While it’s important for cat owners to learn how to brush their feline friends’ teeth and attend to their oral health at home, preventive care can only go so far in preventing serious dental issues.
Regularly brushing your cat’s teeth can certainly help keep harmful bacteria in check, but it’s also essential to budget for professional dental cleanings at the vet’s office throughout your cat’s life. These cleanings target hard-to-reach areas and address any existing damage.
If you’re curious about the cost of getting your cat’s teeth cleaned, we’ve provided an estimate in our pricing guide below. We’ll cover the typical expenses associated with cat dental cleaning, factors that can influence costs, and how you can offset veterinary bills for dental work through pet insurance.
Do Cats Need Dental Cleaning? Similar to humans, cats require regular teeth cleanings to prevent dental problems and maintain good oral health. Without proper oral hygiene, cats can develop dental diseases that lead to pain, discomfort, nutritional deficiencies, and potentially life-threatening conditions.
The most common dental issue in cats is periodontal disease, which involves bacterial infection of the gum tissue supporting the tooth structure, leading to various complications.
Periodontal disease affects as many as 85% of cats by the age of two, highlighting the importance of routine dental care. Even if you brush your cat’s teeth at home, professional dental cleanings are still necessary to remove plaque buildup beneath the gum line.
How Much Does a Cat Dental Cleaning Cost? A professional cat dental cleaning typically ranges from $100 to $400, although it can exceed a thousand dollars depending on your pet’s oral health condition. For example, your veterinarian may recommend tooth extractions during the procedure, which can add an average cost of about $50 per tooth. Additionally, expenses for anesthesia, intravenous fluids, and take-home medications can contribute to the overall cost of your cat’s dental cleaning.
Factors Affecting Cat Dental Cleaning Costs: Several variables can impact the cost of cat dental cleaning:
- Age: Older cats often have heavier plaque and tartar buildup, which takes longer to remove and may increase the procedure’s cost.
- Size: Your cat’s size can influence costs because anesthesia and medication dosages are often weight-dependent.
- Location: The cost of veterinary services can vary based on your location, with urban areas generally having higher prices compared to rural regions.
- Veterinary Clinic: Each veterinary facility may have different pricing structures based on their experience, availability, and the specific services included in their dental cleaning package.
What Does the Cost of a Cat Dental Cleaning Include? Unlike dental cleanings for humans, cat dental cleaning involves administering anesthesia while veterinarians use specialized tools to clean both above and below the gum line. Here’s what is typically included in the cost of a cat dental cleaning:
- X-Rays: These may be necessary for a closer examination of your cat’s teeth to check for cavities or fractures.
- Pre-Surgical Tests: Before administering anesthesia, your cat may require blood work to assess organ function and overall health.
- Tooth Extraction: While a standard cleaning is included in the base price, additional fees may apply for tooth extractions.
- Root Canals: In cases where a broken or infected tooth (e.g., canine teeth) is crucial for chewing, a root canal might be recommended. However, this procedure is more expensive than a tooth extraction.
- Medications: Your cat may require antibiotics to treat or prevent infections, as well as pain relievers to manage any post-surgery discomfort. These medication costs are typically added to the overall cleaning procedure cost.
Do Cats Need Anesthesia for Teeth Cleaning? Anesthesia is essential for a comprehensive and effective dental cleaning procedure. It is generally considered safe, with a low risk of anesthetic-related complications in cats (approximately 0.24%).
Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate type of anesthesia to use based on your cat’s health and specific needs.
Can a Cat’s Teeth Be Cleaned Without Anesthesia? For safe and effective dental cleaning, anesthesia is required for all cats. While anesthesia does increase the overall cost of cat dental cleaning, it is essential for the well-being, comfort, and safety of your pet.
Conducting dental work on a conscious cat can be traumatic and stressful for the animal. It also presents safety risks for the veterinary dentist performing the procedure, as a conscious cat is unlikely to tolerate dental instruments probing their mouth.
While some businesses offer non-anesthetic cat teeth cleanings, also known as non-anesthetic dentistry (NAD) or anesthesia-free dentistry, these procedures are not recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). NAD cleanings do not allow for inspection or treatment below the gumline, providing minimal health benefits to pets.
What Happens During a Veterinary Dental Cleaning? The cat dental cleaning procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia: Your cat is administered anesthesia, such as propofol or telazol, to ensure they remain still and comfortable during the procedure.
- Oral Examination: The veterinarian conducts a thorough oral examination, checking each tooth for abrasions, discoloration, fractures, and other dental conditions.
- Scaling Below the Gum Line: Specialized scaling instruments are used to remove tartar and plaque buildup below the gum line, where gingivitis and periodontitis can develop.
- Scaling Above the Gum Line: Tartar and plaque on the crowns of your cat’s teeth are removed using scaling instruments.
- Polishing: Your cat’s teeth are polished to help prevent the accumulation of plaque and bacteria.
The entire dental cleaning procedure typically takes 45 to 75 minutes, with the actual cleaning lasting 15 to 30 minutes. Additional time is allocated for anesthesia administration, oral examination, procedure setup, and post-operative recovery.
After the procedure, some cats may experience minor pain from plaque or tartar removal, while others may feel drowsy due to anesthesia and the day’s activities. Antibiotics and/or painkillers may be prescribed for continued use at home, depending on your cat’s dental health and the treatments performed.
How Often Should I Get My Cat’s Teeth Professionally Cleaned? Cats should undergo professional teeth cleaning at least once a year to remove plaque and tartar buildup, regardless of their breed, size, or age. Even older cats, including those at 15 years of age, should have their teeth cleaned regularly. More frequent cleanings may be necessary if your cat has more severe dental issues, such as periodontitis.
Maintaining Your Cat’s Dental Health Between Cleanings: To ensure good dental health, cat owners should regularly brush their pets’ teeth using cat-specific toothpaste and a toothbrush. Daily brushing is ideal, but even a few times a week can make a significant difference.
If you notice persistent bad breath, unusual chewing behavior, loose or broken teeth, drooling, bleeding, tooth decay, or any signs of discomfort or pain, consult your veterinarian for a dental examination.
Bottom Line: How Much Does It Cost to Get My Cat’s Teeth Cleaned? Plan to budget around $300 for a professional cat dental cleaning, which includes general anesthesia, preliminary X-rays, and follow-up care. If your cat’s oral health is in excellent condition, a routine cleaning may cost less. However, if your cat has gum disease or requires tooth extractions, the price can easily double or triple, depending on your location.
Are Cat Dental Cleanings Worth the Cost? Cat dental cleanings are undoubtedly worth the cost because dental diseases can cause severe pain and lead to more serious health problems beyond oral discomfort. An infection that starts in the mouth, such as gingivitis, can enter the bloodstream and affect the liver, kidneys, and heart. The annual expense of a cat dental cleaning is far more affordable than the cost of treating a potentially fatal systemic infection.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cat Dental Cleaning? Some pet insurance providers offer coverage for routine teeth cleanings as part of their wellness coverage, which can be purchased in addition to a standard pet health insurance policy. Coverage for dental care varies among pet insurance companies, so use resources like Pawlicy Advisor to compare plans and find the best option for your cat’s needs.
