How Much Does a Cat Dental Cleaning Cost?

The first thing most people notice about their cats is their whiskers and teeth. Those adorable little cat teeth play a big role in your feline's health.

However, for many cat owners, dental care is an afterthought when it comes to their pet's health—often due to a lack of knowledge or confusion on how to care for them properly.

So, if you're unsure of how best to care for your cat's teeth, this article will help demystify dental cleaning and give you some tips on how we can all save money on this important part of caring for our cats' overall wellness.

In this article, we’re giving you all the info you need to know about properly caring for your cat’s teeth and doing so without breaking the bank. We’ll also be talking about what you can expect when taking your kitty for a professional dental cleaning. 

Importance of Caring for Cat's Teeth

There are several reasons why your cat's teeth should be a top priority for you as a pet parent. The first is that cats need their teeth for a variety of activities, including eating, grooming, and biting. 

Second, the health of your cat's gums is directly affected by the condition of their teeth. Dental problems are extremely common among cats and dogs because they're naturally curious and like to chew on things like rocks and sticks, which can damage their mouths over time. 

Thirdly (and possibly the most important), there is a direct correlation between oral health and overall health. This means that caring for your cat's smile also means caring for their overall well-being!

How to Care for Your Cat's Teeth

As a cat owner, it’s important to take their dental health seriously. Some of the best ways you can care for their teeth are to:

• Brush your cat's teeth
• Use a pet toothpaste
• Feed your cat food that is healthy for their teeth (chicken necks, biscuits, kitty bones, rawhide chews, etc)
• Use dental treats 
  

It’s recommended to brush your cat’s teeth daily to keep them as healthy as possible, but twice weekly brushing is also incredibly beneficial. ‍

Why Get Your Cat's Teeth Cleaned‍

The best reason to get your cat's teeth cleaned is, of course, to make sure they're healthy and happy. Cats have a unique set of dental problems because they are obligate carnivores. They cannot produce their own vitamin D and thus require it in their diet—they also need plenty of calcium and phosphorus. While it’s not known exactly why cats are more likely to suffer from certain oral diseases, it’s helpful to have it diagnosed early, before it becomes too painful. Regular oral cleanings are one of the best ways to do this. 

Teeth cleanings for your cat can also help remove tooth build-up that occurs from eating and living. While regular brushing and chewing can be helpful for removing some plaque and tartar, it doesn’t always remove it all. And unfortunately, build-up over time can be more difficult to remove. Tartar build-up around the gum line is especially concerning as it can prevent oxygen from reaching the tissue beneath it, leading to painful infections, such as abscesses. 

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Where to Get Cat's Teeth Cleaned

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There are two main places pet owners go to have their cat’s teeth cleaned. The selection typically comes down to personal preference and if your cat needs work beyond a simple cleaning. The most common places to have your cat’s teeth cleaned are:

• The Groomer: General teeth brushing and oral care can be conducted at your local groomer. Some specialty groomers even offer deep oral cleanings.
• The Vet: If you have dental concerns about your cat or worry that your furry friend might not be calm for their teeth cleaning, the vet is the best place for them. While this visit is typically more costly than a trip to the groomer, the care is generally more extensive and thorough. 
  

How Often Should You Take Your Cat for a Cleaning?

Did you know? More than 80% of all cats suffer from periodontal disease by the time they are six years old! For this reason, it’s recommended to take your cat in for a dental cleaning once every 6 months to a year. 

As a pet owner, you should also try to brush your cat’s teeth daily. When they’re still a kitten, be sure to get them used to the concept of teeth brushing as early as possible so that it becomes second nature later in life. Cats generally don't like having something put into their mouths, especially when they're little and can't bite back yet! So make sure you start off gently with short sessions each day until they get used to the routine and start looking forward to it just as much as eating breakfast.

How Much Does a Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost?

According to Nationwide Pet Insurance, the average cost of a professional cat teeth cleaning is between $190-$400, depending on whether or not they require treatment. Your location and the vet that you choose can also impact this price. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with a more personalized quote, based on the age of your cat and the health of their teeth. 

Saving Money on Your Cat’s Dental Care

While proper dental care is so important to your cat’s health and quality of life, it’s just another pet expense on your shoulders. And, these costs can really add up. Fursure is here to help make quality care for your cat more affordable than ever. Now, for every dollar you spend (on pet care, toys, groceries, and even rent!), you can earn points toward your furry friend’s vet care - including dental cleanings. Sign up for your free Fursure Card to start earning points and save on your cat's dental care.

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