $1,000-$2,000 for all recommended services
Emergency visits: $200-$5,000+ depending on treatment required
First Kitten Vet Visit Costs
Your kitten’s first veterinary appointment establishes baseline health and begins their vaccination schedule. Here’s what to expect:
What’s Included in the First Visit
Service | Average Cost1 |
|---|---|
Physical exam | $50-$100 |
FVRCP vaccine (distemper combo) | $25-$50 |
FeLV vaccine | $25-$50 |
Fecal exam | $36 |
Deworming treatment | $20-$50 |
Flea/tick evaluation | Included in exam |
Total first visit: $75-$150 for exam and initial vaccines; $150-$250 if including fecal testing and deworming.
What the Vet Checks
During a kitten’s first exam, the veterinarian will likely:
Listen to heart and lungs for abnormalities
Check eyes, ears, and mouth
Feel abdomen for organ abnormalities
Examine skin and coat condition
Test for intestinal parasites
Discuss vaccine schedule and preventive care
Answer your questions about nutrition and care
Kitten Vaccination Schedule and Costs
Kittens need a series of vaccines during their first year, typically administered in 3-4 visits spaced 3-4 weeks apart.
Core Vaccines (Required)
Vaccine | Purpose | Cost per Dose1 |
|---|---|---|
FVRCP | Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia | $25-$50 |
Rabies | Required by law in most states | $20-$35 |
FVRCP schedule: First dose at 6-8 weeks, boosters at 10-12 weeks and 14-16 weeks.
Rabies: Single dose at 12-16 weeks (or per local law requirements).
Non-Core Vaccines (Based on Risk)
Vaccine | Recommended For | Cost per Dose1 |
|---|---|---|
FeLV (feline leukemia) | All kittens; outdoor cats | $25-$50 |
FIV (feline immunodeficiency) | Cats at high risk | $30-$50 |
Total Vaccination Costs
Expect to spend $200-$400 on vaccines during your kitten’s first year, spread across multiple visits.
Spay and Neuter Costs for Kittens
Spaying or neutering is typically recommended between 4-6 months of age.
Average Surgery Costs
Procedure | Average Cost |
|---|---|
Spay (female) | $155 |
Neuter (male) | $95 |
Source: CareCredit Veterinary Cost Study
These prices can vary by location, clinic type, and whether pre-surgical bloodwork is included. Low-cost clinics may offer reduced rates, while full-service hospitals often include pain medication, monitoring, and follow-up care in their pricing.
What’s Included in Surgery
Most spay/neuter packages include:
Pre-surgical exam
Anesthesia and monitoring
The surgical procedure
Pain medication (1-3 days)
Post-operative instructions
Some clinics add optional services like pre-anesthetic bloodwork ($80-$150), microchipping ($45-$60), or extended pain medication.
Routine Annual Visit Costs
After the kitten series, adult cats need annual wellness exams to help maintain health.
Standard Wellness Visit
Service | Average Cost1 |
|---|---|
Physical exam | $53-$124 |
FVRCP booster | $25-$50 |
Rabies booster (every 1-3 years) | $20-$35 |
Fecal exam | $36 |
Annual visit total: $75-$200 depending on which vaccines are due and tests performed.
Common Add-On Services
Service | Average Cost1 |
|---|---|
Dental cleaning | $430 |
Bloodwork panel | $113 |
Urinalysis | $40-$60 |
Flea/tick prevention | $28/month |
Cats can benefit from routine dental care and periodic bloodwork, especially as they age. Your vet will recommend a schedule based on your cat’s individual needs.
Emergency Kitten Vet Visit Costs
Emergency care usually costs significantly more than routine visits due to specialized equipment, staffing, and after-hours availability if needed.
Common Emergency Costs
Service | Average Cost1 |
|---|---|
Emergency exam | $121 |
Hospitalization (per day) | $72-$200 |
IV catheter and fluids | $75-$150 |
Blood tests (diagnostic) | $113 |
X-rays | $75-$150 |
Emergency surgery | $1,500-$5,000+ |
Total Emergency Visit Costs
Depending on what’s needed, emergency visits can range from:
Minor emergency (exam + medication): $200-$500
Moderate emergency (exam + diagnostics + treatment): $500-$1,500
Serious emergency (hospitalization + surgery): $1,500-$5,000+
Critical care: $3,000-$10,000+
First-Year Kitten Care: Total Cost Breakdown
Here’s what to budget for a kitten’s first year of veterinary care:
Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
First visit (exam + initial vaccines) | $75-$150 |
Second vaccine visit | $75-$125 |
Third vaccine visit | $75-$125 |
Rabies vaccine | $20-$35 |
Spay or neuter surgery | $95-$200 |
Fecal tests (2-3) | $70-$110 |
Deworming | $40-$100 |
Flea/tick prevention (12 months) | $336 |
First-year total | $886-$1,181 |
Add microchipping ($45-$60), unexpected illness, or emergency visits, and first-year costs can reach $1,500-$2,000 or more.
How to Reduce Kitten Vet Costs
Low-Cost Clinics and Shelters
Many animal shelters and nonprofit organizations offer reduced-cost veterinary services:
Spay/neuter surgeries below standard veterinary clinic pricing
Low-cost vaccine clinics
Basic wellness packages
Contact your local humane society or search for low-cost clinics in your area.
Wellness Plans
Some veterinary practices offer wellness plans that bundle routine services for a monthly fee. These can reduce costs if you commit to regular care.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can help manage eligible unexpected veterinary expenses. While most plans don’t cover routine care in the base policy, optional preventive care add-ons may help cover the eligible costs of vaccines, wellness exams, and spay/neuter surgery.
Spot Pet Insurance plans offer:
Up to 90% reimbursement on covered vet bills
Optional preventive care coverage add-ons for routine services
No network restrictions—visit any licensed vet
Coverage starting as young as 8 weeks old
Get a quote to see what coverage costs for your kitten.
When to Take Your Kitten to the Vet
Schedule an Appointment For:
First visit within a week of bringing your kitten home
Scheduled vaccine boosters (every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old)
Spay/neuter consultation (discuss timing at 4-5 months)
Any concerning symptoms lasting more than 24 hours
Emergency Warning Signs
Seek immediate veterinary care if your kitten shows:
Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
Inability to urinate (especially male cats)
Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 12 hours
Not eating for more than 24 hours
Lethargy or unresponsiveness
Signs of pain (crying, hiding, aggression when touched)
Ingestion of toxic substances
Planning for Your Kitten’s Health
Veterinary care is an ongoing investment in your kitten’s health and longevity. Budget $500-$1,000 annually after the first year for routine care, with emergency savings or insurance coverage for unexpected expenses.
The first year often has higher costs as your kitten completes their vaccine series and spay/neuter surgery. After that, annual wellness visits and preventive care help catch problems early and can keep costs manageable over your cat’s lifetime.
I’m Charlie: canine enthusiast with a knack for figuring out why my dog, Dallas, is more infatuated with tennis balls than me. My lifelong passion for dogs has created a dedication to help other pet parents better understands their furry family members!
