While all cat owners should learn how to clean their cat’s teeth and care for their pet’s oral health at home, preventive measures can only go so far in preventing serious dental diseases. Brushing a cat’s teeth regularly is a great way to stop dangerous microorganisms from growing. However, you will need to pay for the cost of teeth cleaning at the vet throughout the life of your cat to address those difficult-to-reach areas and fix any damage that has already occurred.
If you’re curious how much a cat teeth cleaning would cost, we’ve included typical costs in our price guide below. We’ll go through the usual cost of cat teeth cleaning at Petsmart, the various price variables that make the treatment more or less expensive, and how pet insurance coverage can help you offset high vet bills for dental work.
Why do Cats Need to Get their Teeth Cleaned?
Cats develop plaque on their teeth and require frequent dental cleanings like humans. If the plaque on their teeth is not removed regularly, it can lead to major tooth and gum problems, as well as other health difficulties.
“This can lead to oral diseases such as periodontal disease and gingivitis, which can cause pain, inflammation, infection, tooth decay, and tooth or bone loss over time,” Dr. Richardson explained. “Plaque and bacteria can enter your pet’s bloodstream and damage organs such as their heart, liver, and kidneys.”
How Much Does Cat Cleaning Cost
The cost of cleaning your cat can vary depending on several factors. Depending on the depth of the dental disease, if extractions are required, your pet’s age, weight, and any underlying diseases, the cost of cleaning your cat teeth can vary greatly (as this may impact the anesthesia required).
The average cost of cleaning your cat teeth ranges from $200 to $1,500, and you may request an estimate from your vet to find out how much it would cost.
You should also set aside money for an exam before the surgery to make sure your pet is healthy and ready to be put to sleep. Most pet insurance plans do not cover teeth cleanings, but you can generally buy a wellness plan add-on that includes routine vet visits and preventative care.
“Dental cleanings are normally not covered by pet insurance, however, some plans may include them as part of a wellness package (sometimes up to a specified amount per year),” Dr. Richardson explained.
If your cat gets a cavity or needs a tooth pulled, there may be additional fees. But if the problem with his teeth is caused by an injury, it may be covered by an accident-only or accident-and-illness pet insurance plan.
Petsmart Cat Cleaning Cost
Cleaning at PetSmart begins at $15 for a basic bath and brush for a cat. When you add on extras like a shedding treatment or flea and tick shampoo, the price might reach $60 or higher. Your cat’s size and the length of its fur will affect the price.
Nail trimming, ear cleaning, bathing, and brushing are all included in the full-service grooming package for cats. The cost of this service is $45 for short-haired cats and $60 for long-haired cats.
How Long Does It Take to Clean Your Pet at PetSmart?
The time it takes to groom your pet at PetSmart depends on the size of your pet and the services you request. A basic bath and brush can take as little as 30 minutes for a small dog, while a full-service grooming package for a large dog can take up to 4 hours. Basic shampooing and brushing for cats might take 45 minutes to an hour, while a full-service grooming package can take up to 90 minutes.
The PetSmart team will be able to provide you with a more exact estimate of how long it will take to groom your pet based on its size and the services you want when you schedule your appointment.
The Advantages of PetSmart Cleaning
Grooming at PetSmart has several advantages for both you and your pet. For starters, it’s a convenient way to keep your pet looking good. You can make an appointment that works with your hectic schedule and leave your pet while you run errands or go to work. Second, professional grooming can help reduce shedding, keep your pet’s coat healthy, and avoid the formation of mats and tangles. Finally, grooming is an excellent way to bond with your pet and develop trust.
PetSmart has you covered, whether you need a quick bath or a full-service grooming package. Make an appointment today and see how easy and economical professional pet grooming can be!
What Does the Cost of a Cat Teeth Cleaning Include?
In contrast to human dental cleaning, cats are sedated while their teeth are scraped and cleaned above and below the gum line with specialized tools. Here’s what else the cost of cat teeth cleaning may include.
- X-rays may be required. If your veterinarian wants to examine your pet’s teeth more closely to search for cavities or fractures.
- Pre-operative examinations. Your four-legged buddy may require blood tests before receiving anesthesia to determine organ function and general health.
- Extraction of a tooth. The usual cleaning is included in the flat fee, but each tooth may necessitate an additional extraction cost for your cat.
- Root canal treatment. When a fractured or infected tooth, like the canine teeth, is required for chewing, a root canal may be indicated. This procedure, however, is more expensive than a tooth extraction.
- Medications. Your four-legged pet may require antibiotics to cure or prevent infection, as well as pain relievers following surgery. The total cost of the cleaning procedure will be increased by these costs.
Do Cats Need Anesthesia for Teeth Cleaning?
For complete and thorough teeth cleaning, a dental anesthetic is necessary. When adequate precautions are taken, it is generally believed to be safe and have a quick recovery period. The chance of anesthetic mortality is merely 0.24% in cats.
Depending on their experience and your cat’s needs, your veterinarian will determine which type of anesthesia to use.
Can a Cat’s Teeth Be Cleaned Without Anesthesia?
All cats require anaesthetic during veterinary dental cleanings to ensure a safe and effective operation. Although anesthetics will increase the overall cost of cleaning your cat’s teeth, sedating your pet is worth the extra cost for your health, comfort, and well-being.
It is not only traumatic and stressful for cats to remain conscious while undergoing invasive and sometimes painful dental work, but it also poses a safety risk for the veterinary dentist performing the procedure, as a conscious animal would not allow a veterinarian to prod around their mouth with dental instruments.
Businesses may advertise low-cost cat teeth cleaning without anaesthetic, also known as non-anesthetic dentistry (NAD) or anesthesia-free dentistry, in which teeth are scaled and polished without the use of sedatives, tranquilizers, or anesthetics. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), on the other hand, doesn’t recommend dental cleanings for cats without anesthesia because they don’t allow treatment or inspection beyond the gum line and, as a result, don’t do much for the pets’ health.
The majority of cats awaken from anesthesia within 15 to 20 minutes of treatment. After a few hours of rest, they usually go back home the same day so they can continue to be watched.
What Happens During a Veterinary Dental Cleaning?
The vet or veterinary technician will give the animal propofol or telazol, and then attach your pet to the anesthetic machine. During the surgery, the technician will help the vet watch the monitors and oxygen feed to make sure everything is going well.
The veterinarian will then perform a thorough oral examination, inspecting each tooth for abrasions, discoloration, fractures, and other conditions.
After the dental exam, the vet will start cleaning below the gum line, which is where gingivitis and periodontitis happen when too much plaque and germs build up.
After cleaning the inner portions of the gums, your veterinarian will use specialized scaling equipment to scrape away at the tartar and plaque accumulation on your cat’s tooth crowns.
Once the scaling is done, your vet will polish your cat’s teeth to keep plaque and bacteria from building up. Following the polishing, the cleaning procedure will be completed.
Typically, it takes 45 to 75 minutes to complete the tooth cleaning procedure. The dental cleaning only takes 15 to 30 minutes, but anesthesia, the oral exam, treatment setup, and post-op recovery all take time.
Some cats may feel some pain when plaque or tartar is removed, and others may fall asleep because of the anesthetic and the day’s activities. Depending on the patient’s dental health and the treatments used, they may be sent home with antibiotics or painkillers.
Are Cat Teeth Cleanings Worth the Cost?
It’s important to clean your cat’s teeth because dental disease can be excruciatingly painful and lead to other, more serious health problems outside of the mouth. An infection that begins with gingivitis can enter the bloodstream and spread to the liver, kidneys, and heart. The cost of cleaning a cat every year is significantly less than the cost of treating a fatal systemic illness.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cat Teeth Cleaning?
Some pet insurance companies may cover regular teeth cleanings as part of their wellness coverage. Wellness coverage is an extra policy that can be bought on top of their standard pet health insurance policy. Different pet insurance companies offer different types of dental coverage, so use Advisor to compare plans and choose the best one for your cat.
Is it worth it to get cats teeth cleaned?
Yes. You may help your cat battle dental diseases throughout its life by keeping up with dental cleanings from an early age and sticking to a routine with them. You can also lower your cat’s risk of some types of oral cancer by having its teeth cleaned on a regular basis.
How often should cats get their teeth cleaned?
every six months to two years. Your veterinarian may recommend cat or dog teeth cleanings every six months to every two years, depending on your pet’s health.
How much does it cost to get a cat’s teeth cleaned under anesthesia?
A professional cat dental cleaning, which includes general anesthesia, a preliminary checkup with X-rays, and follow-up care, would cost roughly $300. If your cat’s oral health is in good shape, a routine cleaning may be substantially less expensive.
Should I take my cat to the vet for teeth cleaning?
The easiest method to combat this trend is to bring your pet to the clinic for regular teeth cleanings. It could help your dog or cat become one of the 15% of animals that do not develop major gum and tooth problems. No one else can clean your pet’s teeth as well as a trained veterinary practitioner.
How risky is cat dental cleaning?
As long as the preoperative blood work is normal and the heart and lungs are healthy, the chance of death from anesthesia is very minimal, about 0.1 percent.
What happens if you don’t clean cats’ teeth?
Cleaning your cat’s teeth today can prevent a slew of health problems later. Plaque can accumulate on cats’ chompers if they are not cleaned regularly.
Can I clean my cat’s teeth myself?
The answer is yes, if possible! You can avoid dental problems by brushing your cat’s teeth at home. Along with exams and professional teeth cleanings by your vet, this can help protect your cat’s teeth, gums, and health as a whole.
How do I keep my cat’s teeth clean without brushing?
Chewing on bones helps to remove tartar and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Because domesticated cats do not eat mice or other animals daily, some vets recommend providing them with hard toys to chew on.
Can a cat’s teeth be cleaned without anesthesia?
No. There is no way to clean the interior surfaces of your pet’s teeth or below the gum line without putting him or her under anesthesia. Plaque accumulation behind the gum line is what can lead to major overall health issues.
Conclusion
Professional cat teeth cleaning with general anesthesia, a preliminary exam with X-rays, and follow-up care should cost roughly $300. If your pet’s oral health is in good shape, a routine cleaning may be substantially less expensive. Depending on where you live, the cost of treating your cat’s gum disease or tooth extractions might easily triple.
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