How Much Does It Cost to Spay/Neuter a Cat in Hawai‘i?

Gray and white cat sitting on a rock

Wondering how much it costs to spay or neuter a cat in Hawai‘i? You’re not alone. Spaying and neutering are important parts of responsible pet parenting, and choosing to get your cat fixed is often the first major decision you’ll have to make for your pet, but the fear of high prices makes some people hesitate.The truth is, the cost depends on a few things: which island you’re on, the clinic you go to, and whether you qualify for any of the low-cost programs available.

A spay or neuter surgery can run anywhere from $50 to $300. Shelters, rescues, and nonprofit clinics are usually on the cheaper end, while private vet practices tend to cost more. Some rescues also offer vouchers or special events that help cover the cost—especially if you’re wanting to spay/neuter a community cat.

Even though costs can vary quite a bit, we’re here to help you understand what you can expect to pay, how costs vary by island, and why the value of spay/neuter goes far beyond the price tag.

The Importance of Spay and Neuter

While the cost of surgery can cause financial strain, spaying or neutering is really an investment that brings lifelong benefits—for your cat, your wallet, and the community.

For your cat:

  • Health: Spaying protects females from uterine infections and certain cancers, while neutering lowers the risk of testicular cancer.
  • Behavior: Sterilized cats are usually calmer, less likely to spray, yowl, or try to escape. Many pet parents notice a friendlier, more relaxed kitty after surgery.

For the community:

  • Population control: Fewer unwanted litters mean fewer cats entering shelters and fewer kittens struggling outdoors.
  • Protecting wildlife: Reducing the number of free-roaming cats helps safeguard Hawai‘i’s endangered native birds. Caregivers of community cats play a huge role here because every cat that gets fixed reduces the number of kittens born into colonies, creating a healthier, more stable group overall.

For your wallet:

  • Savings: The one-time cost of surgery is far lower than raising kittens or paying for the additional health issues that tend to develop in intact cats.

When you look at the full picture, spaying or neutering is one of the most impactful steps you can take for your cat’s health, for the community, and for Hawai‘i’s environment.

What Impacts the Cost of Spay/Neuter in Hawaii?

The price you’ll pay depends on several factors:

  • Island differences: Veterinary costs can vary between O‘ahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kaua‘i. Islands with fewer clinics may have higher costs because of demand.
  • Clinic type: Private veterinary clinics tend to charge more than nonprofit clinics or mobile spay/neuter vans.
  • Sex of the cat: Spaying a female cat is usually more expensive than neutering a male because it’s a more complex surgery.
  • Extra services: Many clinics bundle microchipping, vaccines, or pain medication into the procedure, which can raise the price.

If you’re caring for a community or feral cat, the good news is that many local programs include these extras at reduced rates as part of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts.

Typical Cost Ranges by Island

While prices shift slightly depending on availability and local resources, here’s a general idea of what you might pay:

  • O‘ahu: $75 to $200 for neuter; $100 to $250 for spay at private clinics. The Hawaiian Humane Society and mobile spay/neuter clinics often offer discounted rates, sometimes as low as $50 to $75.
  • Maui: $65 to $175 for neuter; $90 to $225 for spay. Maui Humane Society frequently runs low-cost or free spay/neuter programs for both pets and community cats.
  • Big Island (Hawai‘i Island): $60 to $175 for neuter; $90 to $200 for spay. Organizations like PetFix Big Island help cover part of the cost for community cats and low-income pet parents.
  • Kaua‘i: $70 to $180 for neuter; $95 to $225 for spay. Kaua‘i Humane Society offers frequent vouchers and subsidized TNR programs.

If cost is a barrier, always check with your island’s humane society or local rescue groups. Many programs are donor-funded to ensure families and caregivers aren’t forced to choose between affordability and responsible pet care.

Accessing Low-Cost or Free Programs

Hawai‘i has several resources to help offset the cost of sterilization:

  • Humane societies: Hawaiian Humane Society, Maui Humane Society, Kaua‘i Humane Society, and Hawai‘i Island Humane Society all provide regular low-cost clinics.
  • Mobile clinics: On some islands, vans travel to underserved areas to make spay/neuter accessible.
  • Voucher programs: Some rescues distribute vouchers to reduce fees at private veterinary practices.
  • TNR programs: For community cats, many organizations offer free or extremely low-cost spay/neuter services that also include ear-tipping and vaccines. The city and county of Honolulu partners with several shelters and rescues for the Feline Fix program. The organizations below all offer free sterilization for community cats as part of the program.

If you’re unsure where to start, check out our Feral & Stray Cat FAQ: Local Info, TNR, and More or contact a shelter or rescue near you.

Commonly Asked Questions

Is spay/neuter required by law in Hawai‘i?

While there is no statewide law mandating sterilization, some counties have ordinances encouraging it. Local humane societies strongly promote spay/neuter as part of responsible pet care.

When is the best age to spay or neuter my cat?

Most veterinarians recommend around four to six months of age, though some clinics safely sterilize as early as eight weeks for kittens weighing at least two pounds. If you’ve just brought home a kitten, our guide on when to spay/neuter can help.

Can community cats be sterilized affordably?

Yes. Many TNR programs across Hawai‘i offer free or low-cost surgeries for feral and community cats. Ear-tipping is included to show that a cat has been sterilized.

How should I prepare my cat for surgery?

Follow your veterinarian’s instructions! Most vets will ask you to withhold food after midnight the night before. Make sure to provide a quiet, safe recovery space your cat can rest in after the surgery.

If you have additional questions or are still concerned about costs, reach out to your island’s humane society or a local rescue to ask about low-cost options. Whether you’re a pet parent or helping community cats through TNR, Hawai‘i offers resources to make sterilization accessible.

Spaying and neutering not only prevents unwanted litters, it improves health, behavior, and quality of life for cats across our islands. By making this one-time investment, you’re helping create a healthier future for cats and communities in Hawai‘i.

References

Hawaiian Humane Society. Spay/Neuter Services. https://hawaiianhumane.org/services/spay-neuter/
Maui Humane Society. Spay & Neuter. https://www.mauihumanesociety.org/spay-neuter/
PetFix Big Island. Affordable Spay & Neuter. https://www.petfixbigisland.org/
Kaua‘i Humane Society. Low-Cost Spay/Neuter. https://kauaihumane.org/spay-neuter/

American Veterinary Medical Association. Spaying and Neutering. https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/spaying-and-neutering