Looking for information on cat blood test costs? Our guide provides an overview of average prices, factors that affect costs, and information on this important veterinary procedure. Get the answers you need to make informed decisions about your cat’s healthcare.
There are many reasons why your cat may need an a blood test, they may have a suspected infection or a possible chronic condition such as Kidney disease. Due to the many reasons a blood test on a cat may be taken, it is hard to give an exact cost.
However, in this article, I am going to share the estimated price you may incur when having a blood test taken at the Vet, as well as everything else you can expect.
How Much Does a Cat Blood Test Cost? Everything you need to know
While the cost to take a blood test from a cat will vary depending on the Veterinary practice you visit, there should not be a massive variation in the price. The price of a cat blood test will more depend on which tests need to be run on the blood collected, as well as how many.
The price may also be affected by whether the blood test can be run in house or if it needs to be sent to an external laboratory.
On average, you will be looking at £100-£150 as the price of a cat blood test. This cost may vary on the area of the country you are in, for example, the price may be higher in Central London than it is in rural England.
Why are some blood tests for cats more expensive than others?
As mentioned above, the main variation of price will depend on which tests need to be run. Cats need blood tests for a variety of reasons.
For example simple ‘pre-operative’ blood test, which will test your cat’s levels of major organs before surgery, will be cheaper than a more extensive panel which may be needed when your cat is unwell. A comprehensive blood panel, will include major organs, but it will also include further panels such as Electrolytes and Haematology.
Furthermore, if your cat is on medication, such as Vidalta for Hyperthyroidism, they may need an additional panel (Total T4/TSH) to monitor the control of this condition as well. These panels are not routinely run on a ‘standard blood test’. Depending on the Veterinary Practice, this may not be able to be run ‘in-house’ and it may need to be sent to an external laboratory.
Why does my cat need a blood test?
There are 100s of reasons why a cat may need a blood test, some of which have been listed above.
The main reason, unfortunately, is because the cat is unwell or in pain.
A blood test will allow the Vet an insight into how things are working internally with your cat, perhaps confirming suspicions of a certain condition and allowing a definitive diagnosis.
Your Veterinary Surgeon should explain what tests they are performing and why. If they do not, you can ask them and you can ask any questions you may have, such as as estimates for the price of the blood tests.
What is included in the price of my cat’s blood test?
So, what are you actually paying for? Actually, it is quite a lot.
Firstly, you paying for the skill of the person taking the blood from your cat, which is not always an easy task. Also the equipment used.
Next, you are paying for the person processing and running the blood sample to obtain the results.
Finally, you are paying for your Vet to interpret the results, potentially diagnose an issue and then decide on the best course of action to assist with said problem.
For the average price of £100-£150 for a cat blood test – you will actually be receiving quite a lot of work. Remember, Veterinary Surgeons, in the UK, study for 5 years to become professionals. Your price factors in their knowledge and expertise.
Can I be with my cat for a blood test?
This will vary from clinic to clinic, but generally, if you request to be, it normally would not be an issue. However, you will not be able to hold your cat while they are having a blood test. This will generally be down to another member of the team, such as another Vet or a Veterinary Nurse.
Again, safely and calmly holding a cat for a blood test, in a cat-friendly, stress-free way, is a skill in itself. Leave it to the professionals for everyone in involved – including your cat.
Does my cat need to be sedated for a blood test?
Generally no, the majority of blood tests will be taken consciously and there is no need for sedation. Blood tests are generally painless and generally very quick. Veterinary professionals will always aim to make this as stress-free for your cat as possible.
However, if you have a particularly stressed cat, for their well-being, your Vet may advise a sedation to obtain a blood sample. This would increase the cat blood test cost, as much like the price of a cat X-ray, the cost of sedative drugs and monitoring will need to be factored into the price. This can be up to £150 additional.
Does my cat need to be shaved for a blood test?
Yes, it is gold standard practice to shave the area where blood will be sampled from. Blood samples from cats are usually collected for either the Jugular (neck) or the Cephalic (fore limb) veins, however, it can also be obtained from the Saphenous (back leg) or the medial Saphenous (back leg) as well as a few other points.
The area in which has been selected, will be cleanly shaved to ensure it can then be aseptically prepped for sampling. This ensures there is minimal chance of bacterial introduction.
It is not good standard to collect a blood sample through the fur and it promotes poor hygiene standards.
Will pet insurance cover cost of a blood test for a cat?
While it is always good practice to check your cat’s individual insurance policy, generally, if the blood test has been requested by your Veterinary Surgeon for a genuine reason, then most insurance companies will cover the cat blood test cost.
If you have cost concerns, do contact your insurance company in advance to ensure it will be covered and to see if they can provide a ‘pre-authorisation claim’ – meaning they confirm they will reimburse the costs.
Can I refuse for my cat to have a blood test?
Ultimately, yes. You make all the decisions for your cat, therefore it is your choice. However, it is important to realise that your Veterinary Surgeon has suggested these tests for a reason, you should trust their medical judgement.
Also, if your cat is required to have a blood test prior to a procedure, such as a general anaesthetic, and you refuse for the blood test to be done. If the Vet feels this is detrimental to your cat’s health, they may then refuse to go ahead with the procedure.
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So, how much does a cat blood test cost?
As we have discussed, this is not a simple question, lots of factors need to be taken into consideration.
However, your Vet should be able to give you an estimate before you agree to the procedure taking place and discuss any concerns you may have regarding the costs.
Remember, your Vet will only recommend an blood test if it is actually needed and will help to provide a vital diagnosis.