Our Vets are Available 🟢
Dial A Vet Logo
🐾 Pet Health
Blogs
Dog HealthCat HealthVeterinary ServicesPet Health
ask a vet
Ask A Vet Q&A - Free!
resources
Free Symptom CheckerDial A Vet NZFind a Local Vet Clinic
about DIAL A VET
Terms & Conditions
Privacy PolicyEditorial GuidelinesNewsletter
View all Blogs
Over 6,000 Articles
View All Q&A
5,000+ Answers
💵 Pricing📖 How it Works📧 Contact
Chat to a Vet

Question:

How much is it to remove a bullet pellet from a cat?

I really need some advice here. My poor furball, Whiskers, came home limping yesterday, and after rushing him to the vet, they told me he has a bullet pellet lodged in his leg. I’m absolutely devastated and furious that something like this could happen to him. The vet mentioned surgery is the best option, but I’m worried about the cost and recovery process because money’s tight right now. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of situation before? Any idea how much this might cost and if there are any alternative solutions? I love Whiskers dearly and want to do right by him, but I’m feeling overwhelmed. Any advice or experiences you can share would be so appreciated. Thanks for listening to my rambles.

Answer:

Hello there,



I'm really sorry to hear that your cat is dealing with this situation. Let’s work through this together. The cost of removing a bullet pellet can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the pellet's location, potential complications, the need for anesthesia, and your geographic location. It's important to address this promptly with a vet, as leaving a pellet in can lead to serious health issues, like infection or internal damage.



At home, try to keep your cat calm and restrict their movements to prevent aggravation of the injury. Make sure to monitor the wound for signs of swelling, redness, or discharge, which could indicate infection. If your cat shows signs like difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding, or noticeable pain, these are red flags for immediate veterinary attention.



It's crucial to avoid trying to remove the pellet yourself, as this can cause more harm than good. Keep the area clean and ensure your cat stays hydrated and comfortable in the meantime.



I recommend booking a video consult with us at Dial A Vet as soon as possible. We can guide you through the next steps and help arrange appropriate care for your cat. We're here to help support you both through this.

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 21, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
Did we make the right choice euthanizing my dog?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Does anyone know what this mark on my cats ear is?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cat Transdermal Hyperthyroid Medication and Human Contact
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Did I make the right decision euthanizing my kitten with FIP?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support—anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicFree Teachers lesson plansGasTexts: Free Gas Prices TextedCheersVC
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links