How Much Does a Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost

Taking care of your cat's teeth is important for their overall health. If their teeth aren't properly cared for, cats can develop common dental issues such as gum disease, infections, and tooth damage. Research shows that most cats over 4 years old will have some type of dental problem. This can lead to other serious health issues.

Regular brushing and checkups are important for keeping your cat's teeth healthy. But if you don't catch dental issues in time, you may need to seek professional help. A cleaning could cost several hundred dollars or more.

How much does a cat's teeth cleaning cost?

The cost of cat teeth cleaning ranges from $100 to over $2,000. Your cat's specific needs and the expertise of the vet or pet dentist affect the cost. But the price you pay can change based on several factors, including:

• Location: Where you live can affect the cost of cat teeth cleaning. In cities with higher living costs, you may pay more than the national average of $314 for this service.

• Size: The amount of anesthesia used in cleaning your cat's teeth depends on their weight and size. Larger cats may require more anesthesia during the cleaning process. This can increase your total cost.

• Age of the cat: Older cats may have more medical conditions. This could require more treatments, monitoring, or checkups, which may increase the cost.

• Dental health and preexisting conditions: Dental issues, such as tooth decay or gingivitis, may make the cleaning more complex. This could result in a higher cost.

• Overall condition of the cat: Cats in poor health may need extra care. This could include medications, more frequent cleanings, or advanced procedures such as root canals or tooth extractions.

• Vet expertise or specialization: If your cat requires more than a standard cleaning, you may need a vet who specializes in oral surgery, periodontics, or endodontics. This would cost more but offer more specialized care.

• X-rays or ultrasonic cleaning: Some vets use dental x-rays and ultrasonic cleaning to assess your cat's dental health. These can add to your costs.

• Preoperative tests: Your vet may require additional tests, such as a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT). This includes a preanesthetic exam, blood work, and dental probing. Undergoing a COHAT can increase the fees at your vet clinic or pet hospital.

• Anesthesia: When vets perform cat teeth cleaning, anesthesia is required. Depending on the type of anesthesia used, your cost may increase.

• Postprocedure medication: To relieve discomfort, vets may prescribe your cat antibiotics, like clindamycin, or pain relievers.

Some vets include x-rays, anesthesia, and exams in the cost of dental cleaning services. Others charge separately. Before your cat receives services, it's a good idea to clarify what's included in the price and ask about extra fees.

Does pet insurance cover cat dental cleanings?

Whether pet insurance covers cat dental cleanings depends on the plan you sign up for. Not all pet insurance policies include dental care. If your cat had dental issues before being insured, those preexisting conditions might not be covered. But many pet insurance companies offer plans that can be customized based on your cat's needs.

If dental care is not included in your pet insurance, you can usually add a wellness plan. For example, Embrace offers Wellness Rewards. This is an add-on to their accident and illness plans that covers preventive dental cleaning. Progressive offers the BestWellness plan as an add-on to its standard policy. The plan covers routine dental cleanings and preventive care, such as heartworm prevention. It also includes microchipping. Wellness add-ons from pet insurance companies typically range from $10 to $20 per month. Standalone wellness plans may cost more.

There are many factors that can affect how much you pay for pet insurance, including:

• Age of your cat

• Breed

• Whether your cat is spayed or neutered

• Where you live

• Your pet insurance provider

• The specific plan or policy

• Preexisting conditions your cat has

How to save on cat teeth cleaning

Keeping your cat's teeth clean is important for preventing dental issues, but it doesn't have to be expensive. Regular at-home brushing can help maintain your cat's dental health between visits. This may also save you money on professional cleanings. Here are some ways to save on cat teeth cleanings and keep your pet's oral health in good shape.

1. Compare costs at different locations. Different veterinarians charge different prices for teeth cleanings. Call a few clinics in your area to get quotes and compare prices.

2. Search for discounts. You may find discounts available during National Pet Dental Health Month, in February. Some extend these offers beyond that. Contact vets to find out about these promotions.

3. Look into payment plans. If you can't afford to pay for your cat's dental cleaning upfront, ask your vet about payment plans. This lets you spread the cost over several months.

4. Review your pet insurance. Pet insurance plans typically don't cover routine dental care. But if you've expanded your coverage with a wellness add-on, your plan may cover dental care. Check your insurance policy to see if your plan covers the cost of cat teeth cleaning.

5. Visit a vet school clinic. You may be able to find affordable pet health services at a vet school clinic, where a vet supervises students. The American Association of Veterinary Medical College directory can help you find programs in your area.

6. Consider crowdfunding. Platforms like Waggle can help you raise money for pet emergencies. You can also use popular platforms like GoFundMe to get help paying for your cat's dental cleaning.

7. Apply for grants from nonprofits. Depending on your cat's condition and your income, nonprofits like Red Rover can help pay your vet bills. They offer grants to qualified pet owners. A grant is $250 on average.

8. Review cat teeth cleaning products. Taking care of your cat's teeth at home can save you money. Somevet-approved dental treats help reduce plaque, tartar, and bad breath. For example, research shows that dental chews help reduce plaque and the severity of gingivitis in cats. The Veterinary Oral Health Council provides its Seal of Acceptance for products that meet certain criteria.

Keep in mind that ahealth savings account can't be used to pay for your pet's medical services. Veterinary bills are not considered medical expenses for you or your dependents. But you can set up a savings account for pet insurance, a wellness add-on, and other products for your cat's teeth.

Is it worth getting your cat's teeth cleaned?

In many cases, getting your cat's teeth cleaned professionally is worthwhile. Regular dental cleanings help prevent more serious dental issues and health problems. It's important to consider the pros and cons of professional cat dental cleanings, especially if your cat has health conditions related to heart or kidney diseases.

Here are some benefits to consider:

• Prevents serious dental problems: Professional cleanings can help prevent dental conditions such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. They can also help detect early signs of dental issues.

• Reduces pain and discomfort: Cleaning your cat's teeth regularly can help remove tartar and plaque buildup. These conditions can cause chronic pain later.

• Prevent costly treatments later: Routine dental care can reduce the need for more expensive treatments, such as extractions.

Here are some downsides to take into consideration:

• Risks associated with anesthesia: Cat dental cleanings require general anesthesia so it's important to talk to your vet about the risks involved. Harmful reactions to anesthesia are rare, but they do occur in some cats.

• Cost: You could spend hundreds or thousands of dollars for cat teeth cleaning. The price depends on your location and your cat's health and age.

• Recovery time: Depending on your cat's condition, they may need extra care during recovery. This can add to the cost.