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CostHelper > Pets & Pet Care  > Cat Teeth Cleaning

Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost


How Much Does Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost?

 
low costAt-Home Regimen: $10 or lessaverage costVeterinary Teeth Cleaning: $55-$830

A cat's teeth should be maintained by daily brushing and having a professional clean its teeth periodically. The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 70 percent of cats show signs of oral and dental disease by age three. Daily cleaning costs little and can prevent serious, more expensive problems later.

Typical costs:

  • An at-home, teeth-cleaning regimen can be set up with an investment of $10 or less. Possible tools include a handled toothbrush -- a smaller version of the human toothbrush -- and finger brushes, a rubber finger glove that has rubber bristles.
  • A standard starter kit by Petrodex[1] containing a toothbrush, finger brush and tube of toothpaste sells for $9-$11.
  • Owners of more skittish cats may find that they can get the job done easier with a finger glove than a handled brush. These retail for about $4 for a set of two.
  • The average price of a veterinary teeth cleaning is $400, with a range from $55 to $830. The price depends on whether blood work is done, whether teeth are pulled and whether the cat is anesthetized. The price also depends on the location and availability of veterinarians.
Related articles: Cat Vaccination, Cat Declawing, Buying a Cat, Owning a Cat

What should be included:
  • During a professional teeth cleaning, a technician or veterinarian uses ultrasonic hand instruments to remove tartar and calculus from above and below the gum line, polishes teeth using a fluoride paste and conducts a thorough examination checking for periodontal disease and cavities.
  • PetEducation.com says teeth cleaning[2] is an important part of general health care in cats. Like humans, cats' oral health can affect the entire health system of the body. Teeth that are not brushed can form plaque, which becomes tartar, which can lead to infected gums, abscessed teeth, tooth loss and bacterial infections of vital organs.
Additional costs:
  • Antibiotics typically cost between $30 and $50. If the veterinarian suspects the cat has an infection of some kind -- usually due to an abscessed tooth from neglected teeth and gums -- he or she may prescribe antibiotics to be taken about a week before and a week after the cleaning. This is because weak gums may bleed, and the infected blood could make its way into the cat's vital organs, causing a more complicated infection that could be fatal.
  • Some cat treats claim dental health benefits like better breath and plaque removal capabilities, such as Feline Greenies[3] , starting at $3-$4.
Discounts:
  • Professional cleaning may be covered by pet health insurance. For example, Veterinary Pet Insurance[4] 's premier coverage plan includes a $100 reimbursement for veterinary dental cleaning.
  • Check with a local vet or shelter to see if there are any dental cleaning specials during February, which is Pet Dental Awareness Month.
Shopping for cat teeth cleaning:
  • Cats should be eased into daily teeth cleaning[5] . Cornell University recommends using a four-week training program to teach your cat to accept teeth cleaning.
  • All veterinarians perform teeth cleanings. The American Veterinary Medicine Association has a vet finder[6] tool.
  • For specialized treatment, find a veterinary dentist through the American Veterinary Dental College's directory[7] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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full mouth extractions thanks to preventable virus the old vet never told us about
Amount: $1,800.00
Posted by: Jack Juste in Thousand Oaks, CA.Posted: May 1st, 2023 03:05PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: vetCost: 1800+
We switched vets to avoid dogs at the old vet. Cats were always treated as "add-on" pets but it was $400 just to see the vet and have a test or two. $950 for cleanings. So we switched. More affordable, cat specific care... found out the virus that ate our poor Norwegian's mouth was preventable with a $90 vax the old vet failed to mention. $1800 and full mouth extractions later...
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Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Terrimarie in Los Altos, CA.Posted: July 22nd, 2022 07:07AM
At home or at veterinarian's office: OfficeCost:
13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand.
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Overpriced City
Amount: $1,800.00
Posted by: Renters remorse in Los Angeles, CA.Posted: February 15th, 2022 02:02PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: Vet's officeCost: 1800
The cost of everything in this city is outrageous. Don't move here if you want personalized and affordable vet care -or anything really. The best part is they hold your pet hostage until you pay so if your card is declined is goodbye until you can afford bail
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Cat teeth Cleaning
Amount: $605.00
Posted by: CatMom in Westlake, OH.Posted: November 16th, 2020 05:11AM
At home or at veterinarian's office: VetCost: 605.00
In the future, I may need to purchase pet insurance as today my vet that is cleaning my cat's teeth, said the charge would be $605.00
The last visit was $322.00. They give you a break if the cat is a scene prior to the dental cleaning.
It is getting so expensive that many pet owners are discouraged and I truly believe that many go untreated and or surrendered as they can't afford the care that use to be reasonable.
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I\\\'m blown away
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Marilyn5865 in Hobart, IN.Posted: November 2nd, 2020 07:11PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: VetCost: $770
I have had cats for 25 years. My 17 year old died in 2018 and I got a cat from the shelter a few months later. Since I recently moved I brought Gus to a new vet to get established and have nails trimmed, he had his shots in February 2020. This was the first time a cleaning was mentioned to me ever...and I was floored. I declined, bought some expensive food for dental health..usually buy Wilderness. Do I sound like a neglectful owner? My 17yo sister lived to 20~!! I'm sure there is merit to it...but $700~~Wow.
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Dental Cleaning Estimate in Brooklyn, NY
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: a user in Brooklyn, NY.Posted: November 11th, 2019 08:11AM
At home or at veterinarian's office: VetCost: $642 - $1041
Low end is for cleaning with anesthesia, and high end is if there are two extractions required. Haven't had the procedure yet.
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Dental estimate for 7 year old cat
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Too much in Chicago, IL.Posted: October 14th, 2019 10:10AM
At home or at veterinarian's office: OfficeCost: $547 - $905
Cost Estimate Breakdown:
Anesthesia = $151
Dental evaluation and cleaning = $175
Full mouth dental X-ray = $134
Fluids Dentistry = $122
Hospitalization and nail trimming included. This was the most basic plan my vet provides, it goes up from there.
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Teeth Cleaning
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: hlbreuer in killeen, TX.Posted: August 14th, 2019 01:08PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: officeCost: 500+
How can anyone afford this???? I cant even afford my own dental care, much less my cats!!!
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Great deal apparently
Amount: $495.00
Posted by: MobyFrancis in Colchester, CT.Posted: July 18th, 2019 07:07PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: VetCost: 495
Price was for 2 cats. Both had dental cleaning with anesthesia. 1 cat had a molar extraction, laser therapy, and pain meds which all were extra and included in the total cost of $495.
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16 year old female cat periodontal cleaning
Amount: $499.00
Posted by: Maree in Austin, TX.Posted: May 20th, 2019 04:05PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: OfficeCost: 499.00
Wow have prices gone up since 2017.
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Estimate in SF
Amount: $282.95
Posted by: JenniferL in San Francisco, CA.Posted: April 6th, 2019 01:04PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: VetCost: $1482-2389
The amount spent was for the exam and blood work (mostly blood work). The cost is the estimate they gave us for cleaning, x-rays extractions, etc. The vet's going to call me back next week to explain because there's a lot of "etc" on the estimate. the estimate for anesthesia alone is $450-750!
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Feline teeth cleaning with possible extractions Las Cruces NN
Amount: $450.00
Posted by: KelleySH in Las cruces, NM.Posted: March 20th, 2019 10:03PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: Vets officeCost: $450 base
Mickey is only 11 months old and very bad breath for several months. Finally looked at his gums and they are inflamed red. The vet said they 'Aren't that bad' so sure she's seen much worse. Consultation, $50, cleaning with anesthesia $400 base, + extractions if he needs them. Inflamed gums can = pain. Poor kitty. I hope it's not stomitosis. Will try regular home cleaning.
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Quote Cat teeth cleaning
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: sambone in Worcester, MA.Posted: February 26th, 2019 03:02PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: Vets officeCost: 999.40
Vet advised a teeth cleaning for my 4 year old kitty.Submitted to blood work $ $87.60, then after I went to checkout received the estimate for the teeth cleaning and almost fell over. $911.80. I have 3 cats and 2 big Labs and take very good care of them but these prices are outrageous. How do they expect average people to get this done every year! Now I have to shop to see if I can get a lower price.
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Outrageous
Amount: $1,156.00
Posted by: Suzanne Jara-Almonte in Richmond, VA.Posted: February 18th, 2019 11:02AM
At home or at veterinarian's office: Vet's OfficeCost: 1156.00
My 11 year old cat had lost a tooth so I got him a wellness exam. They referred me to specialist vet who performs teeth cleaning. They charged $1156 for the teeth cleaning, pulling of 4 teeth and some pain meds. That's crazy.
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Dental cleaning
Amount: $980.00
Posted by: Christine Gardner in New Hartford, NY.Posted: January 23rd, 2019 09:01AM
At home or at veterinarian's office: Vets officeCost: 980.00
My 8 yr old cat has bad teeth and only has 4 teeth left. In Sept'18 she had to have her teeth cleaned again for the third time. Since her last cleaning the price increased $300. I love my cat only get but recently they have gotten more expensive
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17 year old cat
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: dgorgo in Staunton, VA.Posted: December 18th, 2018 03:12PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: Cost: appx 900!!(w/o extractions)
These veterinarians are outrageous with their prices. They tell you to take good car of your animals, get their shots, lab work, etc. However, do they think we are all millionaires? Teeth cleaning and extractions are ridiculous. How can a person afford to have this procedure done! And, for an older cat, it is very risky. It is no wonder why people can't afford to give their pets good medical care. It is very sad. Vets are interested in the almighty dollar ONLY and they make you feel guilty if you don't have the procedure done
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Dental procedure and bloodwork
Amount: $170.00
Posted by: Caring cat owner in Lynnfield, MA.Posted: December 18th, 2018 01:12PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: Vet'sCost: $1,450. - $1,850. Estimate
This is the estimate I received two weeks ago after a visual evaluation of my cat's mouth. Needs 2 obvious extractions. This includes drugs and all dental procedures. I have been a client for over 30 years and can no longer afford their fees. Dental w/ 2 extractions last year cost $1,200. for another cat. My cats get 6 month visits. I always give them the BEST medical care. But this is outrageous. I am currently looking for a vet who isn't price prohibitive. Sad to leave but cannot justify their prices anymore.
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Tooth extraction, dental cleaning
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Mom24kitties in Saint Louis, MO.Posted: November 21st, 2018 02:11PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: Veterinary OfficeCost: $340
Dental cleaning with anesthesia- $290
Blood panel - $50
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Dental cleaning, meds, tooth extraction
Amount: $250.00
Posted by: Crazy Cat Lady in Saint Paul, MN.Posted: September 5th, 2018 04:09PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: VetCost: 200-300
Basic cleaning (X-rays, sedation, ultrasonic, 1-day monitoring) is $204. Tooth extraction $9-12 per tooth. Three days of pain meds (pre-dosed oral syringes) costs extra.
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cat dental cleaning with 2 erxtractions
Amount: $625.00
Posted by: Laura L Olson in Foley, MN.Posted: July 10th, 2018 09:07PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: Vet officeCost: $625.00
Seems about average for around the area
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Cost of dental work for cat
Amount: $1,200.00
Posted by: Sandra N Downie in East Hartford, CT.Posted: April 13th, 2018 04:04PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: VCACost: $1200.-$1500.00
I've just spent $400.00 towards the actual dental. Got my cat Bella's vaccines up to date & blood work for upcoming dental. I just got the estimate..$1200-$1500.00! I know she needs extractions but I also have 5 other cats & it's a ridiculous price
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Quote for dental cleaning and possible extractions
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: ZEEQUE in Solomons, MD.Posted: February 7th, 2018 02:02PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: Veterinarians officeCost: $1500 -$2400
The quote did not include the bloodwork and office visit prior to scheduled cleaning... (370.00)
I am getting a second opinion...this price is outrageous! The cat is bright eyed and bushy tailed....eating and drinking...not pawing her face or drooling...her breath is stinky.
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Cat Dental Cleaning + Extractions
Amount: $750.00
Posted by: saywat in Seattle, WA.Posted: January 19th, 2018 02:01PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: VetsCost:
$110 - Blood Work
$50 - Consultation
$240 - 4 tooth extractions
$50 - take home medications
$120 - dental cleaning
$180 - anesthesia and other meds for surgery
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cat check up and blood work
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: SaviKat in voorhees, NJ.Posted: December 6th, 2017 11:12AM
At home or at veterinarian's office: at homeCost: 400
Home visit for my 15 year old cat. symptoms: bad breath, wt loss, teeth grinding sound upon eating air dried treats.
examination and blood work was over $400.
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Anesthesia, antibiotic, scraping, boardg few hours
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: Nefertiti in Grass Valley, CA.Posted: November 2nd, 2017 04:11PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: In officeCost: 150.
I had no idea what a good deal I was getting! Now they're closed for the winter and my 15 yr.old baby girl's breath is bad! I can't afford the 800.to 1200. I'm being quoted, and that's the lowest I've found! Yikes! Poor baby girl.
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cost silicon valley
Amount: $650.00
Posted by: kth in sunnyvale, CA.Posted: August 22nd, 2017 01:08PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: vet\'s officeCost: 650
includes blood work $100, cleaning $490, IV $55, total $650
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cat dental cleaning with anesthesia
Amount: $750.00
Posted by: Missy Nikki in Great Falls, VA.Posted: July 14th, 2017 11:07AM
At home or at veterinarian's office: vet\'s officeCost: $700
The amount charge seems to depend on geographical area. The more expensive the place is to live, the higher the cost. I don't think any good veterinarian is out to rip anyone off.
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Teeth clean only
Amount: $185.00
Posted by: Sara M Continenza in Chagrin falls, OH.Posted: June 20th, 2017 06:06AM
At home or at veterinarian's office: VetCost: Extra 200 for blood work
Wonderful holistic vet in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Near Cleveland.
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Feline Dental Cleaning
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Ann Heatherton in Saugus, CA.Posted: March 31st, 2017 10:03AM
At home or at veterinarian's office: Vet's OfficeCost: $624 - $800 est.
My cat is 10 years old and sometimes drools blood. No tartar on teeth, but gums are red and can bleed. This condition has been ongoing all her life, and she won't open her mouth for wiping or brushing at home. The quote (from Saugus
Animal Hospital, Saugus, CA) of $624 to $800, more if extractions are needed, is typical of vets in Los Angeles area. Plus there is an initial vet appointment ($50) and blood work ($$?) before surgery is scheduled. I can afford to pay this, but I feel bad for the folks that cannot and for the poor kitties who need it but can't get dental care and endure pain and suffering.
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Cat teeth cleaning
Amount: $830.00
Posted by: a user in New haven, CT.Posted: March 24th, 2017 01:03PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: Vet hospitalCost: 830
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Feline Teeth Cleaning
Amount: $600.00
Posted by: Sharon Collins in Atlanta, GA.Posted: March 24th, 2017 07:03AM
At home or at veterinarian's office: vet officeCost: 600.00
Does anyone know if a vet school has special pricing since the residents are doing training
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Dental Cleaning
Amount: $432.00
Posted by: Rocko10 in Tucson, AZ.Posted: February 24th, 2017 08:02PM
At home or at veterinarian's office: Vet's officeCost: 471-890
I was surprised to see the estimate for the dental work. I should have researched prices beforehand, but I'm relieved to hear that it's within range. Turns out my cat had some early signs of gingervitis so they gave him an antibiotic shot. Bloodwork was done too and there's some concern on his results regarding his kidneys. So, they gave me a urine collection kit (no extra cost). Pretty cool that she was worried about it and I got a baggie of dental kibble and tooth brush and paste sample. Just like a human dentist! My cat was being too rowdy when I was there so I was in a hurry to leave, but I think he got the best care he can get for now. Hopefully his kidneys are fine, so I don't have to worry about his health and affording it. The vet gave some advice on what it could be and the diet changes to make, so I'll be looking into that.
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External Resources:
  1.  www.sergeants.com/sentry/products/ProductCatalog.asp?one=18&two=171&three=664&pr=1...
  2.  www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2121&aid=516
  3.  www.greenies.com/cats/cat-dental-care.aspx
  4.  www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-articles/pet-dental-care/Cats-and-Dogs-Need-De...
  5.  www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2121&aid=383
  6.  www.avma.org/about/state-vmas
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