Cat Dental Cleaning Cost

Dental cleanings play an important part in maintaining a cat’s overall health by helping to prevent the development of periodontal disease, also known as dental disease (Batiari). While brushing your cat’s teeth can be helpful, annual professional dental cleanings allow your vet to remove any plaque building below the gum line (Batiari). This article will provide cost estimates for cat dental cleanings and answer the most frequently asked questions on this topic.

How Much Does a Cat Dental Cleaning Cost?

The cost of cat dental cleanings can range from $100 - $700 (Bauhaus). A few factors that can affect the cost of your cat’s dental cleaning include:

Cat’s age: Older cats may have more plaque or tartar buildup, increasing the time required for the cleaning and by extension the cost of the procedure (Batiari).

Cat’s size: Larger cats require more anesthesia to remain sedated throughout the procedure. Since more medication will be administered, the cost of the procedure may increase (Batiari). 

Severity of gum disease: Cats with severe gum disease may require tooth extractions, greatly increasing the cost of their dental cleaning (Coates). 

Overall health of the pet: Cats suffering from additional health conditions like kidney or heart disease are higher risk, requiring additional monitoring during the cleaning (Coates). 

Location: Clinics located in more populated areas tend to have more expensive fees than those in rural areas (Batiari). 

Read more: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Do Cat’s Need Professional Teeth Cleaning? 

Cats are prone to tartar and plaque buildup which can lead to periodontal disease or gingivitis if not removed through a dental cleaning. These conditions can cause oral pain, infections, tooth decay, inflammation, or tooth and bone loss if left untreated. In severe cases, the oral bacteria from these conditions can enter a cat’s bloodstream and negatively impact your pet’s heart, liver, or kidneys (Keiser and Bennett). 

Frequently Asked Question

How much does it cost to clean cat teeth? On average, pet parents can expect to pay between $100 and $700 for their cat’s dental cleaning (Bauhaus).

Are cat dental cleanings worth it? Maintaining your cat’s oral health through dental cleanings can help to prevent the development of dental disease or gingivitis, two conditions can cause a lot of oral discomfort (Keiser and Bennett)

How often should cats get their teeth cleaned? Cats should have professional dental cleanings every one to two years to help control any tartar build up (Keiser and Bennett). 

Can Pet Insurance Cover Dental Cleanings for Cats?

While pet insurance base plans typically only cover accidents and illnesses, some providers, like Spot Pet Insurance, offer wellness or preventive care add-ons that can help provide coverage for routine services like dental cleanings for a small fee. 

Maintaining Your Cat’s Dental Health Between Cleanings

At home oral care can help to keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy between dental cleanings. Here are a few suggestions for at home oral care for your cat (Keiser and Bennett):

Dental Chews: Dental chews are treats intended to improve a pet’s oral health and can be a great option for food motivated cats. 

Finger Brushing: Using a finger brush once a day to brush your cat’s teeth can help maintain their oral health. Opt for cat-safe toothpaste if you use any at all; human toothpaste often contains ingredients that are not pet-safe. 

Gels, water additives, or probiotics: Gel or water additives are intended to rinse and refresh a cat’s mouth while probiotics help support the healthy bacteria present there.

Conclusion

While dental cleanings for cats can be expensive, they are an important step in maintaining oral health and preventing dental disease and gingivitis. Pet insurance with a preventive care add-on can help pet parents get cash back on the cost of their cat’s annual dental cleaning. To learn more about Spot’s pet plans visit our cat insurance page.