An Echo Study for Your Cat's HCM -- Is it Worth It?
By Dr. Kevin Toman, DVM · Medically reviewed November 1, 2026 · 40+ years in clinical practice · 300+ cats with HCM treated
Short answer: A cat echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) usually costs a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on where you live and who does it. A full cardiology visit with a specialist costs more than a scan alone. But here's the thing. It's the only test that can confirm and stage HCM, the most common heart disease in cats.
Price ranges by country
These are examples to help you plan. They are not quotes. Always ask your clinic for a written estimate.
| Where | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | About $700-800.00 for a scan alone; $1,000+ for a full specialist workup | Varies with your location. |
| United Kingdom | About £1,150 for a first specialist cardiology visit with echo | Royal Veterinary College estimate, Dec 2025 |
| European Union | [VERIFY: € range, e.g., Germany, France, Netherlands] | Prices vary a lot by country and clinic |
| Hong Kong | [VERIFY: HK$ range] | Specialist cardiology is mostly at larger referral hospitals |
| Taiwan | [VERIFY: NT$ range] | Ask whether a cardiologist reads the scan, and for a written report with measurements. |
| Mainland China | [VERIFY: ¥ range]Ask whether a cardiologist reads the scan, and for a written report with measurements. |
Ask whether a cardiologist reads the scan, and for a written report with measurements. |
What's included-- and what isn't.
Two prices can look very different because they cover different things. Ask what each quote includes.
| Item | Sometimes included? | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| The ultrasound scan | Always | Measures the heart wall and chambers |
| Specialist consult | Sometimes | A cardiologist explains results and the plan |
| Written report with measurements | Usually, ask to be sure | You need this for second opinions |
| ECG (heart rhythm) | Sometimes | Finds rhythm problems |
| Blood pressure | SOMETIMES. | Rules out a fixable cause |
| Bloodwork (thyroid, NT-proBNP) | Usually extra | Rules out other causes, screens for strain |
| Chest X-rays | Usually extra | Checks for fluid if heart failure is a concern |
A first visit usually costs more than a recheck. Follow-up scans are often cheaper.
From Dr. Kevin's 400+ Cats with HCM:
If you're looking for a screening test, DON'T DO AN ECHO.
Instead, do the (much) cheaper blood test called Pro-BNP on an annual basis. Cheap, simple, only a couple drops of blood.
If the Pro-BNP comes back high, THEN do the echo.
Why an echo is worth it
Your veterinarian's stethoscope can miss HCM. Many cats with HCM have no murmur. Others have a murmur but a normal heart.
An echo tells you:
- Whether HCM is really there
- The stage (B1, B2 and so on)
- Whether the left atrium is enlarged (the biggest risk factor)
- Whether your cat may need clot-prevention medicine
- Whether your cat may be a candidate for newer treatments like Felycin
Without an echo, you're guessing. With one, you have a plan.
Can a blood test replace an echo?
No. The NT-proBNP blood test can show the heart is under strain. It's a useful, cheaper first screen. It's a "should we look closer?" test, not a diagnosis.
What happens during the scan?
- Most cats do not need anesthesia. Some get light sedation if they're very stressed.
- Your cat lies on a padded table. A small patch of fur may be shaved.
- The vet places a probe on the chest with gel. It doesn't hurt.
- It usually takes 15 to 45 minutes.
Who should get one?
- Cats with a murmur, gallop or abnormal heart rhythm
- Breeds at higher risk: Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, Sphynx, Persian, Chartreux
- Cats with a family history of HCM
- Cats with a high NT-proBNP result
- Senior cats, especially before anesthesia
- Cats already diagnosed, for rechecks
How often should a cat with HCM get one?
It depends on the stage. As a rough guide: about yearly for Stage B1, about every 6 months for Stage B2, and more often for cats in heart failure. Your vet will set the schedule.
7 questions to ask before you book
- Will a veterinary cardiologist do or read the scan?
- Is the consult included in the price?
- Will I get a written report with measurements?
- Will you measure the left atrium and its function?
- Is an ECG or blood pressure check included?
- What would extra tests cost?
- When will I get the results?
Frequently asked questions
Does a cat echocardiogram hurt?
No. It's an ultrasound, like the kind used during pregnancy in people.
Does my cat need anesthesia?
Most cats don't. A few very anxious cats get light sedation.
Can my regular vet do an echo?
Some can. For complex cases or breeding cats, a cardiologist's read is best.
Can an echo find HCM before symptoms start?
Yes. That's one of its biggest benefits.
Is a gene test cheaper than an echo?
Usually, but they answer different questions. A gene test shows risk. An echo shows the heart as it is now.
Your next step.
Already have an echo report but not sure what it says? Enroll in our Cat Longevity Protocol, and Dr. Kevin will help you figure it out.
Free guide: HCM University · Find a cardiologist near you
References
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feline cardiomyopathy.
- Royal Veterinary College. Specialist cardiology prices, December 2025.
- Luis Fuentes V, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on cardiomyopathies in cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2020;34(3):1062–1077.
This article is for education only. It does not replace an exam, diagnosis or treatment plan from your own veterinarian. Prices and regulations change; confirm locally.