How Much Does a Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost?

Whether your veterinarian has told you that your cat needs a teeth cleaning or you’re being proactive about your cat’s oral health, you’ve probably wondered what’s involved in a professional cat teeth cleaning procedure and how much it’ll set you back.

Here’s a complete guide on everything you need to know about veterinary cat dental cleanings, including the average cat teeth cleaning cost.

How Much Does a Cat Dental Cleaning Cost?

The average cost of cleaning a cat’s teeth in 2023 ranged from $113–$600 in the United States.

The costs associated with cat dental cleanings vary widely, based on several factors including:

• Office type or geographic location: Differences in overhead expenses like rent, salaries, or taxes can really add up.

• Severity of dental disease: A dental cleaning for a cat that has minimal tartar and no other oral problems will be cheaper than a cleaning for a cat with severe periodontitis and several loose teeth that need to be extracted.

• Overall health: Cats that have other health problems, like kidney disease or a heart condition, require additional anesthetic monitoring and support.

Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with a more individualized estimate. Just make sure you discuss how you would like them to proceed if they find something unexpected that requires additional treatment and charges.

Communication is the key to preventing unwanted surprises when it comes time to pay your bill.

What Does the Cost of a Cat Dental Cleaning Include?

The only way to safely (for both the cat and veterinary personnel) fully examine and clean a cat’s teeth is to use general anesthesia.

To prepare, your veterinarian will need:

• Lab work to pick the safest anesthetic protocol possible based on a cat’s particular needs

• Several injectable medications to induce anesthesia and ease anxiety and pain

• An IV catheter so fluids can be administered to support blood pressure and to provide immediate access to the bloodstream should an emergency arise

• Placement of a tube with an inflatable cuff into the cat’s trachea (windpipe) to administer anesthetic gasses and to protect the lungs from liquid and debris

• The use of several monitors during anesthesia

And these are the costs before the cat dental cleaning even gets started! Other typical expenses include:

• The veterinarian’s and veterinary technician’s time

• Equipment and materials used during the cleaning

• Dental X-rays

• Antibiotics, pain relievers, and other medications, if necessary

Expect to pay more if your cat needs to have severely damaged teeth removed or other types of advanced treatment.

Why Do Cats Need Their Teeth Cleaned by a Professional?

Research has shown that the benefits of caring for our pets’ teeth go far beyond a bright smile and fresh breath. 

Periodontitis—infection, inflammation, and breakdown of the structures that support teeth—can lead to severe oral infections and tooth loss. It has also been associated with an increased risk for diseases affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other parts of a cat’s body—although more research is needed.

And once your cat has dental tartar, gingivitis, or more advanced periodontitis, a professional dental cleaning is the only way to get rid of it.

So it makes financial sense to pay for a professional teeth cleaning before these issues come up—or before they turn into more costly health problems that cause your pet to suffer.

Cats benefit from having their teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year, but your veterinarian can determine the schedule that works best for your pet.

What Happens During a Veterinary Cat Dental Cleaning?

The AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats lists 12 steps for veterinarians to follow before, during, and after dental cleanings, surgeries, and procedures.

Here’s the paraphrased version of what’s involved:

1. Perform an oral evaluation on the pet before administering anesthesia (often easier said than done!).

2. X-ray the entire mouth of the anesthetized pet. This is the only way to determine if deeper structures, like the roots of teeth, are healthy.

3. Scale the teeth (remove plaque and tartar) above and below the gums, using appropriate tools.

4. Polish the teeth to smooth the enamel, which helps slow the return of plaque and tartar.

5. Perform an oral evaluation using a periodontal probe, looking for deep pockets between the teeth and gums that require treatment.

6. Flush out the pockets between the teeth and gums to remove debris and add polishing paste to fully inspect the area.

7. Perform any needed periodontal therapy (root canals, for example) or extractions after informing and receiving consent from the owner.

8. Administer either systemic or local antibiotics where indicated.

9. Apply antiplaque substances such as barrier sealants to the teeth.

10. Biopsy all abnormal masses and submit them to a qualified pathologist.

11. Maintain an open airway via intubation until the pet is swallowing and can lie on their chest.

12. Provide instruction for at-home dental care, including the use of safe cat dental products.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Cat Dental Cleanings?

Paying out-of-pocket for cat dental cleanings can be costly.

The good news is some types of pet insurance, like the CarePlus® wellness plan, cover dental cleanings.

But keep in mind that traditional accident and illness pet insurance usually only covers injuries to a cat’s mouth and a few other limited health conditions—not routine dental care.

Read the pet insurance policy carefully to know exactly what is and isn’t covered.