Typical Total Cost Range (National Average)
Based on national average veterinary pricing. These are typical ranges — your actual costs may be significantly higher or lower.
Cost data last updated April 2026. Based on veterinary pricing data from practices across the United States.
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Severity Levels
Costs vary dramatically with severity. Pick the level that most closely matches your situation for a tighter cost range.
$200 - $450
Female cat or spayed cat with a first-time UTI or mild feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) episode.
$450 - $900
Recurring UTI or confirmed infection needing culture, imaging, and a longer antibiotic course.
$900 - $1,500
Bladder stones requiring surgery or a kidney infection needing hospitalization.
Cost Breakdown
Exam Fee
Initial examination and assessment
$50 - $125
Diagnostics
Blood work, X-rays, ultrasound, etc.
$75 - $350
Treatment
Medications, procedures, surgery
$50 - $600
Hospitalization
Overnight stays, monitoring, ICU
$25 - $425
What to Expect at the Vet
Urinary tract infections in cats cause frequent trips to the litter box, straining to urinate, crying while urinating, and sometimes blood in the urine. UTIs are more common in female cats and older cats, while younger cats more often have feline idiopathic cystitis (sterile inflammation without bacteria). Proper diagnosis with a urinalysis and urine culture is important because treatment differs depending on whether bacteria are present. Most UTIs respond well to a course of antibiotics.
This is classified as a moderate emergency. Seek care today.
Note: Important: A cat straining to urinate is NOT always a simple UTI. Male cats who strain and produce little or no urine may have a life-threatening urethral blockage — this is a separate, critical emergency. If your male cat is making repeated trips to the litter box with no urine output, seek emergency care immediately. For confirmed UTIs, most cats recover fully with 7-14 days of antibiotics. Recurrent UTIs may require additional diagnostics including X-rays or ultrasound to check for bladder stones.
Your veterinarian will perform an initial examination ($50-$125) followed by diagnostic tests ($75-$350) to determine the appropriate treatment approach. Treatment costs ($50-$600) vary based on the specific intervention needed. Hospitalization and monitoring ($25-$425) may be required.
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