Cat X-Ray Cost: Factors, Pricing, and What to Expect for Feline Diagnostic Imaging

Has your veterinarian just told you that your cat needs an x-ray? If this is your cat’s first time with diagnostic imaging, you likely have no idea what to expect. We want to ease your worries by discussing the details of what lies ahead. We break down how an x-ray works, what an x-ray can diagnose, and what you can expect to pay.

Let’s get started!

What Is an X-Ray – How Does It Work?

An x-ray is a diagnostic tool that is commonly used in human and animal medicine. X-rays are a type of radiation that can pass through body tissues. The x-rays absorb at different rates based on the parts of the body being targeted. These x-rays pass through the patient and into a detector placed beneath her. They ultimately create a fixed image of the body that a doctor can assess.

As we stated, an x-ray will absorb at a different rate based on the tissues they come in contact with. Bone is highly dense in comparison to other tissues, so it is more difficult for the rays to pass through. This is why bones are white on an x-ray film, and other tissues are black or grey.

An x-ray is an incredible diagnostic tool, but it is not ideal when you need a detailed image of internal organs or other soft tissues. X-rays are usually only effective when assessing bones, outlines of internal organs, and searching for the presence of foreign objects.

Your vet can refer you to a practice that offers MRI, CT, or ultrasound scans if your pet needs a detailed soft tissue assessment.

Why Do Cats Need an X-Ray?

X-rays are essential for diagnosing a variety of common injuries and medical conditions seen in cats. Let’s list some of the most common reasons why a cat would need an x-ray!

• To search for any broken bones
• To visualize any foreign objects in the digestive tract
• To search for abnormalities along the spine
• To search for bladder stones within the bladder
• To diagnose any dental infections or abnormalities
• To search for any potential masses within the chest or abdomen
• To diagnose fluid in the lungs
• To measure the size of a cat’s heart

There are a variety of reasons why a vet would recommend an x-ray for a cat. We suggest trusting their guidance when it comes to the best diagnostics for your little one.

Different Types of Diagnostic X-Rays for Cats

There are different types of x-rays that vets rely on to diagnose a medical condition in your feline companion. Let’s break down the most common forms of x-ray that your veterinarian may recommend for your cat.

Standard X-Ray

The standard x-ray can be found in most veterinary practices. This type of x-ray involves your cat laying on an x-ray table. The x-ray machine will capture an image of your cat from above. The standard x-ray captures full body images, but your vet can focus on certain regions of the body as well.

Dental X-Ray

Dental x-rays are specifically designed to capture a photo of your pet’s dental anatomy. Most vets will recommend performing a dental x-ray before any anesthetized dental procedure. This will help them determine the dental care needed while your cat is under.

Standard X-Ray with Contrast

An x-ray with contrast is used to search for any abnormalities or foreign bodies within a cat’s digestive tract. The edible contrast glows on an x-ray. Your vet will feed your cat the contrast about 20 minutes before capturing the images. As this contrast moves through your cat’s digestive tract, it will allow your vet to visualize any narrowing of the intestinal passageways, as well as identify any complete blockages.

How Much Does an X-Ray for Cats Cost?

The average cost of x-rays for cats will typically be anywhere from $150-$350. Let’s break down the factors that can impact the final cost:

Type: Cost will vary based on the form of x-ray and specific condition. If a few simple dental x-rays are needed, then it will likely be on the lower end of the scale. However, if your vet wants multiple images with contrast, then this will cost more.

Sedation: Your cat may need sedation if he is unable to be restrained, or if positioning will cause pain. Sedation will be an additional cost on top of x-ray fees.

Radiologist: Your bill will likely be higher if your veterinarian needs to consult a radiologist. Some medical conditions are challenging to decipher. Your vet may reach out to a radiologist for support. Radiologists are experts in their field, so their assessments are incredibly useful.

Views: The number of views your vet requires will impact your final vet bill. Most cats are about 14 to 18 inches long, so your vet can capture the entire body in one film. Most vets require one image of your cat on his side, and another view of your cat on his back. This allows your vet to better visualize the entire region of interest. If your cat has a medical condition that requires more than two x-ray films, it will likely cost more.

Clinic location: Clinics in metropolitan areas are more expensive than clinics in rural areas. The fees to keep the clinic running are higher in the city, so the costs are higher as a result.

Options For Financial Assistance

We are not always financially prepared for the costs associated with our pet’s sudden vet care. Let’s list some of the options you can explore for your cat’s x-ray fees.

Care credit & scratch pay: Care credit and scratch pay are medical credit cards that many vet offices accept for payment. If you need to rely on these options, we suggest asking your vet if they accept them before your visit. If they do not, you can search for a clinic in the area that does.

Pet insurance: Most pet insurances will reimburse you for 60-90% of your cat’s vet bills. However, you will need to be enrolled with the pet insurance before your vet visit. They will only reimburse pet parents that are enrolled before the time of the claim.

Final Thoughts

Many cats will need to have an x-ray performed at least once in their life. X-rays are useful for diagnosing sudden health complications and injuries. They are also helpful with early detection of common health issues during senior wellness exams. Review the information we discussed above, and you can better understand what to expect if your cat ever needs an x-ray!

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