Bringing a kitten home is an exciting time, and it's natural to think about the practical aspects, including veterinary care expenses. These costs can sometimes feel unpredictable. Whether you're anticipating a new arrival or already have a kitten, we'll provide a clear picture of potential vet bills and share a solution that may help you manage them more affordably, potentially saving you up to 90%.
First Vet Visit: How Much Does It Cost to Introduce Your Kitten to the Medical World?
Here’s what you can expect on your kitty’s first vet visit –
Physical exam – This will include checking the kitten’s weight, coat, eyes, ears, teeth, and overall health to ensure they’re in good shape.
Vaccines – The first round of shots includes FVRCP (for common feline viruses) and possibly FeLV (feline leukemia virus) if they’re at risk.
Deworming – For keeping the notorious parasites away
Flea and tick exam – To make sure that your kitty has neither. Your vet may also suggest flea and tick preventative, which is common to keep these pests away from pets.
Fecal test – This is an effective method to check for internal parasites.
Apart from these medical procedures, you can also expect a discussion on spaying/neutering, diet and nutrition, behavior and training, etc. Additionally, you can decide (and it is recommended) to get your kitty microchipped.
How much do a kitten’s first shots cost?
You can expect to pay around $75 to $125 for your cat’s first round of shots(1). This includes the FVRCP and FELV vaccines, roundworm and hookworm dewormer, and rabies shots. Cost will vary depending on where you live and the type of clinic you visit.
How Much is a Kitten's First Vet Visit?
Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved in the first vet visit(1)(3):
Overall wellness exam - Ranges from $50 to $150 depending on your location. The breed of your cat and their age may factor in slightly to this cost.
Deworming - $50-$150
Fecal exam - $25-$45
Emergency Vet Visit Costs for a Kitten
Just like toddlers exploring their world, kittens can sometimes get into trouble due to their natural curiosity and developing motor skills. This can unfortunately lead to instances of them eating things they shouldn't, experiencing falls, or getting minor injuries during their playful "zoomies." While we hope these are never serious, emergency vet care might be necessary.
Here are a few cost estimates for common emergency services(2):
ER exam - $100-$200
IV fluids - $60-95
Blood tests - $80-200
Pain medications - $40-$80
Wound treatment - $800-$2,500
Surgery - $1,500-$5,000 or more
How Much Do Routine Vet Visits Cost for a Kitten?
We know that prevention is better than a cure. A routine vet visit is the best way to practice that. As your kitten grows up, their annual wellness exams will probably be similar to their first vet visit. Wellness exams often include a physical exam, vaccinations (as per the schedule), and lab tests like bloodwork and cost between $50-$250(2).
How to take a kitten to the vet for free?
Many animal shelters have clinics that are open to the public and offer low-cost veterinary services. Free veterinary services are more difficult to find, but some counties run programs that offer free veterinary care to the public. Check the site of your local government to find more information.
Another option to help pet parents with the cost of vet bills is kitten insurance.
Kitten Insurance: Is It Worth It?
The average annual vet costs for cats increased 70% from 2020 to 2022, from $189 to $321 in the US(3). If you add the cost of treating complicated medical conditions to this, the figures can easily reach four digits.
One survey by Forbes found that 35% of pet parents reported delaying an annual vet visit due to cost. About 23% of pet parents reported they delayed getting their pet vaccinations or booster shots in the last 12 months due to cost(3).
With pet insurance, you can get reimbursement for up to 90% of covered vet costs. With Spot Pet Insurance, pet parents can get cash back on prescription diets, alternative therapies, microchipping, and more. (Visit our blog to learn more about what pet insurance covers.) Pet parents interested in getting cash back on routine vet care can add preventive care add-ons to their base plan to get reimbursed for dental cleanings, spaying/neutering, and more.
Spot Facts!
Domestic shorthair, American Shorthair, Ragdoll and Maine Coon were the cat breeds with the most claims submitted to Spot between 2019-2025.
More about Spot Pet Insurance
Cat Insurance helps to provide pet parents with additional financial support and peace of mind when it comes to the health and wellness of their pets. With a Spot plan, pet parents can receive up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills. This way, pet parents can focus on caring for and supporting their pets. Spot's also offers preventive care add-ons, which can help cover the eligible costs of spaying and neutering, dental cleaning, vaccinations, and other routine care services.
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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!
Budgeting for your kitten’s first year. (n.d.). https://www.petco.com/content/content-hub/home/articlePages/new-pet/budgeting-for-your-kittens-first-year.html
How much does a vet visit cost? Average pricing by procedure. (2024, August 5). https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/costs/
Metz, J. (2025, January 2). Pet Insurance Statistics 2025. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-insurance-statistics/
