Hip dysplasia surgery costs $3,000-$6,000 — and yes, cats get it too. Most people think hip dysplasia is a dog problem, but it's more common in cats than most vets admit. The hip joint doesn't form properly, leading to looseness, cartilage damage, and arthritis. Large breeds like Maine Coons are especially prone. Conservative treatment runs $500-$1,500, but severe cases need surgery.
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket — in hip dysplasia, the socket is too shallow or the ball is malformed, creating a loose, unstable joint. This is primarily genetic, inherited from one or both parents. The loose joint causes abnormal wear on cartilage, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventually arthritis. Obesity accelerates joint deterioration. It's bilateral in most cases — both hips are affected. More common in cats than most people think
Reluctance to jump or climb. Difficulty rising after resting. Narrow, swaying gait in the hind legs. Reduced activity and reluctance to play. Stiffness that worsens in cold or damp weather. Muscle loss in the hind legs while front legs become more muscular as the cat compensates. Litter box avoidance if sides are too high. Many cats show no obvious signs until the condition is advanced. Cats often compensate quietly for years
Physical exam reveals hip laxity, pain on extension, and reduced range of motion. X-rays ($200-$500) under sedation are essential — proper positioning is critical for accurate assessment. X-rays show joint looseness, shallow acetabulum, and any arthritic changes. Both hips should be radiographed for comparison. The OFA scoring system used in dogs can be adapted for cats. Average $200-$500
Conservative management ($500-$1,500): weight management, pain medications ($30-$80/month), joint supplements, environmental modifications, physical therapy. Surgery ($3,000-$6,000): femoral head ostectomy (FHO) removes the ball of the femur — cats do remarkably well with this procedure. Total hip replacement is rare in cats but available at specialty centers for $5,000-$8,000. Conservative $500-$1,500, surgery $3,000-$6,000
Diagnosis plus conservative or surgical treatment. Conservative management is ongoing. FHO surgery is usually one-time with good results. $700-$7,000 depending on severity and treatment path.
Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll, and British Shorthair are most commonly affected. Larger, heavier breeds have higher rates. Maine Coons have the highest prevalence among cat breeds.
Hip dysplasia is progressive. Without intervention, the joint deteriorates and arthritis develops. Early diagnosis and weight management significantly slow the progression.
Keep your cat at an ideal weight — obesity makes hip dysplasia much worse. Avoid breeding affected cats. Responsible breeding programs screen for hip dysplasia.
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Diagnosis plus conservative or surgical treatment.
Most comprehensive policies cover hip dysplasia diagnosis and treatment if your cat is enrolled before symptoms appear. The standard 14-day illness waiting period applies, plus many insurers have a separate orthopedic waiting period of 6-12 months. Surgery, X-rays, pain medications, and follow-up visits are typically covered.
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition, and some budget policies exclude hereditary conditions entirely. This is the single biggest coverage gap for purebred cat owners. If you have a Maine Coon, Persian, or Ragdoll, you need a policy that explicitly covers hereditary and congenital conditions. Read the policy exclusions carefully before enrolling.
FHO surgery at $3,000-$6,000 is a major expense that easily justifies insurance. Total hip replacement, if needed, can reach $8,000. Add diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, post-op medications, and rehabilitation — a single hip dysplasia case can cost more than a lifetime of insurance premiums. This is exactly the kind of catastrophic expense insurance is designed for.
If both hips need treatment, insurers may apply one deductible for both since it's the same underlying condition. However, some plans have per-incident or per-condition annual limits that may not cover bilateral surgery costs. Check your policy's per-condition maximum to ensure it's sufficient for potential bilateral treatment.
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Our guide shows exactly what to check in the fine print — before your first claim gets denied.
Insurance GuideBreeds Most Affected by Hip Dysplasia
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