Luxating patella surgery costs $1,500-$3,000 per knee — and many cats need both knees fixed. The kneecap slides out of its groove, graded from I (occasional slip, pops back on its own) to IV (permanently dislocated). Some cats limp intermittently for years before owners realize it's a structural problem. Without treatment, the joint wears down and arthritis sets in early.
The kneecap (patella) slides out of its normal groove in the femur. Usually a congenital defect — the groove is too shallow or the leg alignment is off. Graded I-IV: Grade I pops back on its own, Grade II slips out during movement, Grade III stays dislocated most of the time, Grade IV is permanently out. Trauma can also cause it, but inherited structural issues are the main driver. Most cats have Grade II or III at diagnosis
Intermittent skipping or hopping on a back leg — the classic sign. Your cat may suddenly hold one leg up for a few steps, then walk normally again. Reluctance to jump. Stiffness after resting. Crouching gait or bowlegged stance. In advanced cases, persistent lameness and muscle wasting in the affected leg. Many cats compensate well and owners miss early signs. The "bunny hop" gait is a telltale sign
Physical exam is often enough — the vet can feel the kneecap sliding in and out of place and assign a grade. X-rays ($150-$300) confirm the diagnosis, assess joint damage, and check for arthritis that may have developed. Sedation may be needed for proper X-ray positioning. Both knees should be evaluated even if only one seems affected. Average $150-$400
Grade I usually needs monitoring only. Grade II-IV typically require surgery — deepening the groove in the femur and realigning the kneecap mechanism. Surgery cost: $1,500-$3,000 per knee. Conservative management with pain meds and joint supplements ($30-$80/month) for cats that aren't surgical candidates. Weight management is critical for all grades. Surgery average $1,500-$3,000 per knee
Diagnosis plus surgery for one or both knees, including post-op care. Bilateral cases double the surgery cost. $1,800-$6,500 depending on grade and number of knees.
Devon Rex, Abyssinian, Siamese, and Bengal cats are predisposed. Smaller and lighter-boned breeds are more commonly affected. Any cat can develop it, but genetics play a major role.
Strict cage rest for 4-6 weeks after surgery. Gradual return to normal activity over 6-8 weeks. Success rate is 90%+ for surgical correction. Physical therapy can speed recovery.
Keep your cat at a healthy weight to reduce joint stress. Avoid breeding affected cats. Early diagnosis prevents arthritis from developing in the damaged joint.
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Diagnosis plus surgery for one or both knees, including post-op care.
Most policies cover luxating patella surgery if your cat is enrolled before symptoms appear. The standard 14-day illness waiting period applies, plus many insurers have a 6-month or 12-month orthopedic waiting period. Diagnosis, surgery, anesthesia, post-op medications, and follow-up visits are typically covered.
Many insurers impose a 6-12 month orthopedic waiting period specifically for conditions like luxating patella. If your cat shows symptoms during this window, it becomes pre-existing and won't be covered. Some plans waive this period with a vet exam within 14 days of enrollment. Read the fine print carefully.
If both knees need surgery, insurers may treat the second knee as a continuation of the same condition. This means one deductible applies to both, which works in your favor. However, some plans have per-incident limits that cap the total payout. Bilateral surgery can exceed $6,000 — check your plan's per-condition limits.
Some budget policies exclude congenital and hereditary conditions — luxating patella in purebred cats often falls into this category. Premium plans typically cover hereditary conditions. If you have a Devon Rex, Abyssinian, or other predisposed breed, make sure your policy explicitly covers hereditary orthopedic conditions.
🇺🇸 US Pet Insurance Guide
Our guide shows exactly what to check in the fine print — before your first claim gets denied.
Insurance GuideBreeds Most Affected by Luxating Patella
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